Mactan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | South East Asia |
| Archipelago | Visayas |
| Major islands | Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Masbate, Negros, Panay, Samar |
| Country | |
| Philippines island. | |
| A City and a Municipality | Cordova, Lapu-Lapu |
| Largest city | Lapu-Lapu (217,019) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 251,051 (as of 2000) |
| Ethnic groups | Visayan (Cebuano) |
Mactan is an island located a few kilometers off Cebu, in the Philippine Islands. The island is part of the Province of Cebu, and is divided into Lapu-Lapu City, and the municipality of Cordova. The island is connected to Cebu by the two bridges one of which is the Marcelo Fernan Bridge, and the Mactan Bridge.
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the country's second busiest airport, is located on Mactan Island.
The only aquarium attraction in the Visayas is also located on the island.
[edit] History
Europeans first arrived in Mactan Island in 1521 led by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan who also died here fighting the warriors of Lapu-Lapu. Spain colonized the island in the 16th century.
The Battle of Mactan was fought here on April 27, 1521. The warriors of Lapu-Lapu, a native chieftain of Mactan Island, defeated attacking Spanish soldiers under the command of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The Battle of Mactan is commemorated by a memorial monument, known as the Lapu-Lapu shrine, in honor of Rajah Lapu-Lapu, and Ferdinand Magellan.
Today, the island is known for its mass productions of guitars, ukeleles, and other musical instruments.
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