Scribd
Upload
51 views1 page

Insight Paper - Lapulapu - Ang Datu NG Mactan

The Metropolitan Theater in Manila staged the original musical "LapuLapu: Ang Datu ng Mactan" to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan. The musical dramatized the historic battle between Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and Datu LapuLapu of Mactan Island in 1521. LapuLapu refused to convert to Christianity under Magellan and Spanish rule. When Magellan's forces arrived in Mactan, LapuLapu's warriors attacked and were able to kill Magellan. Due to his victory and resistance against colonialism, LapuLapu is considered the first Filipino hero. At the end of the musical, the performers paid tribute to heroes

Uploaded by

Paulene Grace Tulud
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
51 views1 page

Insight Paper - Lapulapu - Ang Datu NG Mactan

The Metropolitan Theater in Manila staged the original musical "LapuLapu: Ang Datu ng Mactan" to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan. The musical dramatized the historic battle between Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and Datu LapuLapu of Mactan Island in 1521. LapuLapu refused to convert to Christianity under Magellan and Spanish rule. When Magellan's forces arrived in Mactan, LapuLapu's warriors attacked and were able to kill Magellan. Due to his victory and resistance against colonialism, LapuLapu is considered the first Filipino hero. At the end of the musical, the performers paid tribute to heroes

Uploaded by

Paulene Grace Tulud
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World

Insight Paper: Lapulapu: Ang Datu ng Mactan

To celebrate its 90th year, The Metropolitan Theater, raised its curtains again to continue the legacy of
MET productions. The theater is homed to the most admired personalities and brilliant performers. The
maiden production and original musical of The Metropolitan Theater entitled LapuLapu: Ang Datu ng Mactan
is made to commemorate the Victory in Mactan 500 years ago. I am amazed and got goosebumps as I watched
the musical play. The set is beautiful and amazing as well as the costumes, props, dances, background music,
the voices of the performers, and their acting deserves to be applauded.
LapuLapu has a strong stance. He is the leader of Mactan in Cebu, Philippines, and the rival of Datu
Humabon. He was born in the year 1491 and died in the year 1542. A Portuguese explorer named Ferdinand
Magellan traveled to the East where he found good qualities of jewelry, weapons and, spices. As he came back
to Spain, he concluded to the king that there is a route from the East to the West and he wanted to explore it
to discover good qualities of spices and other things, and also to expand Spanish territory and spread
Christianity.
Ferdinand Magellan traveled along with his forces including Antonio Pigafetta on their way to the west
with the five ships named, Conception, Santiago, San Antonio, Trinidad, and Victoria. During their journey,
they ended up on the island of Homonhon in Samar. They spread and converted a thousand locals to
Christianity there including Datu Humabon, the rival of LapuLapu, his wife, and many leaders as well.
However, the leader of Mactan, LapuLapu refused and denied to be converted and to recognize the Spanish
authority. With that, Datu Humabon persuades LapuLapu to be baptized by Magellan and to change his name
but he still refuses and accused Datu Humabon that the latter sided with Magellan against him until the two
quarreled. Datu Humabon, later on, suggested that Magellan should go to Mactan to force LapuLapu to side
with them.
On April 27, 1521, Magellan and his forces arrived in Mactan. Upon landing, they are immediately
attacked by the natives with weapons such as arrows, bamboo throwing spears, and more. They surrounded
Magellan’s forces and they specifically attacked him until he got wounded with a spear. With this advantage,
LapuLapu was able to kill Magellan. Some of the forces of Magellan managed to escape including Antonio
Pigafetta. Later on, Mactan rejoiced and celebrated their victory against Magellan and his forces.
Because of the Victory of Mactan, and his resistance to Imperial Spanish Colonization, LapuLapu is
considered the first Filipino Hero in the country. At the end of the musical play, the performers made a tribute
for the heroes of the Philippines from the past up to this day where the country and the whole world were hit
by the deadly COVID-19 virus. The Battle in Mactan just showed how Filipinos are fearless when it comes to
fighting for our country. We should always keep fighting whatever hindrances came our way and remember to
never give up.

You might also like