In 1521 Portuguese conquistador Ferdinand Magellan and his men fought with the native warriors of Lapu – Lapu, Chieftain of Mactan. The natives won the battle which we now know as the “Battle of Mactan.” Fast forward to 2013, a new kind of “battle” was waged, this time pitting the heirs of Lapu – Lapu versus the men and women behind an advertising campaign. The goal was preservation of history and respecting historical events.
In case you don’t know, I am referencing the newly pulled-out tv and radio ad of EQ Diapers where it implies that the Battle of Mactan between the men of Lapu – Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan happened because of well, diapers.
When I first saw the ad I was laughing because I know that was not the reason why these men clashed on 1521. The tv commercial promoted its product by brandishing ‘known’ names and ‘spinning history’ in the hope of easy recall by the public. Easy product recall of course could translate to more sales for the company.
I did not take it seriously even though I know it is distorting historical facts. Reason is that I know Philippine history from school and no amount of mocking or ‘commercialism’ or ‘story twist’ will make me less proud of Lapu – Lapu and the Battle where he earned the title “First Filipino Hero.”
Battle of Mactan marker in Corregidor Island
But the city government took it very seriously and filed complaints in the Office of the National Historical Commission and other relevant agencies. Was it the right move? Some would opine “yes”, others were saying “killjoy”. But at the end of the day, the EQ Diaper – Lapu – Lapu Magellan ad was pulled down. This is a triumph and a victory for Oponganons.
This is a role of a government too – to protect its heritage, its history and culture and Lapu – Lapu City government just did this. Salute to the city council!
Sentinels of Freedom – Mactan’s Chieftain in Luneta Park
More stories about the Sentinel of Freedom Lapu-Lapu Monument on Luneta on this link.
This victory is so timely for this Saturday April 27,2013 is the Commemoration of the Battle of Mactan, an annual major event in Lapu – Lapu City. When I was a kid I remembered this event as “Bahug Bahug sa Mactan”, now it’s called “Kadaugan sa Mactan”. Kadaugan means triumph. 
Lapu – Lapu Monument in Liberty Shrine, Mactan Island
It’s a week-long celebration with various activities from Food Expo, Rampada Street Dancing, Photo Contest, Mask Dance Extravaganza, Fireworks Display and so much more. A lot of Oponganons are looking forward to the festivities.
To know more about the dates and schedule of the different activities, please click here: Kadaugan sa Mactan on We Love Cebu.
Quick Info:
The city is called “Lapu – Lapu City”.
The island is called “Mactan Island”.
It’s residents are called “Oponganon”.
Before LLC became a city it was widely known as “Opon”
Sta Rosa Island and Olango Group of Islands belongs to LLC.
One of the major highlights is the reenactment of the battle. Celebrities and actors usually take the role of Lapu – Lapu, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has at one point acted as Datu Lapu-Lapu. The reenactment will be staged early morning this Saturday in Liberty Shrine located in Punta Engano.
Liberty Shrine is also known as Mactan Shrine.
If you are here in Cebu this week, hope you can come and witness the celebration.
Datu Lapu – Lapu of Mactan is one hero we should know more about. Go to Mactan Shrine in Punta Engano when you come visit Cebu. =)
What to know more about Battle of Mactan? Click on THIS POST.
Proud of Lapu – Lapu too? Hope you’ll LIKE and SHARE this post to friends. 🙂 Daghang Salamat!
Share your thoughts: