'Rampada' to up the ante of "Kadaugan sa Mactan"

CEBU, Philippines - The annual “Kadaugan sa Mactan” of Lapu-Lapu City is given a new twist this year with a samba-themed Rampada parade that takes a slice out of the Carnival Parade of Brazil, famed for its vibrant and colorful street parties and pageantry. The initiative is aimed to entice more visitors and tourists, but its organizers also say this is their way of commemorating Datu Lapu-Lapu’s triumph over Ferdinand Magellan through a blown-out victory party this April 30.

Dubbed as the city’s first-ever “Kadaugan Street Party”, it will showcase a street dancing contest with one highlight lead dancer to represent Lapu-Lapu’s wife Reyna Bulakna. Contingents will come from barangays in Lapu-Lapu City, including other districts within Cebu which are interested to participate.

Officials, led by Mayor Paz Radaza, expect the event to attract at least 10,000 spectators. They also hope to develop it into a grander undertaking by allowing creative minds and talents to contribute, and in the process establish an awaited yearly tradition much like Cebu City’s Sinulog Grand Parade.

“A perusal of national holidays dedicated to heroes show that these are in celebration of a defeat, like the Bataan Death March on Bataan Day now known as Araw ng Kagitingan or the death of a hero such as Rizal Day. It is now time to change our collective outlook as a people into a positive one. Instead of commemorating deaths or defeats, we ought to remember our wins and celebrate our victories,” said Mayor Radaza during Kadaugan Street Party’s launch at BE Resorts in Punta Engaño, Mactan. Also in attendance were the general managers of two of Lapu-Lapu City’s major resort hotels which had already committed their own contingents.  

Radaza added that the historic victory of the native chieftain, being the first in the Philippines, should be celebrated not only by residents of Lapu-Lapu City but by all Filipinos around the world.  

Every 27th of April, Lapu-Lapu City holds a reenactment of the Battle of Mactan, including a fluvial procession of decorated canoes representing Magellan’s three ships, the planting of the cross of Magellan and the baptism of the natives. To add color to the commemoration, they have always invited celebrities to tackle the roles of the three major players, so expect another star-studded line-up this year. The last time, it was actor Philip Salvador who played Lapu-Lapu, singer Lloyd Umali portrayed Magellan, while actress Desiree del Valle took on the character of Reyna Bulakna.

On April 29, the stretch of road going to the Mactan Cebu International Airport from the old bridge to the new bridge will be closed to give way to exhibits, stalls, booths, discos and free band concerts featuring the local acts PowerSpoonz, PG 18, Line Divides, New Zion and Sound Merge.

One of the exhibits will be an auto display featuring 60 exotic cars sponsored by the Federation of Auto Clubs in Cebu. There will also be a gourmet walk participated in by 10 Lapu-Lapu City hotels and resorts, a car audio bass contest and a tricycle contest.

Then on April 30 beginning 5 pm, all eyes will be on the competing contingents and their female star dancers (who must be in a costume made of recyclable and indigenous materials) for the street dancing celebration. The best contingent will win P50,000, while the second and third placers will win P30,000 and P20,000 respectively. A Reyna Bulakna will also be crowned and given a cash prize of P5,000.

For further inquiries, one may contact Lapu-Lapu City’s Youth Affairs Office at (032) 239-0552.