Legendary LapuLapu

Magellan has become synonymous with the first recorded circumnavigation of the world, yet he never made it all the way around. He imagined South America was separated from the Spice Islands by a small sea, which he expected to cross in as little as three or four days. In fact, they spent three months and twenty days at sea. They finally dropped anchor in Guam (now down another 19 men owing to scurvy) and promptly looted and burned a village, then proceeded to the Philippines for an extended stay.

Though the stated goal of Magellan’s expedition was to find a passage through South America to the Moluccas, and return to Spain laden with spices, the voyage was underpinned with colonialism. Resistance in the Philippines culminated at the Battle of Mactan. At dawn on April 27th, 1521, the Captain met his fate at the hands of the legendary Filipino warrior LapuLapu. A fierce and vociferous defender of independence, LapuLapu led his island home against the Spaniards. There he forged a successful fortification, staving off colonial occupation for more than forty years. LapuLapu is now regarded as the first Filipino hero, with national celebration this year for the 500th anniversary of his victory. According to local legend, Lapulapu never died but was turned into stone, and has since then been guarding the seas of Mactan.

His likeness crowns each bottle of The Boss Hog VIII as the true champion of our circumnavigation sequel.