LAPU-LAPU’S BOW AND ARROW
The Story: During the term of Rito de la Serna (1929-1933,) the construction of a monument honoring Datu Lapu-Lapu was approved by the Municipal Council of Opon. The statue was holding a bow and arrow with the arrow pointing towards the municipal hall. Just a few weeks after the completion of the statue, Rito de la Serna died. Rito de la Serna was replaced by his nephew Gregorio de la Serna. Sometime in 1937, the younger de la Serna was not able to complete his term because he also died in office.
It Gets Crazy: After the death of the two de la Sernas, Simeon Amodia took over the position. However, Amodia, too, died in office in 1937. Due to these deaths, people began to connect these deaths to the statue.
The Effect: In 1938, Mariano Dimataga became the new chief executive of Opon. One of his first projects was the renovation of the statue of Lapu-Lapu. The bow and arrow were removed in place of a wooden pestle. Some people believe that this effectively stopped the ‘curse’ as Dimataga remained in his position for 30 years until his retirement in 1968.
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Cebu's Urban Legend (Updated)
Short StoryUrban legend is a form of modern folklore consisting of stories that may or may not have been believed by their tellers to be true; would you like to know the urban legends in Cebu?
