On March 16th, 1521, the Portuguese seafarer, Ferdinand Magellan, sailed around the world and explored new trade routes on behalf of the Spanish Crown. He arrived at Zamal ( Samar ) Island, part of an island group later named Philippines after the Spanish ruler Philipp II. When on April 7th, 1521, Magellan landed on Cebu to replenish his supplies, he was welcomed with much dignity by the natives. When the tribe's prince, Lapu-Lapu, of the neighboring island Mactan denied Magellan his request for provisions, Magellan decided to invade the island using military force. On April 27th, 1521, his three ships reached the island Mactan. The Spaniards were hardly able to move while carrying their heavy armory through knee-deep water. They were already expected and consequently were attacked by the natives. The battle ended in total disaster for the Spaniards. Captain Magellan died during this encounter. Only one ship returned to Spain, completing its historic journey on September 6th, 1522. This was the first recognized world circumnavigation. Magellan's death and the victory over the Spaniards made Lapu-Lapu the first guerilla and hero of Philippine warfare. Despite this historic battle, the Philippines remained under Spanish rule until the late 19th century before being ceded to the USA. Following the Japanese conquest in 1941 / 42, and a recapture by the US troops in 1944 / 45, the Philippines gained independence in 1946 that remains to this day.

Kadaugan sa Mactan (April 27)

The Battle of Mactan, during which the explorer Ferdinand Magellan was slain by the forces of the local chieftain Lapulapu, is reenacted annually at its site on the beach of Barangay Mactan. Decorated bancas (canoes), representing Magellan's three ships, lead a fluvial procession to the beach. The planting of the Cross of Magellan and the baptism of the natives is followed by the battle, which culminates in Lapulapu's victory. Kadaugan sa Mactan (literally, "Victory at Mactan") used to be called Bahugbahug sa Mactan (literally, "Melee at Mactan"), at that time, the celebration was a one-day event only. Since the 1980s, however, the event has been known as Kadaugan sa Mactan, and instead of only one day, the festivities run a full week. The exact time at which the live reenactment of Lapu-Lapu's victory at the Battle of Mactan at the Mactan Shrine festival begins depends on the tide but is usually around eight in the morning.

The celebration features a daily food festival, drum and bugle corps competitions, street dancing parade, nightly live band shows, wood carving contest, cross channel swimming competitions and baroto (banca) race, painting exhibits, oratorical contests, beauty pageants, fireworks display, mini agri-fair, jobs fair and mobile pass-porting (through the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the National Statistics Office).

This year, the Battle of Mactan reenactment will be participated by the WBC and Ring Magazine Super Featherweight Champion, the former world champion at IBF Super Bantamweight, and WBC Flyweight divisions, Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao as Lapu-Lapu, and his wife Jinkee as Bulakna.