The epic battle between Lapu-Lapu and the Portuguese-Spanish conquistador Ferdinand Magellan 491 years ago will be reenacted today in the Liberty Shrine in barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.
A Mass will be held at 7 a.m. followed by the flag raising and floral wreath laying at the monument of Datu Lapu-Lapu.
The Philippine Air Force will give a 21-gun salute in honor of Lapu-Lapu, the first Filipino hero to vanquish a foreign invader. The reenactment of the Battle of Mactan, locally called Kadaugan or “victory” follows at 9 a.m. before the tide rolls in.
Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Communications Group in Malacañang is the guest of honor.
Celebrity Richard Quan will play the role of Lapu-Lapu while singer-actress Geneva Cruz performs as the hero’s wife Reyna Bulakna and actor Patrick Garcia as Magellan.
Today’s reenactment will be using unsharpened metal swords.
“Magellan and his men” will get off their “galleon” and walk to the shoreline at low tide to be met by “Lapu-Lapu and his fighters” according to organizers.
Air Force choppers will fly by and drop flowers.
Bleachers have been set up for spectators at the Liberty Shrine.
Two-day festivities will follow Lapu-Lapu’s victory.
The Kadaugan street party will happen in the evening in one lane of M.L. Quezon Highway starting at the first bridge to the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. Events include variety shows, discos, a car show and a midnight beer run.
On Saturday, the street party will close off both lanes of M.L. Quezon for “Rampada”, a street and stage dancing competition and a musical show.
Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Harry Radaza said this year’s Kadaugan Festival is going global.
Cebu’s Korean, Dutch and Polish expatriate communities are joining the festivities.
“This year’s celebration shows our vision to make the Kadaugan Festival the next big attraction in the country,” Radaza said.
The website www.let-share.tv will livestream scenes from the festival.
The heroic battle of Lapu-Lapu has been commemorated every year since 1979.
It was then dubbed “Bahug-Bahug sa Mactan”./Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza And Up Masscom Intern Caryl Baylon