“A hero is a man who is afraid to run away”, said Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist.

Rather than using force or aggression, he expressed his love for the Philippines through his novels,
essays, and articles. Jose Rizal became a national hero in the Philippines because he fought for freedom
in a quiet but powerful manner. But when looking back in the history, there was a “Bisaya” hero that is
considered “the first Filipino Hero” in the Philippines. “As history tells us, he was the first Pilipino who
heroically and bravely defended our country from external threats and invasion." (RM Estrera of Carcar
City) in an interview and that is none other than Lapu-lapu of Mactan.

Many people consider Lapu-lapu as the rightful person for the title “The National Hero”,
including our own President, Rodrigo R. Duterte. He addresses him as his “idol”. During the National
Heroes’ Day, he remembered Lapu-Lapu as the first Philippine, saying it "pains" him to see the Visayan
ruler reduced to a mere kind of fish (Azer Parrocha, 2018). “As a footnote, just the -- a vignette of life, Lapu-
Lapu was the first Filipino to kill a foreigner who invaded our country,” Duterte added. In his speech, he
mentioned Lapu-Lapu, saying that it was "very important" to correct how people remember history,
particularly the events that occurred after Magellan set foot on the island of Cebu in 1521.

"If you have iron lances, we have lances of bamboo and stakes hardened with fire" (Christine
Crisolo). As the Culture Trip asked people about Lapu-Lapu, "Brave Mactan Leader," "Pinuno na may
paninindigan" (leader who stood for his people), and "Leader who fought for his people" were some of
the titles used by Filipinos to describe Lapu-Lapu. Due to his resistance against Spanish colonization, the
Phillipines consider him to be the first Filipino hero as a result of his triumph over the adventurer
Ferdinand Magellan. For leading his warriors to victory and defending his people from foreign explorers,
he became a symbol of heroism and strong leadership in the region (Rhobie Alburo Ruaya, 2020).

According to Lorenz Lasco, the majority of what we know about Lapulapu was written by those
who survived or had firsthand knowledge of the Battle of Mactan. Despite the fact that they are
Lapulapu's enemies, their writings contain nothing negative about him. Rather, it is his notable
characteristics that can be gleaned: his leadership, courage, tactical prowess, and principles. His foes
saw him not just as a brave and capable tactician, but also as a man of principle. These traits that he
possess helps him in winning the battle.

History and myth are woven into the fabric of modern Filipino culture through his renown. The
exact facts of Lapu- Lapu's history are unclear, but he still stands as a symbol of Philippine freedom.
After decades of war and colonization, people continue to honor the man who inspired them to take
charge of their own future. He became a symbol that always remind Filipinos their identity. A person
that is worthy to become a National Hero.
References:
Bernus, G. etal. Why is Jose Rizal Our National Hero?. Retrieved From:
https://unveilingrizal.weebly.com/why-rizal.html
Anunciado, D., 2016. Survey: Pinoy want Lapu-Lapu on national heroes list. Retrieved From:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/77465/Business/Survey-Pinoys-want-Lapu-Lapu-on-national-
heroes-list
Lasco, L. Lapu Lapu. Retrieved From: https://www.bayaniart.com/articles/lapu-lapu-biography/
Parrocha, A., 2018. Duterte recalls Lapu-Lapu as first national hero. Retrieved From:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1046040
Valdeavilla, R., 2018. Lapu-Lapu: Chief and warrior of Mactan. Retrieved From:
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-story-of-lapu-lapu-the-legendary-filipino-hero/
Ruaya, R., 2020. Interesting facts about the Philippines’ first hero and the battle that he led to victory.
Retrieved From: https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/305850/interesting-facts-about-the-philippines-
first-hero-and-the-battle-that-he-led-to-victory