Defending one's land
Local and international tourists flock to his statue for photo opportunities. And as if the itinerary is shortened without dropping by this place, not necessarily to have a profound understanding of history but a chance to peek at a remembrance of a centuries-old event in this place. Mushroomed with resort accommodations with international standards, it is primarily the home of the brave owing to the people's history of gallantry against foreign domination. And although foreigners are very much welcomed here, its long history tells us that it was once a battlefield, driving away foreign intruders.
Last April 27 was the commemoration of the Battle of Mactan. It is a historical event that made not only the Oponganons, the Cebuanos, but the entire Filipino race proud of the race. Lapu-Lapu's heroism has been recognized as a representation of the Filipino people's love of freedom and capability to rise above adversity. The first hero who resisted foreign rule in the country shows the braveness of one's race that is likewise proven by other heroes in many parts of the country.
Indeed, the battle of Mactan is not about Lapu-Lapu or Magellan but about a people refusing to bow down to foreigners. It continues to remind every generation that we had ancestors who showed great courage to defend our land from external aggressors.
Even if mystery still shrouds the hero's persona despite the deepening of our knowledge of our past, and like a character that is not well-developed and does not leave a deep impression on the readers, his legacy cannot be undervalued. He still deserves the highest honor fitting of one who defended one's land from external aggressors. Long live the spirit of Lapu-Lapu! Long live the spirit of freedom, extraordinary bravery, courage and love for the country!
But nowadays, we have fellow Filipinos who come to a land not for comradeship but for selfish motives. Sowing fear and out for the need to extract money, through ransoms, for their own gains. The attack of Abu Sayyaf in a tranquil town has left a terrible scar on the peace-loving Boholanos. And it might take years for this generation to forget the horrible incident has already been entered into the history of this serene place.
Our fellow Filipinos have continued to be vigilant and continued to fight in order to maintain peace and prosperity of the place. Just like the legend of Lapu-Lapu who will forever be guarding the seas from intruders and whoever would come or pass by, asking permission becomes necessary. Now, it is more than just a show of superiority of a local power over external forces but rather of maintaining peace and harmony of a place that for the longest time the locals have reaped, enjoyed, and treasured.
It is in our very own people that we find our valued allies in fighting our enemies. It is in this collegial move that we find our strength as one united people, people who have a long history of struggles for freedom and independence. And though there are a few who would go against the shared goal, they do it for their own vested interests.
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