ORIGIN AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Lapu-Lapu City derived its name from Datu Lapu-Lapu, the brave and courageous leader of a particular tribe that lived in what is now called Lapu-Lapu City a thousand years ago during the Pre-hispanic era. Together with his troupe, he fought Ferdinand Magellan who was known for his explorations and a great ruler. Because of Magellan's obssesion to the bountiful land of Datu Lapu-Lapu, he wanted to conquer it and that gave birth to the bloody and legendary "Battle of Mactan" on April 27, 1521.

In the right is a picture of Ferdinand Magellan who was believed to have been defeated by Datu Lapu-Lapu during the Battle of Mactan. He was also credited for his discovery that the earth is spherical in shape back then in his famous explorations around the world.

FESTIVALS AND HISTORICAL EVENTS

"Kadaugan Sa Mactan" is a historical event celebrated during 27th of April every year to commemorate the victory of our beloved ancestors against the Spaniards. The highlight of the event is the reenactment of the Battle of Mactan led by some local actors and actresses in the exact location where the battle had happened. There are many food carts, disco mobiles and souvenir shops along the streets from the old bridge to the new bridge.

The second most awaited part of the event is the street dance called "Rampada". It resembles a Brazilian type of ambiance and spectacle. There are colorful costumes embedded with crystals and big, feather headdresses worn by the dancers. Each contingent has their gorgeous star dancer that represents "Reyna Bulakna", the wife of Datu Lapu-Lapu.

FOOD AND DELICACIES

Lapu-Lapu is surrounded by rich bodies of water and marine biodiversity and because of that the people usually eat seafoods of various kinds. Crabs, lobsters (lambay), prawns, shrimps and mollusks and many more are perfect for seafood lovers out there.

We are also fond of eating sweet delicacies and famous to that is the native "Budbud". It is a rice cake delicacy made from sticky rice (pilit) and wrapped with a banana leaf. The taste is somewhat sweet and tangy with a bit of ginger aroma in it. Budbud is still sold on different places in Lapu-Lapu City.

LIVELIHOOD

Fishing is the primary source of income and livelihood in our place. You can still see fishermen riding in their boats catching fishes the traditional way. When it is low tide, the "Manginhasay" finds and collects mollusks like "kinason" and "aninikad" and sell them to neighboring places.

 

The "bello" or traditional rope making is another form or means of income in our barangay. I can still remember my mother having this wheel-like equipment called the "tursihan" and the indigenous material called the "abaca". In our neighborhood , traditional rope making is still practiced to earn money.

TOURIST DESTINATIONS

 Due to the fact that our place is near to the oceans and seas, the local folks, together with some business tycoons, developed the beaches and seasides and transformed it into well-acclaimed and fascinating resorts. The owners of some resorts give opportunity to the people to gain jobs and to be more productive.

In honor of Datu Lapu-Lapu, a historical monument was built for him having his large, sculpted image at the center of the shrine. It is now called the "Mactan Shrine". Other than Lapu-Lapu's statue, there are also paintings and historical artifacts inside the gallery.

COME AND VISIT OUR LAND OF HISTORY AND BEAUTY!!!

SEE YOU ALL!!!