Mactan Shrine -

There is a spot in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan island that’s revered by islanders more than any other place. A marker says it was on that site that a man who had sought dominion over the island in the name of the Spanish king had died in the hands of the brave warrior chieftain Lapu-Lapu 485 years ago. Magellan, a Portugese, wanted to prove that the world was round. So, he agreed to set sail with his fleet, also to look for the Spice Island. On their way, they saw Sugbu (Cebu). Magellan thought, “Hey, I’m in the mood for some Christianizing”.

So, he paid the Datu of Cebu a quick visit and he was warmly entertained. Then he thought, “Hmmm, I should check that island over there, as well!” However, when he set foot in Mactan, with one fierce blow to his side, he fell bleeding to the ground. That event was called “The Battle of Mactan”. This special event in the Philippine history is being marked by Mactan Shrine, also known as Lapu-Lapu Shrine.

Mactan Shrine was established to honor the first resistance against European colonization in South East Asia. It serves as a monument to honor Lapu-Lapu and his fellowmen in defeating Magallanes and his Spanish crew. There are many means to go here from the Cebu – Mactan Airport. The easiest would be to hire a taxi cab and ask the driver to take you to Mactan Shrine. I have never rode a taxi cab to reach Mactan Shrine so I do not know the actual fare to get there. My approximate is that it will cost about 200 pesos to reach Mactan Shrine from the airport. Any price above that would be too much. Taxi cabs are also available from Mactan Shrine so it is not a hassle for you. Lapu-Lapu Monument is the oldest of the monuments in Cebu province. The effigy portrays the once-chieftain, Datu Lapu-Lapu who believed to the reason of Magellan’s death. Lapu-Lapu was depicted in bronze holding a bolo on one hand and the shield in the other.

His bravery epitomized the strong fighting spirit and courage of the Filipino people.  Two reasons to visit Mactan Island especially the Mactan Shrine: its historic significance and the undeniably-good local cuisine, the “Sutokil” or STK. Sutokil stands for Sugba-Towa-Kilaw.. Sinugba is cooked with spices and grilled over direct fire. Towa or Tinola refers cuisine stewed in hot soup and Kilaw or Kinilaw is the local version of the Japanese “sushi”: raw fish in spices and vinegar.

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Mactan Shrine