CEBU, Philippines - Jason Abalos is this year’s native hero Lapu-Lapu, Bangs Garcia will portray his wife Reyna Bulakna, while newly-proclaimed Mr. Lapu-Lapu 2011 Jumar Andrew Bilocura (22, an Industrial Engineering student) will portray the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
The annual festivity reenacts the defeat of Magellan by Lapu-Lapu at the beach of Barangay Mactan where the historic battle actually took place in 1521, attracting tourists and locals alike with a colorful history lesson and a usually star-studded cast.
Three decorated canoes will be featured in a fluvial procession to represent the arrival of Magellan’s ships. This act will be followed by the reenactment of the planting of the Magellan's Cross, the baptism of natives, then leading to the final act of Lapu-Lapu’s victory. (FREEMAN)