CEBU, Philippines - Mactan Island is undoubtedly one of the country’s leading tourist destinations not only because of its beauty but for its rich history, as well. Much of our country’s colorful history was grinded and mixed forever with the sand and soil of this island.
Although Mactan enjoys a good flow of tourists each year, the unfortunate hostage crisis in Manila took a toll on tourism. This sent local government units looking for ways to lessen the impact of the tragedy. Lapu-Lapu City was one of those who answered the call to give tourism a boost. The city’s answer is its “Island Experience,” a comprehensive 3-month tourism campaign formulated by city mayor Paz Corro Radaza to transform the whole of Lapu-Lapu City, if not the whole island of Mactan, to be one big rest and recreation haven.
The program was supported by the private sector and tourism stakeholders such as hotels, resorts, restaurants and spas, which volunteered to cut their rates and come up with other promotional packages to entice local tourists from all over the country. The program made it possible for local tourists to avail of tour packages that only foreign tourists could usually afford.
The spotlight was also aimed at the city’s various tourist spots – the Mactan Shrine, where historical landmarks Magellan’s Obelisk and the Lapulapu Monument stand to commemorate the historical battle between the “Christianizers” and the local island tribe; the Muelle Osmeña, an old arch-based concrete structure that serves as a lighthouse and guide for seafarers and fishermen of the island and the Virgen dela Regla National Shrine, which is just a few meters from the lighthouse.
Adventure seekers and nature lovers also have their spots in Mactan, such as beautiful Caohagan Island, and of course, the popular Olango group of islands where the renowned Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary nests. For migratory birds all over the world, the sanctuary is considered as a “5-star” hotel, because in Lapu-Lapu not all tourists are humans. The city’s world class hotels and resorts, and even the public beaches are also must-sees in Lapu-Lapu, especially since these places also offer exciting watersports.
Lapu-Lapu is also well-known for its guitar-making industry. For an intimate experience, one could visit the homes/factories of the Alegre, Lumanog and Malingin families, the most noted guitar makers of the island.
The city is also home to the International Academy for Film and Television where students from all parts of the globe come to study how to make quality films. A tour inside the campus is a good learning experience for one to get an idea how professionals in the filmmaking business turn their simple thoughts and stories into life in a cinematic way.
Lapu-Lapu City is truly a gem that is waiting to be discovered and rediscovered. As Datu Lapulapu, the country’s first hero, used his knowledge of the island’s natural physique to achieve victory and freedom, may the people of today take pride of the island’s beauty and patronize its different offerings to boost tourism. (FREEMAN)