ARTS AND CULTURE
The history of Lapu-Lapu City influences the cultural involvement of it's residents. Many celebrations showcase the exchange of cultural interests, Spanish reflections, ancestral legacy and modern trends.
Lapu-Lapu is considered one of the greatest figures of ancient Philippine history. Although the first thing that usually comes to mind when the name of Lapu-Lapu is mentioned is the fact that his battle with Magellan led to Magellan's death, Lapu-Lapu was not honored because of that. Rather, he is honored because he was among the first to reject submission to a foreign power even though Raja Humabon, ruler of neighboring island of Cebu, and other chiefs recognized the king of spain as their ruler and agreed to pay tribute.
The battle between Lapu-Lapu and Magellan occurred in April 27, 1521. It depicts the hero holding a bolo in one hand and pestle on the other. Said weapons were believed to have been used during his combat with Magellan. This monument stands as a reminder of Filipino bravery.The Lapu-Lapu shrine is a 20-meter bronze statue in Punta Engaño,Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines, erected in honor of Datu Lapu-Lapu.
LEGEND
Some natives believe that in his final years, Lapu-Lapu did not die, and has been turned into a stone, and is forever guarding the seas of Mactan. Fishermen in the island cit throw coins at a stone shaped like a man as a way of asking permission to fish in the chieftain's territory.
Another story passed on by the natives of the land says Lapu-Lapu became the statue placed on a pedestal at the center of the plaza. The statue faces the old city hall building where the mayors used to hold office and once held a crossbow in the immortal stance of someone about to shoot an arrow at an enemy. The people of the city decided to change this crossbow with a bolo after succession of three mayors died due to a heart attack.
MODERN LAPU-LAPU CITY
Lapu-Lapu City is a first class highly-urbanized city in the province of Cebu in the Philippines. The city occupies most of Mactan Island, a few kilometer off the main island of Cebu and also covers the area of Olango Island further to the southeast region, plus a few other islands. It is part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area which is located in Cebu City. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of about 292,530 people.
The city is linked to Mandaue City on mainland Cebu by the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge. Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the second busiest airport in the Philippines, is located in Lapu-Lapu City. The only aquarium attraction in the Visayas is also located in Lapu-lapu City.
Hot Tourist Spots
Tourism is fast developing in this city due to it's excellent beaches and dive spots which houses a varied of marine life and corals. Thus making it one of the hottest tourist destination in the country.
Events celebrated in the city are also a sure tourist attraction since it is celebrated with a lot of hospitality. From it's celebration of the town fiesta, the feast of the city's patron saint Virgen de Regla celebrated every 3rd week of November showing the native's patronage down to it's celebration of the Battle of Mactan reenacted by some famous local celebrities.
One of the best tourist attraction in this city is the excellent dive spots and island hopping destination included also the city's bird sanctuary located at Olango Island.
Getting Around
The simplest way to get around is by hopping on a tricycle or multicab (small jeepney). Taxi is also available for a comfortable trip.
Always ask for taxi meter if you opt to pay by meter.. Drivers however may bargain if they notice that you are a tourist, hence the cost of the trip may double in price. However, you have the option not to agree and may report such to local authorities. If you know the name of the building, establishment, area or street you wish you reach, this is still the fastest way to get to your destination.
If you opt for more adventure, then do as the locals and catch a colorful jeepney. Simply ask around for which route to take. They are available 24 hours and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the city.
Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA)
The Mactan Cebu International Airport is located in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan, Cebu.
It is a major trade center in the south for both domestic and international traffic. It is the main entryway to Cebu and traffic is continually increasing. It is now serving 602 commercial flights weekly transporting 10,223 passengers daily. The Mactan Cebu International Airport is only 3 to 4 hours to 14 cities in Asia Pacific and is the country's second primary gateway.
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Muelle Osmeña
With its coastal location, one may opt to travel to Lapu-Lapu from Cebu city and back by ferry. It offers a memorable and scenic boat trip across the Mactan Channel from the Muelle Osmeña in Lapu-Lapu city to Pier 3, Cebu City.
Punta Engaño Wharf
Punta Engaño is located at the southern edge of Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island. The small boats leave every hour for the Barrio Santa Rosa, the port Olango Island. If one is in a rush, hiring a private motor banca to get to and from the island is an expensive alternative. The boat ride takes 20 minutes.
FESTIVAL AND STREET PARTY
PYRO FESTIVAL
Pyromania is the opening event for the Cobra Iron man triathlon. This also serves as the launching of the the new branding of Lapu-lapu city it's being the "Historic Resort City" since it has a lot hotel resorts around the place.
Here are some of the photos taken on that event.
GOVERNMENT
Here are the city officials of Lapu-Lapu city:
Congressman, Lone District of Lapu-Lapu City
Hon. Aileen Corro Radaza
City Mayor
Hon. Paz C. Radaza
City Vice-Mayor
Hon. Marcial A. Ycong
City Councilors
Hon. Aileen Corro Radaza
City Mayor
Hon. Paz C. Radaza
City Vice-Mayor
Hon. Marcial A. Ycong
City Councilors
City Councilor
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Hon. Eduardo L. Cuizon
Tel. No. 341-5562
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Hon. Melissa Dignos-Vidal
Tel. No. 340-2654
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Hon. Alexander M. Gestopa, Jr.
Tel. No. 341-3632
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Hon. Efren T. Herrera
Tel. No. 341-1833
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Hon. Queenie Malingin-Ammann
Tel. No. 341-3635
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Hon. Elias Berdin
Tel. No. 341-3633
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Hon. Eduardo R. Patalingjug
Tel. No. 341-2588
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Hon. Leo Mercado
Tel. No. 341-5561
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Hon. Florito T. Pozon
Tel. No. 340-2658
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Hon. Harry Don A. Radaza
Tel. No. 341-1822
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Hon. Francisco M. Senerpida
Tel. No. 341-4104
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Hon. Roque P. Wagwag
Tel. No. 342-8797
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Tourism is a platform of governance of Mayor Paz Radaza. It hopes to instill a culture of tourism for the entire city and emulate he tourism industry's culture of service for the entire city.
The re branding effort of Lapu-Lapu city as a Historic Resort City is a city-wide effort and is expressed in four colors that will represent the strong identity of the Oponganons: blue, yellow, green, orange. She said these colors will draw attention to the city.
According to the Department of Tourism 7, the city attracted 700,000 foreign tourists and 250,000 domestic tourists last year.
“Our city does not only have a prominent seat in Philippine history, we are also blessed with sand and sea tourism and world-class hotels and resorts,” Radaza said.
“This branding campaign will create an identity for Lapu-Lapu City. More importantly it will create a culture of tourism that demands from all of us Oponganons that we give five-star service to our guests and to our people,” she said.
The City is also adopting “Free Yourself” as its tourism slogan.
“For tourists, free yourself from battles and stress. For domestic tourists, free yourself from long trips, bad food,” said Radaza.
REFERENCE:
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/06/13/lapu-lapu-be-known-historic-resort-city-348192
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2014/06/13/lapu-lapu-be-known-historic-resort-city-348192
