504th Kadaugan sa Mactan celebration: Mactan honors heroic legacy

CEBU, Philippines — In the historic battleground of Cebu, where sweat and blood once flowed in the name of freedom, the island of Mactan once again paid tribute to its proud legacy, commencing the 504th Kadaugan sa Mactan yesterday, April 27, 2025.

Despite the scorching heat at the Mactan Liberty Shrine, over 5,000 gathered to commemorate the valor of Datu Lapulapu and his warriors.

This year’s re-enactment breathed new life into the retelling of the Battle of Mactan. Not only did it depict the clash between Lapulapu and Ferdinand Magellan, but it also brought audiences into the deeper stories of the local heroes who earned their place in history.

The production traced the local chieftain’s journey from his youth to his rise as a fierce leader. It highlighted the compassion and strength of Reyna Bulakna, portrayed as a nurturing figure who welcomed displaced natives into their community during times of hardship.

The re-enactment also featured the love and union between Lapulapu and Bulakna. Together, they prepared their warriors for battle as Magellan’s forces approached the shores of Mactan, intent on claiming the island in the name of Spain.

April 27, 1521, marked the first successful resistance against colonial rule in the Philippines. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, leading Spanish forces, attempted to subdue the island’s natives but was met with fierce opposition.

Lapulapu, refusing to submit to Spanish authority, led his warriors in a bloody confrontation on the shores of Mactan.

Magellan was killed, signaling the unyielding spirit of native Filipinos against foreign conquest. While Magellan’s death did not halt Spanish colonization altogether, it delayed Spanish control over the islands and immortalized Lapulapu as the first Filipino hero to fight for freedom.

Content creators Crissa Liaging, popularly known as Habibi, and Shaun Pelayo portrayed Reyna Bulakna and Datu Lapulapu, respectively.

Meanwhile, Belgian model Kevin Lahousse played the role of Ferdinand Magellan, and Polish journalist Mariusz Zawadzki portrayed the explorer Antonio Pigafetta.

Tourism Officer Gary Lao revealed that this year’s month-long celebration, which began on April 4, had an overall budget of Php 12.4 million.

“Overall ang atong gipakita at least nahatagan og hustisiya ang characters pinaagi sa mga actors sa ilang pag perform,” said Lao.

Nearly 200 actors participated in the re-enactment, ensuring the grand scale and historical accuracy of the production, according to Lao.

Lao emphasized that this year’s event aimed to offer “something fresh and something new” to the Oponganons and visitors alike.

Beyond the lively battle scenes, the day also honored solemn traditions. A wreath-laying ceremony and a flag-raising were held at the historic Liberty Shrine. Floral offerings at the Lapulapu monument further highlighted the city’s respect for its heroic past.

Today, the Mactan Liberty Shrine stands as a sacred monument where history and legend intertwine. It is believed to be near the exact site where Lapulapu and his warriors clashed with the foreign invaders over five centuries ago.

In his speech, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan referred to the re-enactment as a depiction of Filipino heroism. According to him, the statue of Lapu-Lapu standing in the middle of the Liberty Shrine is a living testament to Datu Lapulapu's bravery when he defended the land from foreign aggression, an event now remembered as the Battle of Mactan.

Chan emphasized that the annual re-enactment is a form of commemoration of a historic victory, which he described as a symbol of Filipino resistance. In this era, he added, the remembrance of the battle represents a culture that has become part of the national identity and honors indigenous leaders such as Lapulapu.

“Acknowledging the role in history and fostering respect for local governance and effective leadership,” said Chan.

Moving forward, Chan stated that the victory in the Battle of Mactan will always teach lessons of courage, unity, and solidarity in the face of adversity.

He said it serves as a benchmark for future generations to fight for what is right and for freedom. He emphasized that it calls for collective action and collaboration to achieve common goals.

Furthermore, Chan noted that just as history highlights Lapulapu's victory, it also shows that people can triumph against all odds, reflected in how the community responded to Typhoon Odette and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was a defining moment of our unity and solidarity as Oponganons,” said Chan.

He added that the city’s progress is the fruit of unity that began when Oponganons collectively called for change. According to him, Oponganons are now living in a progressive city made stronger by innovations such as the enhancement of the City College, resolutions on flooding and drainage systems, and the opening of new road networks.

In her speech, one of the invited guests, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, also took pride in the commemoration, which relives the victory over oppression and foreign rule more than 500 years ago.

“Isang perpektong halimbawa at paglalarawan ito sa isang makahulugang kataga sa ating pambansang awit, sa Manlulupig di ka pasisiil,” Pangandaman said, quoting a line from the country’s national anthem.

She added that Lapulapu and his warriors have shown an enduring reminder that Filipinos can triumph in any battle, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

At this age, Pangandaman said, it is fitting that Filipinos continue to embody the characteristics that led Lapulapu and his people to victory in order to preserve the freedom and progress the country enjoys today.

Today, without physical weapons, Pangandaman emphasized that the country continues to fight battles, citing education to combat poverty, enhanced infrastructure, stronger healthcare systems, and improved agricultural methods. She added that these are the main thrusts of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Aside from Pangandaman, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Deputy Director Alvin Alcid and Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN) commander Commodore Joselito de Guzman also graced the event and expressed their support for preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the city. — (FREEMAN)