CULTURE OF MACTAN ISLAND

We all know that every countries with its regions and islands, have its own culture that
depicts the history of that place, and the shared values and beliefs that are passed from the
ancestors, and from generation to generation. This is how it affects their lifestyle and how it
shapes their society today .

The Mactan Island also known as Coral Island, clasp culture that is very different from other
culture all around the world. So as visitor of this island, be prepared for you might be
experiencing cultural shock, yet it will mold your mind to a wider view of how the world runs,
and how every people in every country and other country are very diverse, in other words it
introduces the cultural diversity, as you involve yourself with other cultures that will open your
eyes to various lifestyles all around the world.

FESTIVAL

Kadaugan sa Mactan Festival or Bahugbahug sa Mactan or ‘Melee at Mactan’

Kadaugan sa Mactan(Victory of Mactan),

is a celebration of re-enactment of the “Battle of Mactan”, when Lapu-Lapu defeated the great
explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, during the 16 th century. The re-enaction performance or part of
this event is the main highlight of the festival, which is the long waited event for any locals and
foreigners who join the celebration, the re-enactment is located annually at the beach of
Barangay Mactan where the battle had actually taken place (Mactan Shrine). These are
coordinated by the local government of Mactan Island, providing the watchers a skilled actors
who will play the re-enactment. The festival is mostly celebrated on April 27, but also it
depends with the tidal conditions. It usually start 8 o’clock in the morning.
The coordinators or the organizers wants to proudly show and embolden the locals and
foreigners of how the hardship, sacrifice and challenges can frame the victory, and through
fighting their own rights, one can obtain freedom. And how the ancestors shed blood to protect
their own country. The leadership matters and not just the issue of livelihood and the problem
of the country as a whole.

Rampada sa Kalsada(Rampage on the

Road/street)- is also part of the celebration, the name itself does not interpret the literal riot or
violence in the street. Actually it contradict the represented name. This event simply entail that
the event is filled with entertainment with loud music combined with the crowd’s noises that
are busy satisfying themselves in singing, eating, dancing and watching the extraordinary
performers with their outstanding colourful outfits. The name is an exaggerated term to spies
the people to join such wonderful celebration. However this serve/refer or represent the battle
of Mactan. Also, Showdown, it is when local groups competes with each other with vibrant
colourful costumes and props with amazing choreographies.

Mactan Island: Culture / Lifestyle on Mactan

The Culture of Transportation, Driving, and Traffic

Although Mactan Island is as good as the other larger

cities and islands, the culture of transportation and the traffic will surprised people specially
the foreigners with strict rules in their country when it comes to traffic law. When people arrive
in the place, it is noticeable that there are only few stop lights, stop signs, or controlled
intersection control, and disciplined people who follow the rules.

Driving is free for all, youths who knows how to drive, yet with no license are not strictly
prohibited to drive. There will be no civility, no rules for driving in the middle of the street
lanes, no speed limits, and no changing lane rules, all transportations can share the same road
at the same time, only sparing inches away. Everyone can do what they want as long as no one
no accidents occur.

Any drivers will overtake others in curves, compete over who will conquer the road first
(assume that drivers will drive fast), some just stop in the middle of the lane or stop suddenly
without warning or signs. Jaywalking is not an issue there, leaving the pedestrian lane’s main
purpose on the road. There are no traffic enforcer who can guide, are present. In a nutshell,
there is no standardized manner or practice in terms of driving and traffic laws that are
followed by the Filipinos, here in this place. Travellers or locals will absolutely be shock by how
the people there are used to drive, and how it is not problem to them with lack of traffic laws.
Because these are one of their culture, it is not easy to change and implement strict rules, for
people will complain, more than follow the implemented rules, and certainly will not follow it.
As a visitor in the Mactan Island, just prepare and ensure to keep yourself secure to avoid any
accidents. Nonetheless, this island is not chaotic and was not reported to have many accidents
on the road, so do not be anxious and enjoy the ride.
Culture of Living Conditions and Housing

Some people in other places in the Philippines are very conscious with their houses,
whoever has a large house is considered as rich in the Philippines. But this fact, do not apply in
Mactan Island. Squatter areas, small old houses and apartments, and nepa houses are seen as
normal homes for Filipinos, plus without electricity, no running water, and no proper sanitation,
still they are comfortable with this kind of lifestyle.( the largest percentage Filipino population
live in these types of home.)

The working people are living in a small house with simple structure, minimal functions,
only the necessaries are put inside the house, and that is probably consider as a very fair and
fine house for other people who are living in a thin roof. Yet, it is a horror for other locals and
foreigners who are from the outside of the island, and when they see this condition, they might
experience cultural shock. Piles of garbage are scattered in the road sides, the government does
not hire people to clean every areas of the place, and waist sewage that causes flooding are
neglected by the government. They are many vendors on the street blocking the path that are
intended for vehicles. Stray dogs and cats and wondering cows, goats and chickens are spotted
everywhere on the road. All of these factors, are all normal and normal life for people living in
Mactan island. The Filipinos maintained this atmosphere and kind of environment, for they
think its bibo or in other word it is fun and not boring, and they are used to this kind of state
for they feel at home.

In contradiction, Mactan Island is famous for its tourist spots and beaches, it is the main
reason why many foreigners and other locals still enjoy the place despite its bad aspects. They
are subdivisions, hotels and apartment complexes that are as good as the other industrialized
and modern cities has to offer, it is clean, flourished and well-managed. The upper class or
middle class people live there, but as they go outside, the living conditions specified above are
quickly seen. The genre/characteristics of living in Mactan island is very diverse, and needs to
be noted.

White People/Tourist on Mactan

White people are expectedly rich, these are one of the culture of Filipinos that were
learned and taught. Locals from the island and foreigners are treated differently, the people
there become more hospitable to the people they thought as rich. Also, one of their culture is,
when the person is rich specially the foreigners with white skin color, he/she is oblige to help
the poor, for that reason, sometimes locals, specifically some lower class people misled the
visitors. And this behaviour is normal and acceptable to them. Since this culture taught them
these, before the traveller can leave the place and have no plan to come back, people in
Mactan will get as much as they want to the person being targeted. Although, there are nothing
to be afraid off with this information, because the dominant culture that are practised by
Filipinos presently, are being kind, helpful, friendly, and courteous. No people in other country
are more hospitable than the Filipinos. Only few people who overcharge visitors, so it is better
to be safe and find trustworthy people that can guide beforehand.

The word “Joe” or the phrase “hello, my friend.” Are use by the locals to greet foreigners
specially with white men . And this is another cultural thing or name call they apply in life.

Attitudes and Cultures of Filipinos living in Mactan

Filipinos are very superstitious, religious and unsophisticated with other things. When God or
any heavenly bodies or beliefs are not taking seriously nor it was taking as a joke, some Filipinos
will find it offensive for they are taught to firmly believe with this matters. They are naturally
more sensitive, and if a person wants to ask questions involving with these topics, it will be
more appropriate to ask in private. The foreigners behaviour might affect the Filipinos like how
the foreigners comment about their speech or appearances. But, the world is very modern and
high technology that almost Filipinos are more open-minded, educated and well-rounded.

Filipinos are generally shy. The Asians are instinctively shy and conservative to other people
specially to the people who have different nationality with them. Filipinos think they are lower
than white people and tend to be eminently sensible to their English. That is why some locals
avoid foreigners rather than entertaining or helping them.

Most Filipinos living in Mactan are people who have not gone to other places inside the
country or outside the country. Some people there, are living a simple life and uncomplicated
ambitions. Also, some of them merely go to other cities, reading journals, articles, magazines,
watching televisions, and using technologies such as mobile phone and wifi are a big deal to
them. Working and receiving money to sustain the family’s needs is enough for other people
living in Mactan.
Filipinos are expected to share to other people. Foods, drinks, cigarettes, and other things
should be shared, because sharing is a big part of culture in Filipinos. As a person involve with
gatherings and occasions, it is habitual to contribute and pay for the expenses. Yet, if a person
breaks this norm, the person is scrutinize as disrespectful and greedy. In the other hand, if a
foreigner is invited, he or she is responsible for buying the drinks and food because Filipinos
think foreigners are higher and richer than them. But now, maybe these phenomenon does not
usually happen nowadays, for Filipinos are currently, globally competitive.

Filipinos are likely to serve. Foreigners, distinctively in western countries find Filipinos’ service
unneeded and overboard. But Filipinos, gladly want to serve other people who are richer than
them and foreigners who they meet. They are naturally humble, respectful, and hospitable
with strangers.

How the Filipinos manage their food. How the food are taken care in the market are very
different from the outside country. Almost all meats are not packaged or put in a different
container, the proper sanitation in an open market which involve the cleaning of fish, chickens,
and pork are not properly operated. The remaining parts or organs when buying a fish or
chickens are sometimes throw away in the sides, and some products and foods that are not
suitable to be sell anymore are still displace in the market. This is part of their culture, Filipinos
are very used to this situations and finds any market that are well handle, uncomfortable, and
they feel out of place.

Filipinos living in Mactan are very Family Oriented. Filipinos are closest to their family and
even when they reach adulthood they do not have the idea to move out, they prefer to stay
close with their relatives and embrace the love of family.
 TOURIST SPOTS AND FOODS

Philippines is a peninsula of over 7000 islands. It is known for its beautiful islands that are
popular among tourists and locals. There are two, which have been constantly entitled as the
“Best Island in the World”, namely the Boracay and Matinloc Island, Palawan. The country is
naturally filled with islands that varied in cultures. And one of them, is the best and highly
anticipated islands all around the world, it is the Mactan Island. A large island, that has an
airport for easy accessibility for visitors inside and outside the country. It has some of the most
prosperous industrialized ventures in the Philippines, and known for its upper class tourism
industry. But, the uttermost significant reason why lots of visitors come in and out in the
islands, is its tourists destination, boasting there pristine water, beautiful white sands beaches,
numerous fun activities such as scuba diving, banana boat rides, parasailing, snorkel, and
delicious delicacies. It is rich in history, cultural legacy and natural attractions . These are the
tourists spot and foods in the Mactan Island that should not be missed:

Mactan Shrine- The Mactan Shrine in Punta Engaño, Mactan

Island , Cebu was where the war between the chief warrior of
Mactan, Lapu-lapu and the great explorer Ferdinand
Magellan happened. Many foreigners and locals visit this
place to see the prominent site of the “Battle of Mactan”.

Alegre Guitar Factory- Mactan Island is known for

its production of fine furniture, as well as high
class instruments such as guitars and ukuleles. It is
no surprise that the island is one of the
Philippines’s best instrument craftsmen.
 Magellan Shrine-was built in 1866 to give honor to the Portuguese
explorer Ferdinand Magellan inside the Mactan Island, Cebu, in the
Philippines. The people believed that the battle happened there.

Top beach resorts in Mactan:

Private beaches:

Shangrila Mactan- one of the best beach resort in Mactan.

It is highly recommended by people who wants to stay in
Mactan, for Sharingla remains as the best known top hotel
in the Philippines.

Plantation Bay Resort- this is one of the top beach resort in

Mactan, because they provide a private lagoon, also
exciting activities such as wall-climbing amenties, and
archery activities.

Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark- from the name itself, many Chinese and Korean celebrities
choose to stay there and relax for they offer more Asian foods and service. Also they own
private waterpark and kid’s club for well-known and rich families.
Tambuli Beach Resort- also one of the best beach resort in the Island. Known for its good
service of foods and enough facilities to accommodate the costumers needs.

Cebu White Sands Resort- high class hotel that owns

private resort that is famous for its two restaurants and two
outdoor pools. There rooms has the best views outside for
the customers.

Mactan Newtown Beach- known as Portofino Beach Resort

in the past. It is suitable for big groups of friends or
relatives, because the resort offers beautiful and big
cottages, and the way it is designed to be, the beach has the
atmosphere of more a family-friends vibe, its has clear sea
water, and active lifeguards.

Public Beaches:

Vano Beach, Tonngo Beach and Baliwis Beach in Marigondon- favoured for groups who
wants cheaper, still offers clear sea water, white beach sands and good service.
 Ikid-Ikid Beach in Maribago- its fee is less expensive than the other public
beaches, for that reason, it is known as kid-friendly beach.

The best food to eat in Mactan:

Delicacies In Mactan Island and all around the Cebu:

Hopia sa “Cebu”- is favourite snack for Filipinos, varied in different

flavours mongo, mango, ube, pork, chocolate, with delicious taste. It is a
replete of moon cake pastry that was introduced by Fujianese centuries
ago.

Puto- two types of puto: Puto and Puto

Maya.

Puto is made of flour, and has a different

taste depending with colors that you
love to eat.

Puto Maya is made of sticky rice, half wrapped in a banana leaf and best serve when
accompanied with a hot chocolate, and eaten early in the morning.

Putput/Kutchinta- soft and sticky texture with a little bit of sweet, is

made of flour, tapioca flour, atsuete powder lye water, dark brown
sugar and a grated coconut for the toppings. Because of the simple
taste, no matter how much you taste it you will never get enough of it.

Suman- is made of grated cassava, coconut milk, and sugar. It has

crispy, yet chewy and sweet texture that is fun to eat. Suman is
wrapped in banana leaves.
 Otap- the structure of this snack is easily crumbled, has an long oval shaped
puff pastry with 4-6 long and 2 inches wide. Topped or sprinkled with white
sugars making the taste very sweet and delicious.

Dried Mangos- beloved and the most popular delicacy among the
Filipinos. Dried mangos are ripe mangoes that are dried and preserve
under the sun. The texture is very chewy and has sweet taste.

Top Restaurants in Mactan:

Hola España- popular with its magnificent Spanish cuisine. Located: Punta
Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines

Ibiza Beach Club- offers fine cuisine, combining the Asian and Mediterranean
cuisine. Location: Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island, Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu
City, 6015 Cebu, Philippines

Kaishu Japanese Restaurant- famous restaurant for its delightful Japanese food.

Location: 168 Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines

Siam Krua Thai- serves authentic Thai food. ocation: Mactan Marina Mall,
MEPZ 1, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines
 MB’s Tavern- serves traditional German food as well as Hungarian sausage
with French fries, chicken wings with spicy sauce and pepper steak. Also
pizza and pasta that can fit 2 people. Location: Basak-Cagody-Bankai-Buaya
Rd, 6015 Basak, Lapu Lapu, Philippines

Maribago Grill- popular for its tasteful Filipino cuisine and has a friendly
atmosphere for all people. Location: Bagumbayan, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu
City, Cebu, Philippines

Best things to do in Mactan that should not be missed:

Ocean Dreamer Island Tours- offers tour in many islands in the coarse of
Mactan. Famous for its ‘Three Island Tour’, where a group of people can
enjoy and explore the Olango group of islands. Plus they serve foods,
drinks and towels during the tour.

Scape Skydeck- a sky bar, is atop at the highest

building of the island, and present wonderful views such as sun sets, during day and night time.

Go Scuba Diving- this is one of the best thing to do which Mactan can
offer. Where people can dive deep in ocean viewing dense coral reefs, and protected marine
sanctuaries.
 Free Diving- Mactan is the place where people can learn how to dive deep
in a clear-blue ocean like a mermaid using no gear nor the presence of oxygen assistance.

Nalusuan Island Marine Sanctuary- a tiny island that provides incredible

marine sanctuary and picturesque resort. Cater snorkelling, diving, or kayaking. Visitors get to
stay in a room above turquoise water.

Lantaw Native Restaurant- or so called “upscale island”, a restaurant just

above the ocean, where locals and foreigners can enjoy the view of the deep clear sea water
and fresh air.

Play on the Water- NTJ Water Sports offers exciting activities such as
parasailing, banana boat rides, water skiing, jet skiing, flyfish rides, and more.

Hire a local Boat for Snorkeling- is the practice of swimming while full
equipped with a diving mask, a shaped breathing tube called a snorkel, and usually swimfins.
And enjoy the beautiful and dense coral reefs and different kinds of fishes.
 Go Shark Diving with Fun & Sun Dive & Travel- one of the scariest
challenge, yet fun activity to do, is shark diving, where someone get to dive and interact with
the sharks.