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LAPU-LAPU CITY — Former senator and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will take the lead role of Datu Lapulapu in the reenactment of the Battle of Mactan during the 504th Kadaugan sa Mactan celebration on April 27.
The Lapu-Lapu City Government officially announced the casting on March 25 during a press conference led by City Tourism Officer Garry Lao.
This marks the third time Pacquiao will portray a Filipino hero, and he has again offered his services without accepting any talent fee.
Internet personality and entrepreneur Crissa Liaging, also known as Habibi, will play Reyna Bulakna, while a local actor will portray Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
More than 200 performers and warriors, all locals, will participate in the dramatization of the historic battle.
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The reenactment will begin at 8 a.m. at the Mactan Liberty Shrine, following a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the April 27, 1521, victory of Lapulapu and his warriors against Magellan's Spanish forces.
Organizers said this key moment in Philippine history stands as one of the earliest acts of Filipino resistance to foreign colonization.
Lao said the annual celebration not only honors Lapulapu's heroism but also fosters pride in the city's pre-colonial roots. He emphasized that the event remains focused on culture and history despite the fact that Pacquiao is running for senator in the upcoming elections.
He clarified that the reenactment would not center on personalities but on the historical milestone being commemorated.
"We anticipated that, most especially this is election season. ... We can assure that the reenactment will focus not on the personality but on the celebration of the 504th Kadaugan sa Mactan," Lao said.
This year's theme is "Celebrating Victory, Honoring History."
The city has also lined up several other activities as part of the monthlong celebration.
On April 4, the festivities will kick off with Kadaugan sa Mactan: Food, Fashion and Festivities, which will feature products from 49 barangay (villages) and private sector exhibitors.
Lao encouraged vendors to offer affordable prices so that the community can fully enjoy the experience.
The Sadsad sa Kadaugan, a vibrant street dancing competition, will take place on April 27 at the Mactan Newtown. Ten contingents composed of performers from the city's 30 barangay will showcase their dances in a ritual showdown.
The city government allocated P500,000 in cash subsidy per group, with a P1 million prize for the winning contingent.
Organizers have also scheduled a mini reenactment of the Battle of Mactan at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall lobby for a more intimate retelling of the event. A job fair will connect local job seekers with potential employers.
The city has invited Education Secretary Sonny Angara as the event's guest of honor and is awaiting his confirmation.
Lao said organizers will implement crowd protocols to ensure safety and order, noting that attendees will be allowed entry as long as they follow guidelines.
The Kadaugan sa Mactan celebration continues to serve as a major cultural event, promoting tourism, local artistry, and the enduring legacy of Datu Lapulapu.
