Latest news with #BattleofMactan
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
‘No one ever saw Lapulapu': Filipino Lav Diaz's new film ‘Magellan' challenges Philippine founding myth
CANNES, May 20 — Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal stars in a new film which re-examines the discovery of the Philippines by European explorers and questions the existence of a national resistance hero. 'Magellan', which premiered at the Cannes film festival on Sunday, is the latest feature from Filipino director Lav Diaz, who acknowledges he is tackling sensitive issues. The film takes its title from Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, played by Bernal, who set sail in the early 1500s across the Atlantic in search of Far East riches. 'He is the first European to be able to set foot in the Philippines. And at the same time, the conversion (to Christianity) of the Filipinos started with him,' Diaz told AFP. 'And, of course, colonisation eventually.' Magellan, who was sponsored by the Spanish crown, died at the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521, killed in combat by warriors said to be led by Lapulapu. Diaz puts forward a theory in his film that Lapulapu, who is now revered for his resistance, was in fact an invention of Humabon, the monarch of a neighbouring island. The Battle of Mactan 'was a trap' for the explorer, who was told that people on Mactan island were resisting the arrival of Christianity. 'No-one ever saw Lapulapu,' Diaz says, adding that his conclusions are based on 'years of research' into this key episode in Philippine history. Evidence for him is only found in the writings of Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian who accompanied Magellan and whose testimony Diaz considers unreliable. 'There will be people who accuse me of revisionism,' added the Filipino filmmaker, who won the Golden Lion top prize in Venice in 2016 for 'The Woman Who Left'. Diaz is part of the 'slow cinema' movement, which has a contemplative and minimalist style. He has described his film-making as a way for his fellow citizens to find their national identity after centuries of colonisation by Spain and the United States. Known for his lengthy works – he once said his movies were so long no-one would buy them – this latest feature is a relatively brisk two hours and 40 minutes. 'I'm just an observer. I don't like being an intruder,' he said of his directing style. His longest film runs to 11 hours and his 2016 entry for the Berlin film festival 'A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery' was eight. Diaz's filmmaking is strongly influenced by his tumultuous childhood, growing up in the conflict-plagued southern town of Datu Paglas. His parents, both state school teachers, uprooted themselves from the peaceful north to teach children in war zones how to read and write. — AFP
France 24
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
Gael Garcia Bernal retells Philippines history in new film
"Magellan", which premiered at the Cannes film festival on Sunday, is the latest feature from Filipino director Lav Diaz, who acknowledges he is tackling sensitive issues. The film takes its title from Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, played by Bernal, who set sail in the early 1500s across the Atlantic in search of Far East riches. "He is the first European to be able to set foot in the Philippines. And at the same time, the conversion (to Christianity) of the Filipinos started with him," Diaz told AFP. "And, of course, colonisation eventually." Magellan, who was sponsored by the Spanish crown, died at the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521, killed in combat by warriors said to be led by Lapulapu. Diaz puts forward a theory in his film that Lapulapu, who is now revered for his resistance, was in fact an invention of Humabon, the monarch of a neighbouring island. The Battle of Mactan "was a trap" for the explorer, who was told that people on Mactan island were resisting the arrival of Christianity. "No-one ever saw Lapulapu," Diaz says, adding that his conclusions are based on "years of research" into this key episode in Philippine history. Evidence for him is only found in the writings of Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian who accompanied Magellan and whose testimony Diaz considers unreliable. "There will be people who accuse me of revisionism," added the Filipino filmmaker, who won the Golden Lion top prize in Venice in 2016 for "The Woman Who Left". Diaz is part of the "slow cinema" movement, which has a contemplative and minimalist style. He has described his film-making as a way for his fellow citizens to find their national identity after centuries of colonisation by Spain and the United States. Known for his lengthy works -- he once said his movies were so long no-one would buy them -- this latest feature is a relatively brisk two hours and 40 minutes. "I'm just an observer. I don't like being an intruder," he said of his directing style. His longest film runs to 11 hours and his 2016 entry for the Berlin film festival "A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery" was eight. Diaz's filmmaking is strongly influenced by his tumultuous childhood, growing up in the conflict-plagued southern town of Datu Paglas. His parents, both state school teachers, uprooted themselves from the peaceful north to teach children in war zones how to read and write.
CTV News
29-04-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Alberta legislature stands with Filipino Canadians in tragedy's aftermath
Both sides of the Alberta legislature rose to support Canada's Filipino community Monday, as the nation struggled to process a tragedy that marred a Vancouver cultural festival. Standing ovations followed UCP and NDP words of comfort, grief and condemnation, after a motor vehicle plowed into a Lapu-Lapu Day festival Saturday and killed 11 people. At least 17 others were injured, some of them seriously or critically. 'What should have been a joyful celebration of Filipino culture and heritage ended in the unthinkable act of violence that has left families shattered, communities grieving and our nation in mourning,' said Jacqueline Lovely, the UCP member for Camrose. Added Lizette Tejada, the NDP member for Calgary-Klein: 'We all grieve with Filipino Canadians as they navigate the unimaginable loss of beloved community members and contend with the injuries and trauma resulting from this violent attack.' Police have so far charged a 30-year-old man with eight counts of second-degree murder, after a black SUV tore into the street festival. More charges against the man are likely. Lapu-Lapu Day honours Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Filipino chieftain who became a national hero for defeating Spanish forces led by Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan in 1521. About a million people or 2.5 per cent of Canada's population were of Filipino descent in 2021, according to Census Canada, making them the third largest Asian ethnic grouping in the country. About 3.5 per cent B.C.'s population and more than five per cent of Alberta's were part of the community. Lovely praised Filipino Canadians for 'kindness, resilience and remarkable contributions to our society.' Filipino Canadians 'are our neighbours, our colleagues and our friends. In every corner of our province Filipino Canadians have helped build stronger, more vibrant communities through their hard work, generosity and spirit of service.' Tejada said: 'The love, strength, faith and unity of the Filipino community is well known, but know that you're not alone in this journey. I think I can speak for every member in this chamber when I say that our hearts are with you in these difficult moments and as you move through grief. 'I wish you solace, comfort and healing.' By George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Macleod Gazette
The Independent
28-04-2025
- The Independent
What is the Lapu-Lapu Day celebrated in Vancouver by Filipino community?
Thousands of Filipinos gathered in Vancouver on Saturday to celebrate Lapu-Lapu Day, a festival honouring a key figure in Philippine history, when an SUV ploughed into the crowd killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens of others. The people had gathered in the city's Sunset neighbourhood for a multi-block street party. The celebration, which included Filipino food, live performances, and cultural displays, was just winding down when tragedy struck. Lapu-Lapu Day, celebrated across the Philippines and especially in the central Visayas region, commemorates Datu Lapu-Lapu's victory over Spanish forces led by Ferdinand Magellan during the Battle of Mactan in 1521, according to reports. The Filipino chieftain's triumph is regarded as a symbol of the nation's resistance against colonial rule and his enduring legacy as a national hero. Lapu-Lapu's victory is further celebrated in the Philippines, with the city of Lapu-Lapu on Mactan Island named in his honour. In Vancouver, the festival, which was also a tribute to the cultural contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community, was tragically marred by the incident. Local police responded to the mass casualty event, arresting a 30-year-old Vancouver man at the scene. The Philippine consulate in Vancouver expressed solidarity, stating: 'We pray that our community remains strong and resilient imbued with the spirit of bayanihan (community spirit) during this difficult time.' In recognition of the Filipino community's significance in British Columbia, the provincial government declared 27 April as Lapu-Lapu Day in 2023. This official recognition honours the community's impact on the region's cultural vibrancy and prosperity. With over 172,000 people of Filipino descent in British Columbia as of 2021, Lapu-Lapu Day has become an important occasion for both reflection on Filipino heritage and a celebration of unity. Lapu-Lapu's legacy continues to inspire, as organisers of the Vancouver festivities noted, describing the hero as embodying "the soul of native resistance" and a symbol of the power of unity. "He teaches us that the strength of a united people, bound by a shared commitment to their heritage, can withstand any challenge," they added. The festival in Vancouver also featured a parade, cultural dances, film screenings, local markets, and basketball – the Philippines' most beloved sport. Organisers expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families, stating they were devastated by the tragedy. "We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy," they said in a statement.
NDTV
28-04-2025
- NDTV
Explained: What Is Lapu-Lapu, The Festival At Which Driver Ran Over 11
Quick Take Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. A vehicle struck a crowd at Lapu-Lapu Day celebrations in Vancouver, killing and injuring many. The event honors Datu Lapu-Lapu's historic victory over Spanish forces in 1521. Authorities are investigating the incident, which has shocked the community. Manila: Thousands of Filipinos in Vancouver were celebrating Lapu-Lapu Day on Saturday, marking a defining moment in Philippine history, when tragedy struck - a vehicle drove into the crowd killing multiple people and injuring others. The festival, celebrated especially in the central Philippines, honours Datu Lapu-Lapu, the Filipino chieftain who famously defeated Spanish forces led by Ferdinand Magellan in the Battle of Mactan in 1521 and became a national hero. The centrepiece of the festivities in Vancouver is a multi-block street party in the Sunset neighbourhood featuring Filipino food and traditions, live performances and cultural displays. The party on Saturday was just starting to break up but many people were still in the streets when a dark SUV rammed into the crowd. Police said they were investigating a mass casualty incident and had arrested a 30-year-old Vancouver man at the scene, but did not immediately give the number of fatalities or injured. "We pray that our community remains strong and resilient imbued with the spirit of bayanihan (community spirit) during this difficult time," The Philippine consulate in Vancouver said in a statement. The government of British Columbia officially recognised April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day in 2023, acknowledging the cultural contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community, one of the largest immigrant groups in the province. Lapu-Lapu's victory is celebrated in the Philippines as a symbol of nation's resistance to colonisation and the bravery of its early leaders. The city of Lapu-Lapu on Mactan Island in the central Philippines is named in honour of the chieftain and serves as living tribute to his legacy.
