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| Lapu-Lapu |
While Manila has Rizal park with Dr. Jose Rizal’s statue holding a book, in Cebu they have Lapu-Lapu shrine. Both are iconic monument which represents a significant mark in the history of the Philippines. If you are a first time visitor in Cebu City the first thing a tourist guide would tell you is about the history of Lapu-Lapu, the mighty Filipino warrior who fought for freedom from Portuguese colonizer headed then by Ferdinand Magellan, who died in battle from Lapu-Lapu’s sword. So there, at Mactan shrine the Cebuanos, locals of Cebu, made a replica of him by building a bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu years ago, which I guess twice his size, wearing necklace made of wild animals fangs, round gold earrings, and a ‘bahag’ male lower garment and holding his battle sword and shield which symbolizes his bravery.
Visible also across Lapu-Lapu monument is the Magellan’s shrine, which bore his name on one side and the name of the Queen on one side and there’s also a big encryption of “Glorias Espanolas” on one side which means Spanish glories.
There’s also this stone which is the landmark where the actual site where Magellan was killed by Lapu-Lapu, and at the back of the landmark is the big mural featuring the battle of Mactan in 1521.
Lapu-Lapu shrine or Mactan Shrine as they call it is one of the tourist spots of Cebu and the nearest site from Mactan Cebu International Airport, you can put this as your first itinerary if your drop off point is from the airport. This could be reached via any public transportation from there which is about 15 to 20 minutes travel time. It also has a museum and park where you can stroll and enjoy the fresh open air. The area is not that big and if you won't stay there just to kill time you can tour it in 20 minutes. The shrine is open to visitors for free so might as well visit this place when in Mactan. There are stores located in one single lane nearby if you want to buy "pasalubong" or present, they sell fashion accessories made of shells, sarong, wall decors, sweets and other products of Cebu.
