Lapu-lapu is considered one of the greatest figures of ancient Philippine history. Although the first thing that usually comes to mind when the name of Lapu-lapu is mentioned is the fact that his battle with Magellan led to Magellan's death, Lapu-lapu was not honored because of that. Rather, he is honored because he was among the first to reject submission to a foreign power even though Raja Humabon, ruler of the neighboring island of Cebu, and other chiefs recognized the king of Spain as their ruler and agreed to pay tribute.
On April 28, 1521, Magellan and some sixty of his men battled with the forces of Lapu-lapu on the shores of Mactan Island. During the battle, Magellan was wounded in the leg. Seeing this, several members of Lapu-lapu's forces rushed at Magellan and killed him with their spears. With the death of Magellan, the Spaniards retreated to their ships and left. Lapu-lapu's victory is celebrated annually with a re-enactment of the battle at the site where the original battle is believed to have occurred.
Little is known regarding Lapu-lapu's life. However, he figures in several legends. One of which is the legend of the Origin of the Coconut. He also indirectly figures in a 20th-century legend, the legend of the Bow and Arrow.
