Celebrating Valor in Lapu-Lapu City

Lapu-Lapu City stands as a prime destination for travelers in the Philippines, renowned for its rich historical significance within the country. Although April 27th falls on a weekend, this particular one proved to be quite exhausting yet deeply fulfilling. Allow me to recount the activities that kept me occupied and grateful throughout.

Across every nation, we cherish our revered heroes, finding inspiration in their valorous tales of defending our lands from invaders. Among them stands Lapu-Lapu, hailed as the inaugural Filipino hero, renowned for his bravery in repelling Magellan's forces (Spaniards) in 1521 on the shores of Mactan, now Lapu-Lapu City. Each year, we commemorate this triumph in the annual 'Kadaugan sa Mactan' celebration at Mactan Shrine, a testament to the Victory of Mactan. During one such commemoration, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos graced the occasion, paying homage to our ancestral champions. As public servants, it's our duty to participate and honor our President, gathering at Mactan Shrine at dawn to commence the flag ceremony, a tradition upheld during special occasions in Lapu-Lapu City.

This marks the 503rd commemoration of Victory, a testament to the enduring legacy of our hero. Across the grounds, passionate participants from various schools showcase their talents through vibrant dance performances, each step serving as a poignant reminder of the valor of Lapu-Lapu. The festivities kick off following the solemn flag ceremony, inaugurated by an address from our esteemed President. While capturing selfies with our President is discouraged—after all, he's not a celebrity—our spirits remain undampened. With the sun blazing at a formidable 40 degrees, festivities resume at 3 p.m. Manila time. The lively rhythm of 'Sadsad sa Kadaugan' Street Dancing fills the air, followed by the captivating 'Sadsad sa Kadaugan' Ritual Showdown. As dusk descends, the grand crescendo arrives with a breathtaking Grand Fireworks Display, concluding the celebration in a blaze of triumphant glory, crowned by the announcement of the dance competition champion. Allow me to clarify, 'Sadsad sa Kadaugan' translates to 'Dance of Victory.' It encapsulates the triumphant spirit of our celebrations, symbolizing the resilience and courage of our forebears.

This man donning the tribal attire pays homage to the historic Battle of Mactan, embodying the spirit of Lapu-Lapu. Similarly, the woman adorned in tribal garb represents Bulakna, Lapu-Lapu's wife. Contrastingly, the man sporting a hat and shield embodies the likeness of Magellan and his Spanish contingent. Together, they enact the pivotal clash between Lapu-Lapu's forces and the invading Spaniards, showcasing the valor and resistance of our ancestors. Despite the scorching 40-degree sun, spectators attentively witness the reenactment, a testament to our enduring gratitude for Lapu-Lapu's defense against the attempted invasion.

Last night, the Liberty Shrine played host to visitors from far and wide. Despite the relatively smaller attendance compared to the Sinulog Festival, we hold hope that our esteemed guests found joy in the presentations and festivities we presented.

This weekend brought a sense of fulfillment as we successfully concluded the program. Looking ahead, I hope for a cooler climate during next year's celebration, sparing us from the scorching heat we endured this year. Organizing an outdoor event amidst such challenging conditions proved to be quite demanding, with the blazing sun posing a risk of dehydration. Let's prioritize safety, my fellow Steemians, and ensure we always have water on hand. How has your weekend been? What brought you fulfillment during these past few days?