SCULPTURE

The Lapu-Lapu Monument is a 20-meter bronze statue found in an enclosed park at Mactan, Cebu City. It is built in honor of the native leader of Mactan, Lapu-Lapu. Moreover, the landmark is said to be the location of the historic battle between the Spanish explorers led by Ferdinand Magellan and Lapu-Lapu together with his forces.

One of the things I admire about this artwork is the historic background behind it. I think this monument is a glorious reminder to Filipinos about how Datu Lapu-Lapu fought for the rights of his territory against the colonizers. He is a hero who left us the legacy of freedom. Indeed, this landmark is a must-visit place because it holds a deep history of the Philippines.

The Cebu Heritage Monument is a collection of statues representing significant and symbolic events in Cebu’s history. The scenes illustrate the conversion of Rajah Humabon and his followers to Christianity and the battle of Mactan, where Lapu-Lapu defeated and killed Magellan and his comrades. There are also many carved statues beside each other, including the Magellan’s Cross and the blessed Pedro Calungsod.

This monument is by the local artist, Eduardo Castrillo. The details of his works show the fight of Filipinos for freedom and also a representation of the Filipino culture and traditions, which inspires me to learn more about the Philippines and its history. Ultimately, the statues are artworks exhibiting the culture of Cebu among the people that proves Cebu is full of historical events we must discover and appreciate.

Did you know? Napoleon V. Abueva, the Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture, is a native of Bohol. He is also the youngest National Artist awardee in the sculpture category. In his works, he uses various media such as hardwood (molave, acacia, langka, ipil, kamagong, palm), adobe, cement, marble, bronze, iron, and brass. Kaganapan (1953), Kiss of Judas (1955), The Transfiguration (1979), Eternal Garden Memorial Park, UP Gateway (1967), and Nine Muses (1994) are some of his significant works.