Habibi Steps Down From Major Cebu Event & Asks For Forgiveness
HABIBI – Social media personality Habibi surprised fans after announcing a sudden withdrawal from this year’s Kadaugan sa Mactan.
Social media personality Crissa “Habibi” Liaging has withdrawn from her scheduled role in this year’s Kadaugan sa Mactan reenactment, issuing an apology to the people of Cebu for her sudden decision.
Liaging was set to portray Reyna Bulakna, while her husband, professional model Shaun Pelayo, was cast as Datu Lapulapu. However, following her withdrawal, Pelayo will also no longer take part in the production.
In a post shared on Wednesday, April 22, Liaging expressed regret over the situation. “Pasayloa lng ko ninyo Cebu (Just forgive me, Cebu),” she captioned.
The annual event, now on its 505th staging and scheduled for April 27, will proceed with an all-Cebuano cast after the last-minute changes.
The Lapu-Lapu City government confirmed the casting adjustments through an advisory released the same day. According to Liaging, stepping away from the role was a difficult but necessary decision.
“Mangayo kog pasaylo kay dili gyud nako kaya nga mo-role as Reyna Bulakna this 2026,” Liaging said in her video.
She also opened up about her current emotional state, saying, “Murag naa ko sa moment karon nga dili pa ko ganahan mo-atubang sa laing tawo. Gusto lang ko magpundo sa balay, magsige lang og katulog.”
Liaging revealed that she has been going through personal struggles, including being deeply hurt after allegedly being betrayed by people she trusted who took money from her. Despite the ordeal, she remains hopeful that she will recover and move forward.
She admitted to having cried extensively before formally notifying the city government of her withdrawal. This would have been her second consecutive year participating in the reenactment alongside Pelayo, as the couple previously played the same roles.
Following their exit, Elcid Camacho and Akiko Solon have been chosen to take on the lead roles. Camacho will portray Datu Lapulapu, while Solon, who hails from Barangay Maribago, will step into the role of Reyna Bulakna.
Tourism officer Garry Lao emphasized that the updated cast highlights “Bisaya pride,” noting the strong local roots of the performers.
Also joining the cast is Kevin Labhousse, who will play Ferdinand Magellan.
Kadaugan sa Mactan commemorates the historic 1521 victory of Filipino warriors over Spanish forces, with the battle reenactment at the Mactan Shrine serving as its main attraction.
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