The 505th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan will be commemorated on Monday, April 27, 2026. While the event is centuries old, many still believe that Lapulapu remains present among us today.
The Kampilan and Lapulapu's Training
According to elders, Lapulapu was highly skilled with a sharp weapon called the Kampilan. This large sword was used by him to strike down Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Lapulapu was trained in the Kampilan by his father Mangal, the former King of Mactan.
World War II and the Legend
During World War II, this story became a subject of jest, as people from other places would mock those from Opon City, suggesting they should call on Lapulapu to return and kill the Japanese soldiers in the Philippines. The people of Opon would simply smile, but deep in their hearts, the hero of ancient times remained alive.
Where and How Does Lapulapu Live?
According to stories, Lapulapu and his father Mangal can be felt whenever there are strong thunderclaps and lightning over the sea around Mactan. The thunder is said to be the sound of their Kampilans clashing as they train. The lightning is the flash of their iron Kampilans colliding, causing sparks that light up the sky.
Thus, during the war, the spirit of Lapulapu was seen in the lives of every guerrilla who resisted the Japanese. For every heartbeat was the pulse that gave life to love for national independence.
Sweet to hear, isn't it? So amid current events, I firmly believe that through the courage and love for the homeland shown by Lapulapu, we can still overcome the desires of other nations to occupy parts of our territory. Long live Lapulapu. Long live the Philippines.
