Summary
Highlights
Padre Damaso's sermon begins, delivered mostly in Spanish and incomprehensible to many, causing Captain Tiago and others to yawn. The Tagalog portion of the sermon, not as meticulously prepared, insults the 'Indios' and praises the Franciscans. Padre Damaso criticizes the changing times, the loss of respect, and people straying from religion, which Ibarra realizes is directed at him. Despite Padre Damaso's loud delivery, many still fall asleep. The sermon is interrupted by Manang Puti's scream as a man falls on her, having fallen asleep during the sermon, followed by further scolding about disrespect.
As the mass continues, a person approaches Ibarra and whispers a warning: 'Be careful on the day of the laying of the cornerstone for the school, and do not stray from the priest. Do not go into the pit because your life is in danger.'
A 'yellow man' positions the large pulley machinery above the pit where the cornerstone will be placed. The onlookers, including Señor Juan, are impressed by his skill. The 'yellow man' explains he learned it from his father, who learned it from Crisostomo's grandfather. He adds that Don Satorino also taught him how to 'awaken the sleeping and put the awake to sleep,' with Ibarra soon to see what he means. Meanwhile, delicious breakfast and sweets are served in kiosks. The marching band arrives, and Elias, disguised as a peasant, also attends, standing near the man operating the pulley near the pit. Ibarra feels nervous and notices the 'yellow man' bowing to him, and Elias winks, reminding Ibarra of his earlier warning.
The celebration begins with Padre Salvi blessing the site and reading scriptures in a weak, trembling voice. Medals and documents are placed in a crystal box, then sealed in a lead tube, which the scribe gently places into a stone cavity. Ibarra takes a silver trowel and hands it to the mayor, who speaks about the importance of education and gratitude to Spain, ending with shouts of 'Long live the King! Long live Spain! Long live the Catholic religion!' The mayor then descends into the pit to lay cement, followed by the friar, who glances at the suspended stone, and other priests including Captain Tiago. Ibarra is also compelled to descend into the pit with an iron trowel. Elias and the 'yellow man' observe him intently. Elias focuses on the 'yellow man's' hands.
Suddenly, a loud rumble is heard as the large stone attached to the pulley falls onto the bamboo scaffolding. The entire machinery collapses, scattering the crowd in panic and filling the area with dust. Ibarra is seen standing unharmed between the crane and the large stone, still holding the trowel. At his feet lies the crushed body of the 'yellow man.' People shout for the manager to be arrested. Ibarra objects, arguing the foreman's innocence hasn't been proven. After checking on Maria Clara, Ibarra goes home to change his soiled clothes, musing that it's a bad start. He is then surprised to find Elias, still in peasant attire, waiting to speak with him.