A new vision of Lapu-Lapu's story is in the works.

Sultanate Films International is set to create a historical film that depicts the heroism of Lapu-Lapu during his fight with the Spanish forces in the Battle of Mactan in 1521.

During its launch at the Sine Pop in Cubao, Quezon City, a 15-minute teaser was shown to provide the press with a glimpse of what to expect from the film.

The highlight of the film teaser lies in the fabled Battle of Mactan, a pivotal moment when Kalip Pulaka and his warriors faced the invading Spanish colonizer led by the renowned explorer and naval officer Ferdinand Magellan.

Over the years, different portrayals and stories of Lapu-Lapu have been on the big screen namely, Lamberto Avellana (1955), Mario Montenegro (1955), Calvin Millado (1995), (Sen.) Lito Lapid (2002), and Michael Copon (2023)

The question is who will play the next Lapu-Lapu, and how will the story be different from the other films?

According to Angelo Carpio, the writer and director of the film, they are currently working to make the story more believable and cohesive for the audience.

"Hanggang ngayon kasi yung history about Lapu-Lapu is debatable pa, so right now what we have on our research is from Antonio Pigafetta, until dun nag come up yung life nga mga darangan. So ito yung basis namin ngayon," director Angelo said.

(Until now, the history of Lapu-Lapu is still debatable, so right now what we have on our research is from Antonio Pigafetta, until then the life of the Darangans came up. So this is our basis now.)

Angelo also stated that he aims to present the story from the perspective of the people of the South, without altering history.

"This movie is giving them the opportunity na mapakinggan naman sila, sabi ko nga we do not to alter history, ang pinepresent lang namin is yung version ng mga kapatid natin sa south," he added.

(This movie is giving them the opportunity for people to know their side. As I said, we do not alter history. We are only presenting the version of our brothers in the south).

As they plan to push through with the film, Angelo mentioned that they will conduct another research to make the film even more reliable.

"Matagal na pag-aaral ang gagawin namin ulit, and that is what we need. Kailagnan namin established yun, kasi napakayaman at napakalawak ng kasaysayan natin kung babalikan natin yung mga kapatid natin sa south" he added.

(We will do a long study again, and that is what we need. We need to establish that because our history is very rich and very broad if we go back to our brothers in the South).

When it comes to finding the character to portray Lapu-Lapu, Director Angelo shared that they are still in the works on finding the actor who will play the lead role in the upcoming historical film.

Sultanate Films International mentioned during the media conference that the movie will be shot in Palawan.

Kampilan unfurled a captivating tale that illuminates the legendary heroism of Kalip Pulaka also known as Lapu-Lapu, the valiant Datu (chieftain) of the serene island of Mactan in Cebu, Philippines.

The narrative is presented in the evocative essence of a "darangan," Maranao's oral tradition.

Highlighting the word "Kampilan" on the title, Sultan Bob explained that it is named after what Muslims consider their royal sword. He also added that it was a Historical item from their people.

"When the first invaders came, kampilan was our weapon and the Japanese followed, kampilan din ang tumalo sa kanila," Sultan Bob said.

(When the first invaders came, kampilan was our weapon and the Japanese followed, kampilan also defeated them) 

Lapu-Lapu: Warrior of Mactan  

Lapu-Lapu's background as the first Filipino hero who defended his land against Ferdinand Magellan has always been part of the history books. 

His bravery and heroism made him the warrior of Mactan. Throughout the years, tons of statues and historical figures of him have been on display, to keep a reminder that people like Lapu-Lapu were willing to die for his people to protect his tribe. 

But with all that being said, who exactly is Lapu-Lapu? 

Lapu-Lapu is also known under the names of Calilapulapu, Salip Pulaka, Cali Pulaco, and LapuLapu Dimantag or in Maranao's version Kalip Pulaka.

With his different names, even Historians can't unanimously agree on what his real name is. 

Little is known about the beginnings of Lapu-Lapu, however, according to the epic Aginid, Lapulapu (as Lapulapu Dimantag) was first recorded arriving from “Borneo” (Sabah) reaching the shores of Sugbo (now referred to as Cebu).

Rajah Humabon ruled across Sugbo which become an important trading center. Rajah Humabon was known by natives as the king of the island.

Lapu-Lapu asked Humabon for a place to settle and the king offered him the region of Mandawili (known today as Mandaue), including the island Opong (or Opon) hoping that the people Lapulapu would cultivate the land. 

They were successful in this, and was able to help enrich Sugbo’s trade port further. He soon after became the chieftain of the region’s people.

Referred to as Datu Lapu-Lapu of Mactan island, he stood up for his people.

Locals held the Bornean native in high regard as one of their own. He defeated invading Bornean soldiers and pirates, helped enrich Sugbo’s trade port and stood up for his people. 

Things seemed to be going well. However, Lapu-Lapu’s good relationship with Rajah Humabon ‘deteriorated’ when he raided merchant ships in Opong area, changing the course of events to come.