A Lone Walk to Discovering Mactan Shrine at LapuLapu City, Cebu, Philippines

Good day dear community! In this blog I would like to share with you one of the places I finally got to visit during my solo trip in Lapulapu, Cebu. Welcome to the Mactan Shrine! I actually felt proud of myself for being able to find the place through asking people for directions and with the help of Google map. I was just dining in a restaurant when I learned that it is just a 20 minute walk from where I am.

MACTAN SHRINE LOCATION
Mactan Shrine is located along Punta Engano, Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, Cebu. It was near to other famous places like the Megaworld Mactan Newtown and Mactan Circle. You can go there by booking a taxi or a grab car. I was around Mactan Newtown at the time so I prefered to walk going there. I actually prefer walking most of the time because I also want to get familiar with the area and I could get to discover paths and places. One example is this neatly trimmed bush that looked like castle walls.

HISTORY BEHIND MACTAN SHRINE
Mactan Shrine is also known as Liberty Shrine and was established on 1969. It is one of the most historic landmarks on Mactan Island. It is believed that this is the exact place where the battle between Datu Lapu-Lapu, chieftain of Mactan and Ferdinand Maggellan, a Purtuguese Explorer took place on April 27,1521. Datu Lapu-Lapu defeated Ferdinand Magellan.

WHAT IS INSIDE?
Inside the shrine, you can find the Lapu-Lapu Monument and the Magellan Monument. The Lapu-Lapu Monument is said to be a 20-meter bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu where he holds his sword and shield. This commemorates his victory over Ferdinand Magellan. The Magellan Monument on the other hand is built as a grand stone. This is said to be constructed by Spanish colonial authorities to honor Magellan's loyalty to Spain. Inside is also a booth that sells souvenirs and a dolphin fountain.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The shrine is said to be open from 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening. It is best to come early in the morning or in the late afternoon so you could take better pictures and avoid the striking heat especially that the shrine is wide open and there are not much places with shade so it is very hot at noon. Every April 27, Kaduguan sa Mactan Festival is being held here which includes the battle reenactment, cultural dances and street parades. Entrance is free.

I feel glad. I finally got to find the place I just used to see online and read on magazines or books about history. Today's exploration really gave me a sense of satisfaction. Goodbye Mactan Shrine, until next time!

Photos are mine and edited with Canva.