Lapu Lapu Shrine Cebu

Cebu is one of the largest islands of Philippines. Cebu has become a hotbed of tourist activity and there are many things to see in this island. Visit Lapu Lapu Shrine which is in memory and honor of the great native chieftain who resisted Spanish colonization and Roman Catholic proselytizations.

Lapu Lapu was also known as Kaliph Pulaka. He was born in 1491AD and died in 1542AD. He is known as one of the earliest native Visayan chieftain. Lapu Lapu was not only a chieftain, he was also the king (datu) of Mactan Island in Philippines. When the Spaniards set foot on Cebu and the neighboring islands, they were bent on colonizing and converting the local people to Christianity. Lapu Lapu was known to have resisted Spanish colonization, and Roman Catholic conversions. Because of his heroic efforts, he is considered to be the first national hero of Philippines. In the fierce Battle of Mactan, Lapu Lapu and his army came out victorious killing Magellan. To honor the first national hero Cebuano people have contructed a statue and church in Mactan Island. It is now known as Lapu Lapu Shrine, Cebu. Thousands visit this shrine every year. The shrine is very beautiful and the respect in which Lapu Lapu is held by the Cebuano is very discernable.