JOIN USA little known warrior became a national cult figure of Philippines. Lapu-Lapu was a local chieftain on the island of Macatan, near the modern city of Cebu, with the title of Datu of Macatan. It was the fateful day of April 27, 1521 when a battle broke out between the Spaniards under the leadership of the Portuguese explorer and conquistador Ferdinand Magellan, and the local warriors led by their chieftain Lap-Lapu.
It was an unequal battle with the forces led by Lapu-Lapu numbering 1,500 men armed with spears, bows and arrows against a tiny invading force of 49 Spanish men with some local supporters with guns. Their tiny vessel did not have any cannon support, as the mother ship had to be anchored far away in the high seas. The Battle of Macatan ended with the killing of Magellan and the retreat of armed invaders who suffered a devastating defeat. However, later on with their superior forces with some local collaborators, Spain conquered Philippines and their rule extended from 1521 to 1898. This was followed briefly by American rule from 1898 to 1946, when Philippines finally got its independence.
What is known as the Magellan Shrine, on the island of Macatan, is actually a memorial to Lapu-Lapu, with his huge statue facing the sea. It is a life-size statue in bronze, with the hero holding a huge sword in hand facing the sea. It is surrounded by a small park, which has a memorial for Lapu-Lapu. A plaque reads: “Here on April 27, 1521, Lapu-Lapu and his men repulsed the Spanish invaders killing their leader Ferdinand Magellan. Thus Lapu-Lapu became the first Filipino to have repelled European aggression.”