Aside from Sinulog Festival, one of the most festive events in Cebu is the Kadaugan sa Mactan celebrated in Lapu-Lapu City every 27th of April that last for a week. Indeed, it is very timely for summer when most tourists flock in the city to enjoy a day or a whole season under the sun along the beaches of the historic resort city. True to its name, Lapu-Lapu City is historical because this is the heart of the Spanish colonization which is where the city got its name. It's named after the gallant local, Lapu-Lapu, who was believed to have defeated Magellan, a Spanish colonizer, in a battle which happened in the island. Recently, this chronicle received controversies when some historians believed that the battle really happened in Mactan, Camotes [another island in Cebu]. Whatever issues though, the city is strong about its claims of their heritage and the Rampada continues.
Although the main festival is celebrated in one day, other events related to the Kadaugan are launched the entire month of April.
Kadaugan Food Festival
Launched on the 2nd week of April
Among the most awaited event is the Food Fest at Mactan Shrine that runs for at least two weeks with the most delectable dishes from prominent hotels and restaurants of the city. Anyone could just walk in the historical shrine of Lapu-Lapu located in barangay Punta Engaño from 6PM to 10PM and enjoy good food and the wonderful sites within the park.
Kadaugan sa Mactan (Re-enactment)
Held every 27th of April (around 8AM)
The Battle of Mactan, the main reason of the commemoration, is re-enacted right at the shores where Lapu-Lapu and his men defeated the Spanish colonizers led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. The ritual is usually commenced by a Holy Mass and a flag raising ceremony as early as 7AM attended by government employees and tourists. Spectators often crowd at the shores behind the barricades as they witness the sweet victory of the Oponganons' ancestor (Oponganon refers to the natives of Mactan Island) brought to life by local celebrities. It can be a simple dramatic scene or sometimes a musical rendition.
Rampada (Street Dancing Competition)
No exact date but usually held after the 27th of April
Street dancing has just leveled up from a simple street party to an actual dancing festival with glamorous props, costumes, and choreography. Rampada in Cebuano literally means doing a show (rampa) on the streets (kalsada) reference: http://news.lapulapucity.gov.ph/tag/rampada/
As one of the highlights of the event, this competition is well-represented by the different barangays and are often anticipated by locals. People often crowd along the national roads of Lapu-Lapu near the city hall but because of the influx of spectators, the city government decided to change its location from an open space to a huge indoor arena, the city's very own, Hoops Dome located in Humay-humay Road. The dancers would give their best shot during the Rampada showdown. With a minimal entrance fee, you get to enjoy up-close the amazing dance moves of the Oponganons.
Search for Reyna Bulakna (beauty pageant)
No exact date but usually held after the 27th of April
Just like any festivals, Rampada dance groups boast of their beautiful and talented Reyna Bulakna (festival queen). The name Bulakna is used in reference to the princess in one of the islets of Mactan and wife of the hero, Lapu-Lapu. The event is participated by the respective festival queens/muses of each participating Rampada teams. Aside from beauty and glamour, the contestants' dancing skills and stunning costumes are also part of the criteria. Get ready to be stunned with these beauties.
The four activities listed above are only highlights of the Kadaugan Festival but there are also additional events that the city government might also organize. In the past years, there were cultural shows most of the time held outside Hoops Dome, fun run, amusement parks (also known as peryahan), street parties hosted by local radio stations, and other entertainment shows. So the next time you think of Cebu, you might want to visit or drop by the historic resort city, Lapu-Lapu City.
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Cebu is home to festivities and rich cultural heritage that are sought-after both by locals and foreign tourists. Every province and each of the municipalities or cities in the provinces have at least one festival either honoring a patron saint or commemorating a prolific ancestry. Most Filipinos always put value on faith and history. They are always thoughtfully sentimental when it comes to their beliefs and ancestors. Festivals are their way of paying homage to the people who are responsible of establishing a productive past which made what they have or who they are today. Furthermore, festivities are also seen as a way to worship or show reverence to God. While festivals honoring saints are deemed solemn, celebration of culture and history are really filled with fun and merrymaking.
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| fabulous costume, props, choreography, and everything else! © Aldrin Floyd |
Although the main festival is celebrated in one day, other events related to the Kadaugan are launched the entire month of April.
Kadaugan Food Festival
Launched on the 2nd week of April
Among the most awaited event is the Food Fest at Mactan Shrine that runs for at least two weeks with the most delectable dishes from prominent hotels and restaurants of the city. Anyone could just walk in the historical shrine of Lapu-Lapu located in barangay Punta Engaño from 6PM to 10PM and enjoy good food and the wonderful sites within the park.
Kadaugan sa Mactan (Re-enactment)
Held every 27th of April (around 8AM)
The Battle of Mactan, the main reason of the commemoration, is re-enacted right at the shores where Lapu-Lapu and his men defeated the Spanish colonizers led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. The ritual is usually commenced by a Holy Mass and a flag raising ceremony as early as 7AM attended by government employees and tourists. Spectators often crowd at the shores behind the barricades as they witness the sweet victory of the Oponganons' ancestor (Oponganon refers to the natives of Mactan Island) brought to life by local celebrities. It can be a simple dramatic scene or sometimes a musical rendition.
Rampada (Street Dancing Competition)
No exact date but usually held after the 27th of April
Street dancing has just leveled up from a simple street party to an actual dancing festival with glamorous props, costumes, and choreography. Rampada in Cebuano literally means doing a show (rampa) on the streets (kalsada) reference: http://news.lapulapucity.gov.ph/tag/rampada/
As one of the highlights of the event, this competition is well-represented by the different barangays and are often anticipated by locals. People often crowd along the national roads of Lapu-Lapu near the city hall but because of the influx of spectators, the city government decided to change its location from an open space to a huge indoor arena, the city's very own, Hoops Dome located in Humay-humay Road. The dancers would give their best shot during the Rampada showdown. With a minimal entrance fee, you get to enjoy up-close the amazing dance moves of the Oponganons.
 |
| the spectacular ending © Aldrin Floyd |
No exact date but usually held after the 27th of April
Just like any festivals, Rampada dance groups boast of their beautiful and talented Reyna Bulakna (festival queen). The name Bulakna is used in reference to the princess in one of the islets of Mactan and wife of the hero, Lapu-Lapu. The event is participated by the respective festival queens/muses of each participating Rampada teams. Aside from beauty and glamour, the contestants' dancing skills and stunning costumes are also part of the criteria. Get ready to be stunned with these beauties.
 |
| the lights though © Aldrin Floyd |
 |
| 2017 Reyna Bulakna winners © Aldrin Floyd |
***
Cebu is home to festivities and rich cultural heritage that are sought-after both by locals and foreign tourists. Every province and each of the municipalities or cities in the provinces have at least one festival either honoring a patron saint or commemorating a prolific ancestry. Most Filipinos always put value on faith and history. They are always thoughtfully sentimental when it comes to their beliefs and ancestors. Festivals are their way of paying homage to the people who are responsible of establishing a productive past which made what they have or who they are today. Furthermore, festivities are also seen as a way to worship or show reverence to God. While festivals honoring saints are deemed solemn, celebration of culture and history are really filled with fun and merrymaking.
Till our next laag!
