Bigger crowd expected this year for Battle of Mactan
Actor Alfred Vargas played the role of chieftain Lapu-Lapu during the 2006 re-enacment of the Kadaugan sa Mactan. (CDN FILE PHOTO)
No bottles or sharp objects will be allowed at public venues of the week-long celebration of the Battle of Mactan which opens today with the annual food festival at the Mactan Shrine.
Visitors and guests will be drinking beer and soft drinks in disposable cups and using pitchers at the Kadaugan sa Mactan
With at least half a million visitors expected for various activities this year, Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Harry Don Radaza said this security measure is necessary to ensure public safety.
Hembler Mendoza, the city’s tourism officer, said 40 resorts, hotels and food service providers are joining the 10-day food festival from April 17 to 26.
The food tents put up at the Mactan Shrine selling hotel-caliber food and beverages at only P5 to P99 are a much awaited annual event.
“This will allow ordinary people to have an opportunity to taste hotel cuisine and specialties,” said Mendoza in yesterday’s press conference.
READ: Kadaugan sa Mactan draws 15,000
Dishes will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The city’s signature festival culminates on April 27, a Monday, with the reenactment of the 1521 Battle of Mactan with.
This year, actors Vin Abrenica and Joseph Bitangcol will play the roles of chieftain Lapu-Lapu who slays Portugese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
Miss Earth winner Jaime Herrel will be the chieftain’s wife, Reyna Bulakna. City organizers also expect Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office is expectedto be there as a special guest.
Malacanang has declared April 27 a non-working holiday in Lapu-Lapu City. Proclamation No. 99 was issued last March 30.
Road closures will be implemented in main roads of Lapu-Lapu for the celebration.
Close to a hundred traffic enforcers will be fielded to guide motorists especially those headed for the Mactan Cebu International Airport.
Kadaugan activities include a street party, the annual “Rampada” dance showdown ate Hoops Dome, sports events and a fireworks display after the reenactment on April 27. Police are under orders to apprehend anyone carrying sharp objects and deadly weapons.
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