The first time I went to Cebu I did not spared the chance of visiting the famous significant historical landmark, the Mactan Shrine. Mactan Shrine or also known as Liberty Shrine lies on the ground where the actual battle took place between the Spaniards led by Ferdinand Magellan and the locals led by Lapu – lapu. The brave Filipino hero and his men repelled the Spanish invaders, killing famous navigator Ferdinand Magellan in April 27, 1521. Thus, Lapu – lapu became the first Filipino hero in the history.
Mactan Shrine was built in honor of Lapu – lapu, Magellan and to remember the Battle of Mactan. Lapu – lapu’s life-size bronze statue stands courageously facing the river holding a bolo on one hand and a shield on the other. Built at the center of the shrine is the obelisk depicting Magellan and Spain. Beside it is a historical marker that states the heroism of Lapu-lapu on one side and speaks of the death of Magellan on the other side. Housed along with this marker is the artistic interpretation painting of the actual battle of Mactan.
Mactan Shrine also hosts the annual Kadaugan sa Mactan celebration that shows a reenactment of the Battle of Mactan.
At one side of the Shrine is a strip of local stores selling all kinds of souvenirs and pasalubongs from Cebu including quality guitars proudly made there. And right outside of the Shrine are arrays of restaurant serving the famed Cebu’s SuTuKil.
Magellan’s Obelisk
The historical marker
The artistic interpretation painting of Battle of Mactan
The array of souvenir shops at Mactan Shrine
