Spectators, visitors impressed by musical version of ‘Kadaugan’

The fight between Datu Lapu-Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan was the most anticipated part of the Kadaugan sa Mactan 2018 at the Lapu-Lapu Shrine.

Doris Cambal, 45, of Bankal, Lapu-Lapu City, has been watching the reenactment of the Kadaugan sa Mactan for years now.

But yesterday’s different take on the age-old narrative truly impressed her, she said, and made her feel more proud of being an Oponganon.

“Bag-o gyud kadaghanan, apil na ang story nila ni Lapu-Lapu ug Reyna Bulakna, nindot tan-awon ang musikal,” said Cambal, who braved the heat to watch the reenactment together with her daughter who is a teacher. (The production was new to us including the story of Datu Lapu-Lapu and Reyna Bulakna. The musical edition was nice to see.)

The mother of four also gushed over the colorful and realistic costumes and props which she said made the production all the more believable.

This year’s Kadaugan sa Mactan has slightly veered away from its usual narrative by putting more emphasis on the story of Datu Lapu-Lapu since his boyhood up to the time he met the “Binukotan” (Princess) of Olango Island, Reyna Bulakna, until that fateful day of April 27, 1521, when he killed the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

This year’s musical edition involved mostly “highly-dramatized dancing and singing” using Visayan native songs and native dance steps as a new way of telling the history of Datu Lapu-Lapu’s community.

Datu Lapu-Lapu was also hailed as a skilled arnisador since his boyhood until he became the chieftain of Mactan.

The reenactment also tackled the abuses committed by Rajah Humabon’s foreign friends led by Magellan, like harassing villagers, setting their huts on fire and sexually abusing their women.

This upsets Datu Lapu-Lapu more, who rejected Magellan’s demand that he too pay allegiance to Spain.

Hembler Mendoza, Tourism Officer of Lapu-Lapu City, said that although the musical concept and the entire play were impressive, they will still find new ways to excite the audience.

Actor Derick Hubalde who acted as Lapu-Lapu, Adrian Louis Alandy as Ferdinand Magellan and actress Dionne Monsanto who played as Reyna Bulakna were all first timers of the roles assigned to them. They told the press that they were honored and proud of their performance.

Rudy Aviles, who wrote the play, said they have almost a hundred performers this year including researchers.

Victor Cuenco, the Artistic Director, said that most of the cast members were from Lapu-Lapu and the choral group was composed of professional singers.

Lapu-Lapu  City Police Director Supt. Romel Cabagnot said no untoward incidents were reported.

He estimated the audience at around 5,000 people, some of whom waded through knee-deep water under the scorching heat of the sun just to get a better view.

The reenactment started with a Mass at the Liberty Shrine, followed by a floral offering at the monument of Lapu-Lapu and a 21-gun salute by the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

A PAF chopper also conducted a flower drop at the end of the play.

The Lapu-Lapu City government has allocated P8 million for the Kadaugan this year and the Rampada Festival on Saturday evening as well as last night’s Search for Reyna Bulakna at the Hoops Dome.

No street parties were allowed this year due to traffic concerns, said Councilor Harry Don Radaza, committee chairman of Sports and Tourism.

In her opening speech, Mayor Paz Radaza said that the celebration is a tribute, through the reenactment, to the bravery and victory of Datu Lapu-Lapu “whose valor is a fountain of pride for all.”