Lapu-Lapu Shrine

Lapu-Lapu shrine is a 40 feet (12 meter) bronze statue located in Punta Engaño, Mactan, Cebu and a famous Cebu tourist spot. The statue depicts the hero holding a bolo and a shield which was believe to be what Datu Lapu-Lapu used during the battle. This is erected to honor the 1^st ever hero of the Philippines who lead 1,500 Mactan warrior against explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The Statue is facing the bay of Mactan ever watchful to protect Mactan for any aggressor and serve as a reminder of Filipino Bravery.

It is said the Datu Lapu-Lapu refuse the order issued by Raja Humabon of Cebu Island to provide food supplies for Magellan’s fleet of ships and to convert to Christianity. Raja Humabon convince Magellan to view this refusal as an act of rebellion since back then it was believe that Raja Human and Datu Lapu-Lapu are bitter enemies.On the morning of April 27, 1521 Magellan sail to Mactan to crash and force Lapu-Lapu to yield.However, Magellan was unable to land his ship because of the corals and rocky beds that surround the shore of Mactan, with the ship out of range Magellan lost his greatest advantage his cannons.He was force to engage Datu Lapu-Lapu in their terms Magellan relying on his superior weapon led 48 men wearing metal body armor disembarked to a thigh high water level and tried to make their way to the shore of Mactan.Datu Lapu-Lapu takes this as an opportunity to harass the aggressor who was moving on a slow pace with spears.Datu Lapu-Lapu and his man were able to repeal the Spanish invader and killed Magellan and became the first Filipino who has repelled a Western aggression.

This historic battle is re-enacted each year name “Kadaugan sa Mactan” on the beach at Magellan Bay and is one of the highlights that tourist go to when visiting the different Cebu tourist spot.

Local Legends has it that Datu Lapu-Lapu didn’t die but was turned to stone and is forever guarding the seas of Mactan. Native who are engaged in fishing would throw coin to asked permission or grace to fish in the Datu’s territory.

Today, visiting the shrine will prove to be a complete experience for any tourist the place is surrounded with restaurants that serves fresh seafood dish, souvenir stores and a park to help past the time. Also within the park located within a walking distant is another famous Cebu tourist Spot - Magellan's Shrine.