“In his vision, Gordon sees not only the valor of Lapu-Lapu, but also the unity of a nation forged in the crucible of adversity”
In the dimly lit corridors of history, there exists a figure shrouded in the mists of time, a beacon of defiance against the encroaching tides of colonial domination.
His name? Lapu-Lapu.
A name that resonates through the ages, whispered in the winds of valor and etched into the annals of heroism.
And now, as the specter of foreign aggression looms once more on the horizon, former senator Richard “Dick” Gordon implores his fellow Filipinos to draw strength from the indomitable spirit of this ancient warrior.
“Lapu-Lapu repelled Spanish conqueror Magellan as he was coming from the sea. That shows inherent love of country,” Gordon declares, his voice echoing with the resonance of centuries past.
In the face of overwhelming odds, Lapu-Lapu stood tall, a lone sentinel against the tide of foreign encroachment, his courage a testament to the unyielding resolve of the Filipino spirit.
But it is not only the valor of Lapu-Lapu that Gordon extols, but also the ideals for which he fought.
“Fighting for one’s right should be au naturel in Filipinos, like Lapu-Lapu,” Gordon proclaims, his words a rallying cry to his countrymen.
In the hallowed halls of history, Lapu-Lapu stands as a symbol of resistance, a guardian of liberty in a world beset by tyranny.
And yet, as Gordon reminds us, the legacy of Lapu-Lapu is not merely a relic of the past, but a guiding light for the future.
“The history of what Lapu-Lapu did for the Philippines should not be lost to today’s generation of Filipinos and especially for the generation that will come after,” he implores, his words a solemn vow to honor the sacrifices of those who came before.
In his vision, Gordon sees not only the valor of Lapu-Lapu, but also the unity of a nation forged in the crucible of adversity.
“Lapu-Lapu represents Visayas and Mindanao while Rizal represents Luzon thus they must remain in Rizal Park as they unite the Filipinos,” he asserts, his words a clarion call for solidarity in the face of division.
But Gordon’s vision extends beyond mere symbolism, for he has taken concrete steps to enshrine the legacy of Lapu-Lapu in the hearts and minds of his countrymen.
As tourism secretary, he spearheaded the installation of the iconic Lapu-Lapu Monument in Rizal Park, a towering testament to the enduring spirit of resistance.
And it was Gordon who championed the bill that made April 27 a national holiday as Adlaw ni Lapu-Lapu or Lapu-Lapu Day, a day of remembrance for a nation forged in the fires of defiance.
As the shadows of uncertainty lengthen and the drums of war grow ever louder, Gordon’s words ring out like a clarion call in the darkness.
In the face of foreign aggression, let us draw strength from the valor of Lapu-Lapu, let us stand united as one nation, indivisible and unyielding in the face of adversity.
For in the words of the Philippine National Anthem, “Sa manlulupig, ‘di kapasisiil” — against the oppressor, we shall not falter.
And in the immortal spirit of Lapu-Lapu, let us forge ahead, ever onward, towards a brighter tomorrow.
