The Great Chief of Mactan

Ask any grade schooler "Who killed Magellan?" and almost everyone will answer you right. Probably the most famous Filipino hero next to Rizal, Rajah Lapu-lapu is the brave Mactan chieftain who was the first to resist Spanish colonizers. He is highly regarded by the people for his bravery and that is why the locals built a bronze statue of him in honor of his heroic deed.

Located in an enclosed park at Punta Engaño in Mactan, the Lapu-lapu Monument share the park with his foe, the Magellan Monument. The Magellan monument was erected in 1866 to honor the Spanish (some says Portuguese) explorer who have died on the very same spot. The obelisk is mounted on a tall plinth and the plinth rests on a tripartite structure: an octagonal base on which rests a tall quadrilateral structure, divided into two parts. The lower part is decorated with high relieves of vases, and the upper part is pierced by narrow arches. On the monuments are inscribed texts honoring Magellan.

Built a century after is the heroic sculpture of the chief of Mactan who defeated Magellan. 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.

While you are in the area, it is also worthy to visit the seascape fronting the monument where you can find mangroves and a small thriving community of wooden houses on stilts. Further down the park are rows of beach resorts and the famed Su-Tu-Kil restaurants.

Fake Coconut Tree among the Real Ones

The Obelisk Magellan's Monument

Lapu-lapu's Bronzed Back

Stalls of Cebu Crafts on a Row

Low Tide Scene

Resting Boat on Mangroves

Wooden Watch Tower

As to who killed Lapu-lapu? Anybody knows?