Press Release
April 26, 2009

As nation observes 488th 'Battle of Mactan' anniversary
Gordon to lay wreaths at Lapu-Lapu and Rizal monuments

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon will offer a wreath to the monument of Lapu-Lapu in Luneta Park, Manila as the whole nation commemorates tomorrow (April 27) the 488th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan.

Gordon said the historic Battle of Mactan is the first Asian victory against colonial invaders and Lapu-Lapu's defiance against foreign rule is something that Filipinos should emulate.

"Lapu-Lapu is the Philippines' first successful defender of our shores against the colonial invaders. He personifies our National Anthem's verse 'sa manlulupig di ka pasisiil'," he said.

Gordon will lay the wreath at the Lapu-Lapu monument together with Imam Ben Maulana. A re-enactment of the Battle of Mactan will follow afterwards.

Lapu-Lapu was the king of Mactan who refused to submit to the rule of the Spanish invaders. Together with his men, the Mactan chief faced Spanish soldiers led by Ferdinand Magellan. Victory was on the side of the natives.

Meanwhile, in honor of the country's national hero, Gordon and Sir Emmanuel Cabusao of the Knights of Rizal will also offer a wreath at the monument of Jose Rizal also in Luneta Park.

The senator said Rizal also stood for what he believed in and fought for his ideals. He is personified in the National Anthem's line "ang mamatay ng dahil sa 'yo".

"The courage of Lapu-Lapu and the wisdom of Rizal should be emulated by every Filipino so that we can break the walls of apathy and cynicism in our minds that were built by our colonial past," Gordon said.

After the wreath-laying ceremonies, Gordon will immediately proceed to the historic Manila Hotel for the Bagumbayan Movement's Grand Launching and National Convention where he is the keynote speaker.

About 1,500 delegates and volunteer-members of the organization will be present in the event wherein they will discuss the movement's position on issues of national importance.

Among them include world flyweight champ Nonito Donaire, America's rock band Journey's lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, CNN Hero Efren Penaflorida, and Dennis Mendiola, former president and creator of the Chikka.com free text online services.

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