“Walay hari nga akong yukboan, matinod-anon ako ngadto lamang sa katawhan.” – Datu Lapu-Lapu
“Kadaugan sa Mactan” is an annual festival celebrated in Lapu-Lapu City to commemorate the historic battle of 1521, where Lapu-Lapu and his men successfully defended their land and drove away the foreign invaders led by Ferdinand Magellan. This historic event marks the early resistance against foreign colonization.
A Rewind to 1979
The first Kadaugan sa Mactan took shape in 1979 and was originally called “Bahug-Bahug sa Mactan.” It has evolved throughout the years into a street theater reenactment featuring roughly 150 actors drawn from local schools and communities.
The portrayal of the historic battle is carefully and meticulously choreographed. Participants undergo training using replicated weapons to capture the authenticity of the fateful battle that took place on the island of Mactan.
Manny Pacquiao: Reprising the Role of Lapu-Lapu
The renowned former senator and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is set to reprise the role of Datu Lapu-Lapu in the upcoming 504th Kadaugan sa Mactan celebration. Scheduled to take place at the Mactan Liberty Shrine on April 27, 2025, this event will allow attendees to witness Pacquiao’s performance, which aims to inspire pride in our nation’s history. His role serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of resistance and the importance of remembering the past to flourish the present.
