Lapu-Lapu City mayor, congresswoman praise ‘1521’ film

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan and Congresswoman Cindi King-Chan gave their thumbs-up on the historical Lapulapu drama “1521” after the film premiered in Cebu, Thursday, at SM Seaside City.

Produced by Inspire Studios, the film depicts a fictional love story of a babaylan (female seer) and a Spanish interpreter leading to the historical battle between warrior Lapulapu and conqueror Ferdinand Magellan known as The Battle of Mactan.

“1521” stars Bea Alonzo as Diwata, Hector David Jr. as Enrique, Danny Trejo as Magellan, and Michael Copon as Lapulapu, who also directed the film.

“I liked it very much,” Mayor Chan told The FREEMAN after the May 30 screening. “We get to see the story of Lapulapu and see how brave he was as a leader. Other datus tried to convince Lapulapu to surrender to the Spaniards, but he was willing to die for Mactan.”

He added, “It’s an inspiring story to us, descendants of Lapulapu, that we must be brave and do what is good for our city.”

The mayor and his wife, King-Chan, did not mind the creative liberties that the film took in adapting the Battle of Mactan to the big screen, including the romance between the fictional leads.

“We understand it has to have some love story for the commercial appeal. It’s not a documentary, but inspired by actual events so we appreciate producer Francis Lara Ho’s dedication to bring the story of Lapulapu and Mactan to life,” the congresswoman said.

Mayor Chan was happy that the film referenced the neighboring area of Buaya where Diwata and Enrique planned to escape as the conflict between the natives and the colonizers intensified.

“We are so proud that it’s not only in the Philippines where it was shown but in other countries,” the mayor added. “It’s inspiring to us, especially the younger generation who may not know who Lapulapu is, they can watch this movie and know who he is.”

Cong. Chan also said that she convinced a mall in Lapu-Lapu City to screen the Viva Films-distributed movie when it hits cinemas this June 5, a week before the country’s 126th Independence Day.