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Lapu-Lapu legend
Cebuanos remember Lapulapu as the datu of Mactan whose forces defeated Magellan's men in 1521. Spanish records give few facts about his life. Later stories add details, but historians question some of them.
Folklore is retold; versions differ.
Sources: Wikipedia: Lapulapu (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikidata (CC0)
The story
Lapulapu was a real datu of Mactan, an island off Cebu. The record is short. On 27 April 1521, Ferdinand Magellan attacked Mactan with Spanish men and warriors from Cebu. Lapulapu had refused to submit and pay tribute. Magellan died in the fight. Antonio Pigafetta, who sailed with Magellan, is the only first-hand writer who names him, as Cilapulapu. After the loss, the Spanish fleet left, and Spain did not settle the islands until 1565.
The rest is uncertain. Cebuano oral tradition says his father was Datu Mangal of Opong. A 1952 chronicle called Aginid says he came from Borneo and returned there, but most historians treat it as a hoax. Nobody knows his life after the battle. Claims that he was Muslim are also disputed.
Local legend adds that he turned to stone and guards the sea of Mactan. His name now marks Lapu-Lapu City, a shrine built in 1969, and a national day on 27 April.