If Magellan only knew what was in store for Mactan

 How Cebu went from historic battleground to booming tropical paradise

BY POCH EULALIA

Jul 10, 2023 04:33 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• When we reached land, those men had formed in three divisions to the number of more than 1,500 persons. When they saw us, they charged down upon us with exceeding loud cries, two divisions on our flanks and the other on our front. —Antonio Pigafetta

---

FROM THE BLOOD OF OUR ENEMIES The Battle of Mactan led to Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s defeat after being severely outnumbered by Datu Lapu-Lapu’s forces

Laced with enthusiasm, a young dance troupe tries to perfect their moves on the land that once hosted an epic battle against overconfident colonizers.

Just a short distance from the shore, a tall bronze statue commemorates the country’s earliest recognized hero, Datu Lapu-Lapu. Behind it lies a marker of defeat dedicated to Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his fallen comrades. Both are found at the Mactan Shrine, a national shrine dedicated to the historic Battle of Mactan, which is widely known as the first resistance against Spanish colonization in the country.

THE FIRST HERO A bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu enshrined in Mactan

“When we reached land, those men had formed in three divisions to the number of more than 1,500 persons. When they saw us, they charged down upon us with exceeding loud cries, two divisions on our flanks and the other on our front,” wrote Antonio Pigafetta, who chronicled most of the Magellan-led expedition. Each year, on April 27, the Kadaugan sa Mactan (Victory in Mactan) Festival is celebrated to honor Lapu-Lapu’s victory. Its main highlight is a reenactment of the battle where the battle is said to have taken place.

While Cebu is home to this historic battle, it is also a solemn place for Catholic devotees.

A HOLY PLACE The Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country

A short drive away from Mactan in Cebu City lies Magellan’s Cross just beside the Basílica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebú, one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the country. Magellan’s Cross stands as a marker of the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines after Magellan arrived and converted Raja Humabon and his wife Reyna Juana. An image of the Sto. Niño was then presented as a gift, over which Reyna Juana was said to have felt such immense joy that she danced around it, leading other natives to follow suit. Many pinpoint this as the act that would lead to the celebration of the Sinulog Festival, a large feast celebrated on the third Sunday of January, the feast of Santo Niño de Cebú.

THE BIRTH OF PHILIPPINE CATHOLICISM Magellan’s Cross was erected following Magellan's arrival in Cebu on April 21, 1521

Finally, for music lovers, Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan is often referred to as the guitar capital of the Philippines.

Alegre Guitar Factory has made a name for itself not only in the Philippines but internationally. Its guitars are sold as far as Canada, Australia, and the US. Entering the factory, guests are given a brief look into how each guitar is made and the different types of wood that can be used for crafting the instrument. It’s inspiring to see just how much meticulous work goes into creating a single guitar. The salesmen are also proficient players, easily able to demonstrate and explain each instrument on display.

HANDCRAFTED TO PERFECTION A worker from the Alegre Guitar Factory adds finishing touches to a guitar he made

If you’re considering a place to stay during your visit, consider booking a stay at the Belmont Hotel Mactan.

With over 550 guestrooms and suites, the Belmont Hotel Mactan is the perfect place for business or leisure purposes. Each suite comes in three categories, Superior Deluxe (up to 26 square meters), Deluxe Premier (up to 36 square meters), and Junior Suites (up to 50 square meters). All rooms are fully equipped with essential amenities, such as an in-room electronic safety box, wall-mounted TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar, and a wireless Internet connection. Other amenities include four function halls perfect for business meetings or celebrating events, a fitness center with top-notch gym equipment, and a swimming pool area replete with a poolside bar.

BLEISURE PERFECTION The Belmont Hotel Mactan is the perfect hotel for business and leisure, with over 550 guestrooms and suites, and four function halls for meetings or celebrations

The Belmont Hotel Mactan is also located within a 30-hectare township development, The Mactan Newtown, Megaworld’s first-ever township outside of Metro Manila and within a beach. It is also home to two of the largest annual celebrations in Cebu, the Cebu Lechon Festival celebrated in August and the Cebu Mangoes Festival in May. It also hosted the Megaworld Ironman 70.3 Philippines last year, bringing in over 2,000 triathletes from all over.

For those considering a more permanent stay, Mactan Newtown is also home to residential condominiums, over 1,655 units and counting. It is a booming business district with about 81,000 square meters of leasable office spaces in eight office towers hosting top BPO companies and multinational firms. Education is a priority, so there’s the Newtown School of Excellence, an academic institution supervised by the La Sallian Schools of Supervision Office (LASSO), offering academic programs from pre-school up to Grade 7. The Mactan Alfresco offers a wide selection of restaurants offering local delicacies and specialty cuisines. It even hosts a live lechon roasting, where visitors can see how the iconic dish is made.

Gilas Girls open promotion bid in style, romp Hong Kong

 BY REYNALD I. MAGALLON

Jul 11, 2023 01:27 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• The Gilas Pilipinas Girls team opened its bid for a Division A promotion in style, dominating Hong Kong, 79-40, for a rousing start in the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship at the Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan on Monday, July 10.

---

The Gilas Pilipinas Girls team opened its bid for a Division A promotion in style, dominating Hong Kong, 79-40, for a rousing start in the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship at the Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan on Monday, July 10.

Ava Fajardo, as expected, leads the way for Gilas Pilipinas in rousing first win. (FIBA Photo)

Suffocating on the defensive end with their ball pressure and relentless on the other with the fast-paced attacks, the Filipinas easily controlled the contest and built a lead that went to as high as 41 points.

The two holdovers from the previous U16 team, as expected, led the way for the Filipinas with Ava Fajardo, the younger sister of Gilas seniors team guard Ella, dropping 17 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field.

The other, Ryan Kelly Nair, chipped in 12 points while newcomers Alyssia Palma added 10 and Ariel Star De La O posted seven points and 12 rebounds.

Pegged as one of the favorites in the competition, Gilas had an early show of force and started like a house on fire, opening the game with a 10-0 rally. 

There was a bit of resistance from Hong Kong when it cut the lead down to just four, 15-11, late in the first quarter but that was basically it for them.

The Nationals then went on to clamp down on the defensive end, limiting their opponents to single-digit scoring in the middle quarters while they breached the 20-point marks in all of the last three quarters to essay the rout.

Tsz Ching Kam paced Hong Kong with 14 points while Yan Ting Tai added 11 markers and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.

Up next for Gilas is Maldives on Tuesday night, July 11 (Manila time), as the Filipinas gun for one of the top two spots in Group A to advance to the knockout rounds.

Regine Velasquez: 'It’s no longer my time'

BY STEPHANIE BERNARDINO

  

---

Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez has accepted that it's no longer her "time."

Despite this, the seasoned singer-actress is grateful for the success she enjoyed the last four decades.

“I know that it’s no longer my time. But, I’m still here. And I’m still doing what I love to do most, which is performing, singing, recording, doing 'ASAP,'” Regine said in an interview on "Tao Po."

According to her, she's "very blessed" that she is still able to do her passion.

"But ako naman, parang alam ko naman na meron ng mas magagaling... mas magagaling na yung singers ngayon," she said.

More than anything, Regine is content that she is able to share and impart lessons to a younger generation of artists.

"You know lahat ng singers, those kids in 'ASAP,' kapag humihingi ng advice, yun talagang I would just really give it to them. I am happy that I'm able to inspire other artists," was how she put it.

Regine then turned emotional, declaring: "Habang may makikinig sa akin, siguro, I'll keep singing."

She added: "Kasi parang kaya mo bang iwan yun? When you love something, di ba you fight for it? You work so hard to be able to be successful at it and then just one day you decide: 'I don't wanna to this anymore.' Parang, mahirap gawin."

"God gave you this wonderful talent, and you should share it with everyone."

Regine said that the way she sees it now, she is not just a singer.

"We entertain people. We inspire people. Hopefully, we inspire other artists, also. So that's how I look at it now.”

Regine was just five years old when she started singing, sharing her realization even then: "I wanna do this for the rest of my life."

She joined different amateur singing contests to fulfill her dreams.

"Ito yung dream mo e. You do whatever you can to make your dreams come true,” she related.

Apparently her beginning in showbiz wasn't smooth.

When she won in "Ang Bagong Kampeon" in 1984, someone told her then-manager: "Naku, hindi yan sisikat kasi, oo, magaling siya kumanta pero hindi siya kagandahan."

But rather than feel insecure, Regine proved herself.

"Lagi kong sinasabi, wait until you hear me sing. Pinapatunayan ko naman yung sarili ko sa kanila na I also deserve to be part of this industry."

This is not the first time Regine opened up about her mindset regarding her career.

Last year, she echoed the same sentiments, relating: "I’m very aware that it’s no longer my time, kasi we all are given naman our own time in the industry and in life in general."

“So, natutuwa ako na nandito ako ngayon to mentor. And more than the fame right now, at this time of my life, I love that part (mentoring) because they listen to everything that I say. And they think they learn from me, and I hope they are.”

Because she experienced so many things being in the business for that long, she feels like it's her duty to pass down what she has learned."

Filipinas unveil final 23 lineup for historic FIFA Women’s World Cup debut

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• The Philippine women’s national football team's final 23 roster led by co-captains Hali Long and Tahnai Annis has been unveiled ahead of the country’s historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup debut on Sunday, July 9.

---

The Philippine women’s national football team's final 23 roster led by co-captains Hali Long and Tahnai Annis has been unveiled ahead of the country’s historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup debut on Sunday, July 9.

The Philippine national women's football team. (Photo from PFF)

The 23 players were named by coach Alen Stajcic as the Filipinas wrap up their four-week training camp in Sydney, Australia.

From 29 players, the Nationals were trimmed down to 23 who will then be tangled with higher ranked opponents in Norway (No. 12), Switzerland (No. 20) and host nation New Zealand (No. 25).

“We congratulate the 23 players who were selected for the Philippines in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and express our gratitude to the players who have committed and sacrificed to make themselves available throughout the selection process,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta.

“We wish our team all the best as they head to New Zealand for the final days of their preparation, before the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes.

“The next weeks will be the culmination of a year and a half of hard work, dedication and sacrifice by every member of our Team,” said team manager Jefferson Cheng. “This group of 23 represents the best of us, the best of the indomitable Filipino spirit, and I am excited to see them make all of us even prouder.”

The Philippines secured its first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup, male or female, when Sarina Bolden fired the go-ahead penalty kick in their dramatic win over Chinese Taipei in the Asian Cup in India in Jan. 2022.

Per the PFF, the team is set to fly out to New Zealand on Monday morning, July 10, to continue its final preparations for the biggest football showpiece.

The Stajcic-coached Filipinas headed to Australia last month for the hardest four weeks of their lives and will then set their base camp in Auckland once the tournament kicks off.

The acid test begins a few days earlier for the Philippines, though, as it is set to face world No. 3 Sweden in an unofficial friendly match which is meant to simulate the tall task they have ahead of them.

Goalkeepers:
Kiara Fontanilla, Kaiya Jota, Olivia McDaniel

Defenders:
Alicia Barker, Angela Beard, Reina Bonta, Malea Cesar, Jessika Cowart, Sofia Harrison, Hali Long, Dominique Randle

Midfielders:
Tahnai Annis, Ryley Bugay, Anicka Castañeda, Sara Eggesvik, Quinley Quezada, Jaclyn Sawicki

Forwards:
Sarina Bolden, Isabella Flanigan, Carleigh Frilles, Katrina Guillou, Chandler McDaniel, Meryll Serrano

Reserves:
Inna Palacios, Maya Alcantara, Isabella Pasion

Quiapo Church now a national shrine

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

---

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has approved a petition to change the status of Quiapo Church from the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Black Nazarene to the National Shrine of the Black Nazarene.

(Photo from CBCP)

According to CBCP, the recognition of the country’s 29th national shrine was announced at its 126th plenary session in Kalibo, Aklan on July 8.

The CBCP granted Quiapo Church as the "National Shrine of the Black Nazarene" status in response to the appeal of Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula's appeal.

"For many years, the home of the centuries-old and revered image of the Black Nazarene has served as a prominent landmark for pilgrims from all corners of the country," the CBCP said in a statement on Sunday, July 9.

Since the "Traslacion" of the image from Intramuros to Quiapo in 1787, Quiapo Church has been a place of devotion for Filipinos.

Cardinal Advincula elevated the church to the status of archdiocesan shrine only on May 10.

Moreover, way back in 1987, St. John Paul II elevated the church to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene because of how important it is in creating a public worship to Jesus Christ and its cultural effect on Filipino religious practices. (Rhowen Del Rosario)

Bong Go files bill modernizing PH Coast Guard’s capabilities ​

BY HANNAH TORREGOZA 

Jul 9, 2023 10:43 AM

  

---


Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has filed a bill seeking to modernize the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and strengthen its capabilities in guarding the country’s maritime resources in light of the series of maritime incidents and emergencies in the West Philippine Sea.

                                    Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go (Senate PRIB Photo)

In filing Senate Bill No. 2112, Go said it is imperative to upgrade the PCG’s vessels, aircraft and equipment to international standards, as this will significanlty improve its response time when there are maritime incidents and emergencies. 
 
"Our coast guard serves as the frontline defense against threats like smuggling and terrorism. Additionally, they provide invaluable assistance during natural disasters and emergencies,” Go said.
 
"However, our coast guard faces several challenges that hamper their effectiveness including outdated equipment, inadequate training, and insufficient funding,” he noted.
 
“Hence, I am proposing this bill to address these issues and modernize our coast guard to better protect our country and our people,” Go said.
 
Once passed into law, it would allow the PCG to undergo a comprehensive modernization program designed to eliminate accidents at sea, expedite response times during search and rescue operations, and bolster national security efforts.
 
The bill also aims to help in the enforcement of Philippine laws in the maritime zone, minimize pollution, and improve response times for recovering and mitigating spills.
 
Go said the reported aggressive moves of the Chinese Coast Guard vessels and militia last June 30, chasing two Philippine vessels during a resupply mission, highlights the importance of modernizing the PCG.
 
He noted that the PCG ships—BRP Malabrigo and BRP Malapascua—were merely providing escort to a small boat delivering supplies to the Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre. 
 
The mission encountered a significant number of Chinese Coast Guard militia vessels, described as an "armada."
 
Part of the bill, Go said seeks to provide training and capacity-building programs for the PCG to make sure that its personnel are well-prepared for any challenges that may arise.
 
Under the bill, he said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) would be the implementing agency that will have the authority to enter into multi-year contracts subject to Congress’ and the President’s approval. 
 
"Moreover, this bill will establish a system of accountability and transparency in managing the coast guard's resources and operations. It guarantees efficient and effective use of the allocated funds for the modernization of our coast guard," Go said.
 
“The modernization of our coast guard is crucial for our national security and the safety and well-being of our citizens, particularly those whose livelihood depends on our seas and waterways. We must ensure that our PCG is fully equipped and prepared to protect our waters and our people,” he pointed out.

Are Filipinos really friendly?

Andre Matthews

Retired from supervisor of water treatment.

372 followers

Are Filipinos really friendly?

I have retired and have moved to the Philippines. This is one of the main reasons i moved there. Not to mention my wonderful wife who preferred living back in the Philippines than stay in the US.

You walk down the streets, in the shops, restaurants, malls. No matter where , you are met with friendly smiles, greetings from workers. Security guards. You feel welcomed!

Its a festive like culture. Always something going on ,Birthdays, Holidays, feast..ect. despite pockets of poverty in areas, these people love life and living!!

Just focus on doing a lot of good

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

IN the gospel, there is a part where Christ drove out the demons from a possessed man but was accused by some leading Jews of driving out demons by the prince of demons, an obviously self-contradicting reasoning. (cfr. Mt 9,32-38)

On this occasion, Christ did not waste time defending himself. He proceeded instead to go around all the towns and villages, teaching in the synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness.

This should also be our reaction when we encounter some contradictions in our efforts to do some good. We should just proceed to do a lot more of good. Let those who misunderstand us bear their own misunderstanding. Of course, if we have some time, we may do some gentle and charitable clarification or correction. But we should not lose sight of what is most important for us to do.

In the same gospel, it is said that when Christ saw the big crowd to be given attention to, he was moved with pity because he saw them like being troubled and abandoned, like a sheep without a shepherd.

That’s when he made this appeal to his disciples to “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest,” because as he said, “the harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.”

Indeed, this is always the situation in our earthly life. It’s a big and continuing challenge. There are endless people to reach out to bring Christ to them, and those who have to do that very important task will always be few and limited.

We just have to realize that everyone of us, if we are to be consistently faithful to our Christian identity, is called to carry out this task. Thus, we have to realize more deeply that all of us actually have a vocation, since all are called to share in Christ’s mission to save all men.

We should all be concerned about this matter. We need to develop a sense of vocation, for the simple reason that everyone has a vocation. We come from God and we belong to him. He always calls us to himself and offers us a way to go to him. 

The way to go to him, peculiar to each one of us given our different situations in life and God’s specific plan for us, is the vocation God gives us. We therefore should try to discover that vocation as early as possible and correspond to it as fully as possible also.

To be sure, no one comes to existence by mere accident nor by pure chance and divine caprice. God does not create us at random. Even a person who is considered unwanted by his parents or is conceived through rape is already a person planned and loved by God from all eternity. This is a fundamental truth about ourselves that we should never take for granted.

Thus, we should try to develop this sense of vocation as early as possible. And this can mean as early as when one is still a child, already beginning to be aware of what and who he or she is. This normally should start in the family, with the parents playing a major role in this affair since they are our first teachers here on earth. 

The parents should be quick in sowing the seeds of this sense of vocation by making the child aware that he or she just did not come from them but from God. And that he or she also belongs to God. This basic truth should always be reinforced all throughout the process of bringing up and educating the child.