Monument of Lapu-Lapu in Mactan

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine is a 20-meter bronze statue located in the Mactan Shrine
park in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island, Cebu. The statue was erected to honor Rajah
Lapu-Lapu, the native chieftain of Mactan Island who defeated Ferdinand Magellan
during the historic Battle of Mactan in 1521.

The Lapu-Lapu memorial statue is on top of a pedestal surrounded by a low-level

fence and shows the Cebuano hero in his native costume with a sword on his right
hand and a shield on his left.

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine is inside a plaza commonly known as the Magellan Shrine
park that commemorates the events of the Battle of Mactan. Thousands of foreign
and local tourists visit the park every year. The park includes the Magellan Shrine
and a covered structure that houses a huge mural painting of the Battle of Mactan
and a commemorative marker.
 Monument of Lapu-Lapu in Luneta

A brainchild of former Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon, the project is known as

"The Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom". It is a gift of the Korea Freedom League to
the Filipino people. The monument was conceptualized to give recognition to the first
Asian who fought against foreign invasion.

According to the former tourism chief, the location of the statue of Lapu-Lapu is
highly significant. From the shores of Laguna de Bai following the pathway to
Luneta, one will find the monument of Lapu-lapu some distance behind the
monument of Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.

Gordon said "Lapu-Lapu was the first Asian to lead a successful uprising against
foreign invasion, while Rizal was the first Asian to spur the idea of anti-colonialism."

"Having the statues of Rizal and Lapu-Lapu at the old Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park
or Luneta) is highly historical. It is our way of giving recognition to two great men in
Philippine history. 'Bagumbayan' is the new country which Rizal dreamed of, but
never saw ... a country free from oppression and colonial bondage," Gordon
added.The 30-foot "Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom" monument stands on a 10-
foot pedestal and depicts Lapu-Lapu not in battle. Instead, the hero is shown
standing guard, holding his kampilan, which is concealed in its scabbard and firmly
planted on the ground. Gordon observes that the hero's face conveys strength and
determination but with such great kindness and a stance that exudes power and
vigilance.

"This monument would like to impart the message that the Filipino is a 'man of
peace' yet is ready to protect his territory and people if threatened," Gordon added.
Monument of Lapu-Lapu in Lahug (Camp Lapu-Lapu)