Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan, Cebu

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan, Cebu is testament to the Filipino courage and is monumental because it is the first ever massive opposition to foreign domination. Who would have thought that cannons and swords will be no match for the native's crude weaponry?

But while it is indeed such a heroic moment in the protection of the Mactan shores, one can't help but wonder about the underlying factors behind the event. Not far from Mactan is the island of Cebu where Rajah Humabon reigned supreme. He befriended the Spaniards and accepted Christianism. But in the end he encouraged the Spaniards to go to Mactan and overcome Lapu-Lapu, who was not exactly in speaking terms with Humabon. And so the battle ensued, resulting in the beheading of the famed Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Poor Magellan caught in tribal politics.

Consider the irony. One day we were at Magellan's cross marvelling at the birth of Christianity in our country, and the next day we went to the Lapu-Lapu shrine to honor the bravery of those who thwarted the Spaniards.

I really think Philippine history ought to be taught in high school and college for the better appreciation of inquiring minds. Or is it already?

Be as it may, both events profoundly shaped our history. And there we were, walking the usual tourist route to appreciate our country's heritage.

The inscription reads:

Here on 27 April 1521, LapuLapu and his men repulsed the Spanish invaders, killing their leader Ferdinand Magellan. Thus LapuLapu became the first Filipino to have repelled European aggression.

Lapu-Lapu oversees the beach front of Mactan from invaders.

After the visit to the shrine, it's time for a quick "sutukil" (sugba, tula, kilaw), or put simply, three ways you can have your fish cooked. We ordered one big fish and had it "sutukilled".This is a very wide dining area overlooking the mangroves.

Still business as we had our lunch!

Additional interesting reading: University of the Philippines' "The Beauty Within Three Cities"

Magellan's Cross in Cebu

April 14, 1521 is a very important date in our heritage as this was the day when the cross that symbolized Christianity was planted on Cebu's soil. Rajah Humabon, his family, and some of his subjects were baptized during the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan.

The cross stands protected inside a domed gazebo-like structure. The cross itself, though, is shrouded in mystery. While some say that the original cross is encased in wood (because people would chip-off some of the wood as they believe it was miraculous), others theorize that the original cross has been destroyed long ago and this is a "replacement". Whatever the case, this place is as close to the birth of Christianity in our country as you can get and whether the cross there is the real thing or not, it's the faith of the people manifesting itself how powerful an influence it has since that monumental day.

watson was here :-)

Right beside Magellan's Cross is the impressive Basilica del Sto Niño. The place is rich with our religious cultural heritage. The place exudes an atmosphere of celebration, and at the same time inside was serenity and powerful meditation. People listened to the Gospel, or else milled about and prayed.

While walking about, I felt awed by the place and by the people.




Outside the Basilica is an open-air amphitheater-like structure where you can also hear mass. That was quite extraordinary.


Outside, a number of vendors sold religious icons.

I smell something fishy...

When you think of Cebu, what comes in mind?

Magellan
Lapu-Lapu
Beaches
Dangit
Pusit
Lechon
Otap

Not necessarily in that order. Although, when you're the one going to Cebu and delighted friends know it, for sure you can't bring the first three back as pasalubong.

"I want Magellan's cross!"
"Eh? Gusto mong masaktan?" hehe

They will surely want danggit, pusit, otap, lechon, or all of them.

We were recently in Cebu for a business trip. The last day was our free time, and our host advised us to be really early and take a bath only after going to Taboan.

Taboan is a very famous place in Cebu where you get your fill of dried fish and squid. While it is indeed a delightful place, the dried fishy smell permeates the area and it sticks to you. You will get quite accustomed to the odors though as you become busy choosing and haggling. And then, you end up smelling like your purchase! But hey, that's part of the adventure.

Danggit is the most popular item here, closely followed by pusit.

Oh wow. I can smell the dried fish even just by looking at these photos. Overpowering me... gotta buy more... and deep fry it... and soak it in vinegar....After our purchases here, we decided to go directly to the place where necklaces and bracelets can be bought. Perhaps if we linger in a stall with our collective smell, the vendors will give in to our haggling just to get us away from their place! How's that for a strategy?

So right after Taboan, we headed for Carbon. We were so early that only a couple of stalls were just open. We were quite engrossed with the variety of goodies and pretty soon the other stalls were opened too. The girls were absolutely delighted at the variety (my wife loved my pasalubong as well).


This nice, huge half-shell as prominently displayed and when I pointed them to it, Dessagirl began singing a haunting song from Disney's the Little Mermaid. hehe. I was tempted to buy it but it was quite pricey at around 220 pesos. I won't say how much the other necklaces in the other stalls are but you will indeed be surprised, and will result in spurgling. Warning: make sure you have your fare back to the hotel and the airport in a safe place. Never mind lunch. Haha
The photo below was prompted by Dessagirl, my first commenter. We were told to wear things we would usually wear at home. I took it to heart and wore shorts and a shirt. I really looked like I just came from the house. haha

So many beads, so little time!
Did our smelly strategy work? Nah. Although we were able to haggle, their noses did not tremble at our new-found scent and did not shoo us from their stalls.

Actually, the people of Cebu are very friendly and hospitable! I truly enjoyed my stay there. Even in our work where we were required to do customer survey... you can see the difference in attitude between people in Manila and in Cebu. Really nice bunch, the Cebu people. I find the atmosphere relaxed and somewhat informal. Thanks for making our stay sooo nice!