Kadaugan sa Mactan 2019 stars: An insightful, enjoyable experience

CEBU, Philippines —  Year after year, locals and tourists gather at the Mactan Liberty Shrine to witness the re-enactment of the historic Battle of Mactan which saw the heroism of Datu Lapu-Lapu against foreign invaders in pre-colonial Philippines. And each year, the audience looks forward to the stars who get to portray the main characters of the account.

For the 498th anniversary of the battle, which took place April 27 1521, actors Derrick Monasterio, Myrtle Sarrosa and Mark Neumann took center stage as they portrayed hero Datu Lapu-Lapu, his wife Reyna Bulakna, and Portugese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, respectively.

Last April 27, the trio had the honor of being the first artists to perform at the newly renovated Liberty Shrine, which can now accommodate more visitors.

This year’s re-enactment was a musical celebration which not only showcased the fateful battle but also introduced the local characters and how they gained their merits.

It showed Lapu-Lapu’s journey from boyhood to his rise to leadership. Reyna Bulakna was portrayed as a compassionate and endearing woman who welcomed the displaced natives into their homes.

The show also highlighted the union of Lapu-Lapu and Bulakna, leading to how they prepared for battle with Ferdinand Magellan and his crew approaching the coastline, seeking to conquer the island of Mactan in the name of Spain.

Fresh from their re-enactment, Derrick, Myrtle, and Mark sat down with the press to talk about their Kadaugan experience. For the most part, they regarded the whole thing as an enjoyable and insightful affair.

“It was a fun experience. We’re not only there to entertain but also re-enact one of the most famous scenes in history. I feel honored to play the role of Lapu-Lapu. Maganda talaga siya gawin and nakakatuwa,” Derrick said.

Apart from the blazing heat, the 23-year-old Kapuso talent shared that it was a challenge to pull off the re-enactment with the little time they had for rehearsals, arriving only the night before the event. Thankfully, they were all able to deliver the sequence well despite having to improvise a little bit with Mark during the battle portrayal.

“We rehearsed only once. We rehearsed for two hours and finished at around two a.m. and then we woke up at seven. We had to keep in mind what we rehearsed, the blocking and all that. It was not a short skit. It was quite long and maraming blockings,” said Derrick.

Derrick added he was familiar with Lapu-Lapu, having learned about him in school, and relied on what information he came across with to channel the hero.

Myrtle, a “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition 4” Big Winner, felt grateful to have been chosen to play Reyna Bulakna. As a cosplayer, she is no stranger to dressing up in elaborate costumes. As an actress, this wasn’t the 24-year-old’s first time inhibiting another persona. But being Reyna Bulakna, to her, was extra special.

“Masaya siya. Sa cosplay, you’re cosplaying a fictional character from anime movies and video games. This time, it’s someone from history. Napaka-importante ng taong ito sa history ng Philippines. Isang karangalan to play the part,” said the Kapamilya talent.

The “Papa Pogi” star added that she was able to learn more about Reyna Bulakna from her Cebuano friends. She appreciated how women in history are given much value through the re-enactment.

Myrtle said, “Most books that we read, hindi sini-celebrate masyado ang women. I’m glad that for this year’s presentation, mas binigyan ng focus yung reyna who played a huge role kay Lapu-Lapu, and lalo na sa women who were victimzed and raped, and sa villagers na nasunugan. Nakwento sa akin how she was of a help noong wala si Lapu-Lapu and nung winelcome back niya para sa laban. Pinakita na hind lang si Lapu-Lapu, na there was a woman behind him, supporting him.”

A self-confessed history fan, Mark made sure to prepare well for his portrayal of explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The Filipino-British actor watched a few documentaries, learned about the voyage, and asked his older sister, who was fluent in Spanish, to help him with the Spanish voice-overs so he could figure out the proper emotions and gestures.

The “Artista Academy” alum and now Star Magic artist enjoyed the fight scenes, joking at how exhausting it was to tread across the water in his battle gear.

“I’m really fascinated when it comes to war and history,” said Mark. “It was such a thrill and honor to be performing on the ground where blood was spilled from both sides. It was really exciting for me. And actually wearing an armor kahit props lang. It was a good feeling to go through the same thing as they went through. Ang ganda ng feeling.”

Asked what they wanted to evoke through their performances, Mark stressed the importance of remembering one’s roots and Filipino values.

“The story of resistance na pinakita natin sa foreigners, that we can stand on our own ground, that we were able to do it and that we can still do it now. And yung Pilipino matatag talaga at kahit anong pinagdadaanan, kaya nila.”