Kadaugan sa Mactan will have “new twist”

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City government wants to have a new twist for the 496th anniversary celebration of the Kadaugan sa Mactan next month.

Acting Vice Mayor Harry Radaza said they plan to hire a new director for this year's re-enactment of the Battle of Mactan, which will take place on the shores of the Liberty Shrine, commonly known as the "Mactan Shrine."

The idea was included in the ongoing discussions of Radaza, who heads the committee on sports and tourism, and the members of the city's Tourism Commission.

"Well, right now, nag-study mi sa Tourism Commission, we want to add a new twist to the reenactment.  Di pa ta ka-confirm kung kinsay bag-ong director kay naa pa man tay gipang-consider," Radaza told reporters.

Radaza also assured that the security at the Liberty Shrine will be tight, following the recent bombings in other areas of the country.

Bags will be checked upon entering the area and about three police officers will be deployed on the entrance and exit of the place.

"We will be leaning on the police for security, which they are very capable of," he said.

For the roles of Datu Lapu-Lapu and Reyna Bulakna, Radaza said they have yet to look for actors and actress who can play those main roles.

"Wa pa tay gitan-aw nga artista. Again, nag-short-listing pa ta gihapon.  Budgeting consideration, of course, kato pud wala pa nakaanhi dinhi," he said.

Aside from the reenactment, Radaza plans to add some other entertainment shows for the young Oponganons during the weeklong activity.

This is a way of showcasing their talents and to tap different groups as possible, according to him.

"We want to cultivate and we want to find unsa tong mga talents sa mga kabatan-onan in Lapu-Lapu.  Maybe some sort of talent contests, singing contests. Ang atong mga skaters, duna pud sila'y ilahang programa, mga bikers," he said.

The city has yet to finalize the total budget for the yearly event that falls on the last week of April.

The Kadaugan sa Mactan, commemorating the victory of Datu Lapu-Lapu against the foreign invaders led by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, will be staged on April 27.

Last year, the city allocated P4 million for the whole event.

Radaza also said no street parties will be approved in this year’s celebration of the Kadaugan sa Mactan. —/GAN (FREEMAN)