Historical landmarks, gala concert marked 500th anniversary of Victory at Mactan
The country marked the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan in style through numerous events staged in Cebu and Manila.
The occasion held yesterday, April 27, was in commemoration of the victory of the forces of Lapu-Lapu, chieftain of Mactan in Cebu, against the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his Spanish crew.
The milestone also celebrated the country's role in the first circumnavigation of the world and the founding of Christianity in the Philippines.
However, the celebrations on Tuesday centered mostly on the Battle of the Mactan and its significance in the country's history.
Photo by: NCCA (Facebook)
Yesterday saw the inauguration of the Philippine Quincentennial Museum at the Museo Sugbo in Cebu.
In Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, three landmarks were unveiled: the historical marker for Ferdinand Magellan, the Mactan Historical Marker, and the historical marker for Lapu-Lapu. Winners for the Lapu-Lapu National Monument Design Competition and National Quincentennial Art Competition were also honored at the same ceremony.
Photo by: NCCA (Facebook)
Meanwhile, a simple gathering was held and led by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) Chairman Arsenio "Nick" Lizaso at the Sentinel of Freedom Monument in Rizal Park in Manila.
But the biggest celebration took place in the evening via the program titled Victory at Mactan Quincentennial Night.
The grand event was held at the Liberty Shrine in Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.
Gracing the occasion was NCCA Arts Ambassador and Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
Photo by: NCCA (Facebook)
A gala concert was the highlight of the night complete with performances by Cebuano and guest artists to liven up the festivity.
The National Quincentennial Committee (NQC) in a statement explained the “Victory and Humanity” theme used in this year's commemoration.
“'Victory' represents Lapulapu and his men's triumph that reverberates down to our generation. This also represents how the gallantry and the spirit of freedom of our ancestors and forebears determined our destiny and history,” the NQC mentioned.
Photo by: NCCA (Facebook)
“'Humanity' represents the compassion of our ancestors in saving the sick, starving, undernourished, and hopeless crew of the first circumnavigators of the planet in Homonhon, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. This trait of us as a people is recurrent in our history, and we want the world to know this further.”
The NQC continued, “The quincentennial theme 'Victory and Humanity' becomes more meaningful as we fight together with our own battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Meanwhile, marvel at how NCCA Arts Ambassador Catriona Gray puts a modern spin on traditional Filipino attire: