Press Release
April 27, 2009

Gordon urges Filipinos to honor Lapu-Lapu

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today urged all Filipinos to pay tribute to the first Filipino hero, Lapu-Lapu, for his bravery and gallantry as the whole nation commemorates the 488th anniversary of the historic Battle of Mactan.

Gordon made the call as he offered a wreath at the foot of Lapu-Lapu's monument in Luneta Park, Manila as a fitting tribute to the heroism of the nation's first hero who is personified in the National Anthem's verse "sa manlulupig 'di ka pasisiil".

"Lapu-Lapu displayed great courage when he led his men to fight foreign oppressors. It is fitting that we as a nation and as a people celebrate this historic event which is the first victory of our nation against colonial invaders," he said.

Gordon, who also holds a degree in history and government at the Ateneo de Manila University, sought the passage of Senate Bill 2162 he authored that would declare April 27 as a national holiday to be known as Lapu-Lapu Day or Adlaw ni Lapu-Lapu.

Lapu-Lapu was the King of Mactan who refused to submit to the rule of the Spanish invaders. Ferdinand Magellan, the leader of the Spanish expedition who arrived in the islands, then sent a party of sailors to Mactan to burn villages on the island.

However, instead of giving up, the Mactan chief, together with his men who were armed with spears, faced Spanish soldiers led by Magellan who was wearing armor from his head to his knees. Victory was on the side of the natives. It happened on April 27, 1521.

"Lapu-Lapu had strong principles and possessed the qualities of courage, bravery, strength, honor, and integrity, which should be emulated by every Filipino," Gordon said.

The senator will also lay a wreath at the monument of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, also in Luneta Park in honor of the country's national hero.

After the wreath-laying ceremonies, Gordon will immediately proceed to the Manila Hotel for the Bagumbayan Movement Grand Launching and National Convention where he is the special guest of honor and 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.

News Latest News Feed