Kadaugan sa Mactan: Habibi and husband won’t reprise roles
Lapu-Lapu City taps local artists to portray Datu Lapulapu and Reyna Bulakna
CEBU CITY, Philippines- Following the withdrawal of social media influencer Crissa “Habibi” Liaging and her husband from this year’s Kadaugan sa Mactan, the Lapu-Lapu City Government will tap local artists to portray the role of Datu Lapulapu and Reyna Bulakna.
On Wednesday, Habibi posted on her social media account that she will no longer portray Reyna Bulakna in the reenactment of the battle of Mactan during the 505th Kadaugan sa Mactan on April 27, 2026. Her husband professional model Shaun Pelayo also withdrew from the play.
READ: Attending Kadaugan sa Mactan 2026? Here’s the full schedule
Habibi said that she had already informed the Lapu-Lapu City Government about her decision due to personal reasons.
Last year, the couple portrayed the roles of Datu Lapulapu and Reyna Bulakna during the reenactment of the Battle of Mactan.
Local artists tapped
Due to this development, City Tourism Officer Garry Lao announced that they will tap local artists to fill the role of Datu Lapulapu ang Reyna Bulakna, in the person of Elcid Camacho and Akiko Solon, respectively.
Lao described the lineup as “Bisaya Pride,” given the strong Bisaya background of both performers.
Camacho, a model, actor, and chief executive officer of BisayaFlix, won Mr. Universe 2022 and was named Hari ng Sugbo 2018. He was also a Century Tuna Superbods 2018 finalist and is based in Lapu-Lapu City.
READ: An eyewitness account of the Battle of Mactan
Solon, a former Star Magic artist, is a singer, host, and actress. She also serves as chief finance officer of Bisayaflix.
Also joining the cast is Kevin Labhousse, who will portray Ferdinand Magellan.
“We are beyond excited for this year’s lineup,” Lao said.
The Kadaugan sa Mactan is the city’s flagship annual event. It commemorates the 1521 victory of local warriors over Spanish forces, with the battle re-enactment at the Mactan Shrine as its main highlight.
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