by: Mary Ann E.

History

Lapu-Lapu is considered one of the greatest figures of ancient Philippine history. Although the first thing that usually comes to mind when the name of Lapu-Lapu is mentioned is the fact that his battle with Magellan led to Magellan's death, Lapu-Lapu was not honored because of that. Rather, he is honored because he was among the first to reject submission to a foreign power even though Raja Humabon, ruler of the neighboring island of Cebu, and other chiefs recognized the king of Spain as their ruler and agreed to pay tribute.

Chief Lapu-Lapu's (1491-1542) other name is Kolipulako. The hero of Mactan and conqueror of Magellan, is described as stern, proud, intelligent, unyielding. He waged continuous war against the powerful ruler of Cebu, then a very much greater kingdom than his little island of Maktang.

History has it that Mactan Island although small was a thriving community when the great Magellan was in Cebu. The brave Spanish navigator and soldier, upon learning that some inhabitants on this tiny island across Cebu refused to recognize the King of Spain, burned one of the villages. Lapu-Lapu was one of the native leaders who refused to acknowledge the sovereignty of Spain over the Islands.

When Magellan, with three boatloads of Spaniards and twenty boatloads of Cebuanos, went to Mactan to help a friendly chief, Lapu-Lapu and his men armed with native fighting elements, wooden shields, bows and arrows, lances, met them. The invading Spaniards and Cebuanos were driven back to their boats, but their brace leader, Magellan, met death in the hands of Lapu-Lapu. On what is believed to be the exact spot where Magellan fell and died now stands an imposing monument in honor of the gallant explorer.

Tourist Spot

Lapu-lapu Shrine

The battle between Mactan Island Chieftain Lapu-Lapu and the foreign aggressor Ferdinand Magellan occurred in April 27, 1521. It depicts the hero holding a bolo in one hand and a pestle on the other. Said weapons were believed to have been used during his combat with Magellan. This monument stands as a reminder of Filipino bravery.

The Lapu-Lapu shrine is a 20-meter bronze statue in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines, erected in honor of Datu Lapu-Lapu, a Muslim king who defeated Spanish soldiers and killed Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan on 1521.

Battle of Mactan

Kadaugan sa Mactan is an annual reenactment of The Battle of Mactan at its site on the beach of barangay Mactan which features Lapulapu's victory on April 27. The events include a fluvial procession of decorated bancas (canoes) representing magellan's three ships, the planting of the Cross of Magellan, the baptism of the natives followed by the battle. Kadaugan sa Mactan literally means "Victory at Mactan" used to be called Bahugbahug sa Mactan.

Hotels and Beaches

Shangri-la's Mactan Island Resort, Tours Cebu Philippines
Punta Engaño Road, P.O. Box 86, Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Cebu, Philippines

Overview: Shangri-La's Mactan Island Resort, Philippines' largest and most exclusive deluxe resort gives its guests the ultimate tropical paradise vacation experience. Located in Cebu, this idyllic resort with its beautiful private beach offers an exciting range of recreation activities and superb cuisine. Every guestroom blends tropical decor with modern amenities and private balconies provide panoramic views of the Visayan Sea and outlying islands, making it a perfect getaway for fun and relaxation.

Accommodation

The Resort's 546 guest rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable featuring balconies with seating area and a tropical design that blends the comforts of the West with the charm of the East.

Guest Room Features.
Voice Mail, Satellite/Cable Television, International Direct Dial Telephone, Electronic Safe, Mini-bar, Coffee/Tea Making Facilities, Full-size Executive Writing Desk, In-house Movie Channels

Waterfront Airport Hotel Mactan, Tours Cebu Philippines1 Airport Road, Lapu-lapu City, 6015 Philippines

 

Overview: Waterfront Mactan, located in the captivating Mactan Island, offers you the luxury of 167 guest rooms and suites, and the convenience of a two-minute walk to the Mactan International Airport. Also, the hotel is only 5 minutes away from Mactan Export Processing Zone.

Health spa-jacuzzis, private massage rooms, saunas, lounge, live performances at the Karaoke Bar, and the international standard Casino Filipino. All these choices to give you complete rest or fun, thrill, and excitement. Make that convention, function, or vacation more productive yet pleasurable with our well-planned facilities, business center, 6 multi-purpose function rooms, and excellent service. Plus this exclusive amenity for hotel guests and members only, the Club 747 Lounge located at the 7th floor overlooking the airport runway and terminal.

Plantation Bay Mactan, Tours Cebu Philippines
Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines 

Overview: Discover a resort in a class of its own. Set in 7 hectares of secluded grounds, Plantation Bay offers one of the largest privately owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of colonial - plantation architecture. De-compress from life's pressures in the healing tranquility of another world. If you ever spent time at a plantation as a child, you know what we mean. If not, come and discover a refreshingly different Flavor of Life.

Overview: Discover a resort in a class of its own. Set in 7 hectares of secluded grounds, Plantation Bay offers one of the largest privately owned waterways in the world, with the clean elegance of colonial - plantation architecture. De-compress from life's pressures in the healing tranquility of another world. If you ever spent time at a plantation as a child, you know what we mean. If not, come and discover a refreshingly different Flavor of Life.

Description

Truly international. Opened in late 1996, Plantation Bay has already had over a hundred thousand visitors from every corner of the globe. Virtually all of them agree that this is one of the best resorts they've ever been to. International visitors feel right at home at Plantation Bay. English is spoken throughout the resort; we also have Japanese, German, Italian, French, and Spanish-speaking staff members.

Accommodation

Our rooms are a full 46 square meters (460 square feet), charmingly decorated with individually-selected furniture, oil paintings, and prints; equipped with remote-control TV, mini-bar, electronic safe, and split-package air-conditioning.