IN PHOTOS: Youth lead 504th Kadaugan sa Mactan in Cebu

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For the 504th Kadaugan sa Mactan in Cebu, sisters Katrina Cassandra Degamo and Cattleya Degamo stress the importance of youth participation in preserving culture and heritage

CEBU, Philippines – Under the scorching heat of the sun, thousands of spectators gathered at the Liberty Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City on Sunday, April 27 to witness the 504th Kadaugan sa Mactan, an annual celebration marking the historic victory of Datu Lapulapu against Spanish forces led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

This year’s celebration placed a spotlight on the youth, who took center stage in bringing the Battle of Mactan back to life.

Sisters Katrina Cassandra Degamo, 16, and Cattleya Degamo, 15, played the roles of refugees for the first time. According to them, their participation continued a long-standing family tradition.

REENACTMENT. The youth take center stage in bringing the Battle of Mactan back to life on April 27, 2025 in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

“Both of our parents used to join the reenactment during their younger years. Now it’s our turn to continue the tradition,” Katrina said.

She shared how important it is for the younger generation to stay connected to their roots.

“As youth, we need to be more participative in community events instead of just focusing on gadgets and social media. Reading history books, learning about our community’s past, and joining events like this are important so we can pass the stories to the next generation,  just like what our parents did for us,” she added.

Around 200 youth volunteers from Lapu-Lapu City joined the reenactment, according to director Marvey Cano, along with 300 members from the Lapu-Lapu Arnis De Abanico group, who showcased traditional Filipino martial arts during the festivities.

NEXT GEN. Most of the participants in the 504th Kadaugan sa Mactan on April 27, 2025 in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu continue what their parents started.

When asked what made this year’s Kadaugan different, Cano answered in one word: innovation.

“We have to innovate, and we have to make it fast-pacing so it won’t be boring,” he said.

He explained that the team crafted the reenactment to feel like a “rollercoaster of emotions.”

“We open with happy island vibes, then move into emotional, thrilling, and suspenseful moments, while staying true to the storyline,” Cano shared.

More than just the performances, Cano was amazed by how much the youth knew about their local history.

SUPPORT. The community gather under the summer heat at the Liberty Shrine to show their support for the 504th Kadaugan sa Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on April 27, 2025.

“It’s surprising, the kids really know the details of the history. They even suggested things like adding rice and drinks to the wedding scene of Bulakna and Lapulapu,” he said.

Taking the lead roles were social media personalities Shaun Pelayo as Datu Lapulapu and Crissa “Habibi” Liaging as Reyna Bulakna, adding a modern touch that drew the younger crowd’s attention.

The event was also graced by government officials including Secretary Amenah Pangandaman of the Department of Budget and Management, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, Congresswoman Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan, and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Deputy Executive Director Alvin Alcid, among others.

HISTORY. The Kadaugan sa Mactan is not just a celebration of victory, but a reminder of heritage passed from one generation to the next.

As the day ended and the crowds slowly left the shrine, Cano had a simple message for the youth who took part in the celebration: “Be brave all the time, but humble all the time, like Lapulapu.”

Through the efforts of young volunteers and the community, Kadaugan sa Mactan remained not just a celebration of victory, but a reminder of heritage passed on from one generation to the next. –Rappler.com