Lapulapu

The battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521 is already part of world history. Lapulapu’s defiance of Ferdinand Magellan’s attempt to subjugate him was the first recorded resistance of a Filipino against foreign aggression.

Actually, Magellan’s battle with Lapulapu was not because of Christianity. It was no more than a tribal war between Cebuano chieftain Humabon and the Mactan chieftain. Magellan and his men simply did the fighting for Humabon and were humiliated in the process.

To the world, Magellan was a hero who contributed much to geographical knowledge and the advancement of science. To Filipinos, he was fate’s instrument to prove that even in the untutored hearts of our forefathers, tyranny and servitude were resented.

In the town of Opon (now Lapu-Lapu City) stands a statue of Lapulapu on the sport where he and Magellan clashed 491 years ago. Many tourists visit the place every year to witness the re-enactment of the victory of Lapulapu and his men against the Spanish colonizers – an event known earlier sa Bahug-bahug sa Mactan (bahugbahug is a Cebuano word meaning free-for-all or melee).

The reenactment was later renamed “Kadaugan sa Mactan” reportedly to make the weeklong celebration more expressive and to captivate its essence. Thus, when one hears or mentions that phrase, one is reminded of a cultural extravaganza.

Lapulapu was the first champion of freedom and liberty in this part of the world. If we can set aside holidays for other heroes, why can’t we do the same for him?

Glenn F. Baricuatro

Pinamungajan, Cebu