3 hours by bus from the bustling city of Manila, Philippines
is the quiet province of Bataan. Together with some friends, we spent a weekend
at historic sites brought upon by World War II.
Every 9th of April, Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of
Valor) is celebrated in the Philippines to commemorate the Fall of Bataan
during the Second World War. Today, at the summit of Mount Samat, in the province of Bataan, is the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor). Inside this historic memorial cross, a lift could bring up to the viewing deck, which offers a breathtaking view of the leafy surrounding mountains.
 |
| Memorial Cross |
 |
| At the Viewing deck |
 |
| View from the top deck |
30 minutes from Bataan, we travelled by boat to the island fortress
of Corregidor, known as The Rock. It is also accessible from
Manila by taking an hour-long boat ride. This island is strategically situated at the entrance
of Manila Bay and was used by the Allied Forces as a military bastion. Today,
Corregidor’s big guns and ruins from World War II are a tourist sight.
 |
| Battery Hearn |
 |
| Battery Way |
We traversed the 835 feet long passage of the Malinta Tunnel, which showcased the
laterals of the Fort Mills Hospital in this bomb-proof shelter. In 1941, President Manuel L. Quezon and Vice President
Sergio Osmena were inaugurated into their second term at the west entrance of
the Malinta Tunnel.
 |
| Inside the Malinta Tunnel |
Aside from the enormous guns and mortars in the batteries,
the island tour also brings you to the ruins of the mile-long barracks; to the
Pacific War Memorial, built to honor the Filipinos and Americans that
participated in the war; to the ruins of Cine Corregidor, a theater built
before the war; and to the Spanish lighthouse where the souvenir shop is also
located.
 |
| Top-side Mile-Long Barracks |
 |
| Cine Corregidor Ruins |
 |
| Spanish Lighthouse |
Bataan and Corregidor are destinations that brought us back
to the World War II era, where we can see a part of Philippine’s history.
No comments:
Post a Comment