Today, August 27th, we celebrate National Heroes Day to commemorate our heroes throughout history.
One of my favorite Filipino heroes is Lapu-Lapu--a man who resisted a foreign invader and fought guns with spears, kampilan and kalasag. He was the first-ever recognized Filipino hero and freedom fighter. I was in Rizal Park two weeks ago and visited Lapu-Lapu's 30-foot bronze statue. This monument is called the "Sentinel of Freedom", a gift from the Korean Freedom League, and was erected here in 2004. It was conceptualized to give recognition to the first Asian who fought against foreign invasion.
The hero was shown standing guard, holding his kampilan, which is concealed in its scabbard and firmly planted on the ground. A man of peace yet ready to protect his territory and people if threatened. The statue faces the west, towards Manila Bay.
Lapu-Lapu (1491-1542) is known in history as the Datu of Mactan in Central Philippines who defeated in 1521 the Portuguese explorer and conquistador Ferdinand Magellan. Magellan, who was under the service of the King of Spain, was the first man to circumnavigate the world. After the historic battle in what would later be known as the Battle of Mactan, it took the Spanish colonialists 35 years before they would set foot again on what is now the Philippines.
The statue was sculpted by Juan Sajid Imao, a 2001 TOYM awardee for the arts.
Linking to Our World-Tuesday
Fantastic shots, and let's celebrating the heroes!
ReplyDeletein Belgrade is a similar statue. it is great when people choose to celebrate their heroes, as the reader before me mentioned!
ReplyDeleteAll children learn about Magellan in school, but they are not taught about the heroic Lapu Lapu. Thanks for the interesting information and beautiful pictures you share.
ReplyDeleteImpressive statue!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your hero and the cool statue. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteWow...what a large statue! We should honor our heroes more than we do nowadays instead of celebrities. Great shot!
ReplyDeleteNice pictures you show.
ReplyDeleteWish you a good Tuesday :)
Hanne Bente
Miranda,
ReplyDeleteThis majestic statue has been a great guardian deity to keep protecting his people! Thanks a lot for sharing the history of your country.
Wonderful shots!
keiko
An incredible statue and what a terrific way to celebrate our heros! Super capture for the day!! Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteWhat an impressive statue to recognise a hero.
ReplyDeleteI hardly go that part of Manila and didn't realize that Lapu-Lapu's monument stands so high at the Rizal Park. That's a beautiful statue and he is likewise a favorite among our heroes.
ReplyDelete