Lapu-Lapu Shrine due for restoration

CEBU, Philippines - The exact spot where the famous Battle of Mactan that saw Chieftain Lapu-Lapu preventing the invasion of Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan and his men will be up for restoration.

This was assured by Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Pocholo Joselito Paragas, who was the guest speaker of the re-enactment of the 496th celebration of the Kadaugan sa Mactan yesterday morning.

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine is inside a plaza commonly known as the Magellan Shrine park that commemorates the events of the Battle of Mactan.

"We will be giving a report to President Duterte with regards to the projects and the proposed restoration of the area where the re-enactment is being done," Paragas said.

However, he still has to conduct a feasibility study as to the project cost for the restoration of the area.

In her message, Mayor Paz Radaza reminded the crowd to protect one another and not to destroy each other as what Lapu-Lapu fought for freedom and protect the Oponganons from the Spanish invaders.

"It is through him that we, the Filipinos, have developed this sense of pride, of loyalty and bravery to protect our own land which had been passed on from one generation to the other. What he and his men did for Mactan should be a living reminder for us that we have to protect one another, not destroy each other," Radaza told the more than 5,000 crowd who witnessed the re-enactment.

Radaza, who just came back to office after serving a 90-day suspension over the alleged misappropriation of P15 million from the Priority Development Assistance Fund of Cebu fourth district representative Clavel Martinez when she was the treasurer of the Girl Scout of the Philippines, said that negativity should not be set aside.

"If Datu Lapu-Lapu would be here today, surely he would join our lead against Filipinos destroying or taking advantage of our fellow Filipinos. This negativity should not be the case. Good thing, here in Lapu-Lapu: Historic Resort City, we have a united front, something that we have embraced from the past," the mayor said.

While she was on suspension for 90-day, Radaza said that her so-called "vacation" could have been taken advantage by unscrupulous individuals, who want to destroy her administration and in order to derail the journey towards the city's dreams and aspirations.

Radaza also thanked the police authorities for protecting the city as well as the barangays who work hard in preserving the peace and order.

"Our policemen also did a great job in securing our city and our people and even visitors, day in and day out. The Oponganons have also been vigilant against suspicious individuals that may have tried to hide in our city," the mayor added.

Thousands watched re-enactment

Thousands of spectators swarmed the Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City for the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Mactan in honor of the Philippine's first hero, Datu Lapu-Lapu.

At past 9 a.m., loud cannons were heard again as if from Spanish galleons that burned nipa huts of Lapu-Lapu's tribe in Mactan Island.

This time, however, the 1521 battle is played by actors and dancers that mimic the historical scene 496 years ago when Lapu-Lapu defended his turf from Spanish colonial armada led by Portuguese Ferdinand Magellan.

Lapu-lapu is played by Tony Labrusca while Magellan is played by James Ryab Cesena – both famous for their stint in ABS-CBN’s “Pinoy Boyband Superstar." Lapu-Lapu's wife, Bulakna, was played by Kapuso actress Kris Bernal.

The story of the battle was retold in a street play along the shores of Lapu-Lapu City as the highlight of the Kadaugan sa Mactan Festival.

The Festival is a weeklong celebration that includes a food festival, parade and sporting events.

The play included the night before the battle as tribal leader Lapu-Lapu sought prayers from the priests called Babaylan for blessing. His wife Bulakna also joined in the dance ritual.

The show also depicted a demonstration of the native martial arts Eskrima-Kali-Arnis known to have been used by the tribesmen of Lapu-Lapu.

Play dependent on the tide

First called as Bahug-Bahug in Mactan (Melee in Mactan) in 1981, the festival has become an annual celebration in Lapu-Lapu City which attracted both foreign and domestic tourists.

The exact time of the commencement of the play is dependent on the rising of the tides.

At around 9:30 a.m., Spaniards waded at the beach in Barangay Mactan while roaring cannons burn makeshift nipa huts near the shores.

As the Spaniards arrive, natives surrounded them from all corners, while waving their weapons. The battle, of course, ended with Lapu-Lapu’s sword piercing through Magellan’s trunk, and victory was then declared.

During re-enactment, the temperature rose to as high as 31 degrees celsius.

Despite the scorching heat, fans milled around the area after the re-enactment to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities and to take selfie shots.

Despite the fears of the rumoured presence of the Abu Sayaff Group in the neighboring Bohol Province, Lapu-Lapu City Police said the event was peaceful and no major untoward incident were reported.

Malacañang declared a special holiday in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday. — Garry B. Lao, Dale G. Israel (FREEMAN)