Travel Guide | A Day Tour in the Historical Rock: Corregidor Island

This travel was truly remarkable for me because it happened three years ago plus it is my first out of town travel which motivates me to go back again in writing and blogging.

My sister invited me to have a day tour in Corregidor Island. I was excited because I am interested about the relevance of the place in our history as well with the fact that this was the first time that I will ride a ferry to reach a tourist destination.Within one day, we learned a lot of things about the history of our country by listening to the facts delivered by our tour guide and taking a glimpse of the structures that reflect in the heritage and historical past of our country in the historical rock.

Map of Corregidor

A trading vessel crossing the Manila Bay

Natural beauty of Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island is located 48 kilometers west of Manila and it is strategically found in the entrance of Manila Bay. As you can see, the shape of the island resembles to a tadpole and it is divided into four parts: Topside, Middleside, Bottomside and Tailside. Corregidor is the largest among the five islands in the Manila Bay.  Corregidor is part of Cavite City which is located ten miles away from the area.  However, Corregidor is located three miles from Bataan. The island is called as "The Rock" and American colonizers called it as "The Gibraltar of the East" because of its rocky landscapes and it stands as the memorial for heroes who fought during the Second World War against the Japanese invaders. In addition, Corregidor serves as a harbor defense for foreign invaders who came to our country and it is the headquarters of Philippine Commonwealth during the Japanese occupation.

Ruined barracks of Corregidor Island

Different weapons such as canyons and mortars in Corregidor Island.

Corregidor Island is popular for its ruined barracks which is located in different parts of the island, namely the Middleside Barracks, Topside Barracks and the Mile Long Barracks. These structures were built during the American period where the island was organized as military reservation. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasion after the Filipino American heroes held out the island on May 6, 1942. In addition, you can see battle weapons and batteries in different parts of the island. These weapons are used during the siege in Corregidor. These structures left untouched after their destruction that served as memories of the Second World War in the Philippines.

Pacific War Memorial, Filipino Heroes Memorial and Japanese Garden of Peace.

Spanish Lighthouse

The Pacific War Memorial is a park which commemorates the Filipino and American heroes during the Second World War in the Philippines. The place features the the major memorial structure which is a rotonda with circular altar. The rotonda was dedicated to the heroes who sacrificed their lives during the battle. There is also the Pacific War Museum where you can see archived photos and objects used during the war. Other structures found in the place are the statue called Brothers in Arms which symbolizes the unity between United States and the Philippines during the war and the monument called Eternal Flame of Freedom which commemorates the recapture of the Philippines from the Japanese invaders. There is also the Japanese Garden of Peace which is dedicated to the Japanese heroes who showed courage and bravery in the war. There is also the Filipino Heroes Memorial where you can see murals and tableaux of different historical events in the country as well with Philippine heroes and presidents. You can also take a bird's eye view of Corregidor and its neighboring islands through the Spanish Lighthouse and it is powered by solar energy.

Malinta Tunnel Lateral Walk

Lastly, the Malinta Tunnel is one of the interesting sites in Corregidor Island. It is the secret hideout of Filipino and American soldiers in the island during the midst of the siege. The tunnel served as a hospital, lateral and a government office of the Philippine Commonwealth during the Japanese invasion. You can experience the trek inside the tunnel visiting the different sites used during the war. In addition, experience the Lights and Sound Show inside the tunnel about the World War II in Corregidor for P150.00.

General Douglas MacArthur statue in Corregidor with his historical, quotable line "I shall return."

After the day tour at the historic Corregidor, we went back to Manila. I never forget this first travel experience because I appreciate the history of Corregidor which reflects the colorful past and heritage of our country and the courage and bravery of the Filipino and American heroes during the Second World War which show the love to our country.

You can also try other activities in the island such as the ROCKet Zipline, where you can experience a 30-second thrilling air glide with enjoyable scenic view of the Southbeach, hiking at Malinta Hill and camp adventure at the outdoors.

How to Get There: You can inquire at Sun Cruises at CCP Bay Terminal located at Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Manila. It provides two internationally-classed 145-seater fast ferries in order to cater tourists to Corregidor  Island. The Trams or "Tranvia Buses" are the major means of transportation in the island.

Date of Travel: March 13, 2010

Contacts:

SUN CRUISES PHILIPPINES

CCP Bay Terminal A, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

www.corregidorphilippines.com

A Visit to the Historical Sites and Commemorating the Valor of Heroes in Corregidor Island

The fall of Bataan marked the doom of the Philippines. Rocky Corregidor, guarding the entrance to Manila Bay, continued to defy the Japanese forces, but with the capture of Bataan it could not long resist the enemy assaults. 

General Wainwright displayed superhuman efforts to defend the island-fortress, but in vain. No general could save Corregidor then. And no army of the size that he had under his command could hold the place against overwhelming odds.

On May 6, 1942, Corregidor fell. Nearly 12,000 Fil-American soldiers were taken prisoner. Fortunately, unlike their comrade-in-arms of Bataan, the Corregidor prisoners did not undergo the rigors of a "Death March." With the fall of Corregidor, organized resistance against Japanese invasion of the Philippines came to an end.

                                                  Source: Chapter  25 - The Philippines and World War II, from the book "The Philippines: A Unique Nation" by Sonia M. Zaide

After the fall of Bataan in April 9, 1942, the island bastion of Corregidor with its network of tunnels and formidable array of defensive armament along the fortifications across the entrance to Manila Bay was the remaining obstacle by the Japanese soldiers headed by Lieutenant General Masaharu Homma. For instance, the Japanese had to take Corregidor as long as the island remained in American hands. On May 6, 1942, Lieutenant General Jonathan Wainwright surrendered the Corregidor Island and they raised a white flag to carry his surrender message to the Japanese. 1

The fall of Corregidor is one of the historical incidents happened during the Second World War in the Philippines. The Filipino and American soldiers showed their heroic acts by surrendering the island to the Japanese invaders in order to defend our country. Today, this event is still commemorated by visiting the three spots located in the island just to give tribute to the heroes of the Second World War.

Pacific War Memorial

The entrance gate of Pacific War Memorial.

One of the interesting sites in Corregidor Island is the Pacific War Memorial. It was built in 1968 and located in the Topside, the Pacific War Memorial contains a circular rotunda, a steel structure, a garden and a museum. We visited the rotunda, a major memorial structure where it has a circular altar directly under the dome's oculus. There are instances that the sun shines directly on the circular altar in the daytime of May 6 at twelve o'clock in the afternoon, the day when Corregidor was captured by the Japanese army. Under the dome, there's a marble altar with an inscription which is dedicated to the heroes who died during the war.

The rotunda in Pacific War Memorial.

The dome's oculus where the sunlight shines at 12 noon of May 6.

A circular marble altar with its inscription for those who sacrificed their lives during the war.

Another structure in the Pacific War Memorial is the Eternal Flame of Freedom. It is a 12-meter high Corten steel structure that commemorates the sacrifices, hopes and aspirations of heroes and soldiers who fought during the Second World War. The lights of the structure are powered by solar energy and it gives light to the island of Corregidor during the evening. It is also the site where General Douglas MacArthur celebrated retaking the island from the Japanese.

Eternal Flame of Freedom

The Eternal Flame of Freedom

Another prominent structure in the place is the sculpture of two soldiers called "Brothers in Arms." It represent the Filipino and American soldiers who helped each other during the war and beside the sculpture are the flags of United States and the Philippines.

The sculpture that depicts the unity of United States and the Philippines, "Brothers in Arms"

There is an avenue in the place where the walls are made up of marble which inscribed the different battles in the Pacific during the Second World War. From that avenue, you can visit the Pacific War Memorial Museum. This museum contains weapons, photographs and other memorabilia used in World War II.

The marble walls where the significant battles of World War II in the Pacific was inscribed.

The entrance to Pacific War Memorial Museum.

An issue of Honolulu Star Bulletin with a headline about the Pacific War.

Pictures of Corregidor Island before the Japanese invasion.

The flag of United States of America with forty-five stars which represent the number of states during that time.

The pictures of different generals and heroes who fought during the World War II. The picture inset is the arrival of General Douglas MacArthur in Leyte Gulf.

The weapons used during Second World War in Corregidor.

Therefore, the experience in Pacific War Memorial is such an amazing journey because I learned about the history of our country during the war as well with the fact that different structures that symbolize the valor of Filipino and American heroes as well with the fact that it commemorates the glorious past of our history during the Second World War.

Japanese Garden of Peace

Another interesting site in Corregidor Island is the Japanese Garden of Peace which is located in the Tailside. This garden commemorates the heroic deeds of the Japanese soldiers and heroes who fought during the Second World War. It is used as a praying area of families of the Japanese war veterans. It contains a 10-feet Buddha, a reflecting pool, a Shinto shrine and other markers with Japanese inscriptions. There is also a souvenir shop located near the garden where you can see old photographs and Japanese currencies.

Stone Buddha of Fertility 

The Japanese inscription below the Buddha statue.

Tribute to the grave.

The marker for the repose of the souls.

More battle canyons.

Old Japanese currency and photographs.

Filipino Heroes Memorial

Filipino Heroes Memorial (Courtesy of www.lakadpilipinas.com)

The third place that commemorates the heroic deeds of our people is the Filipino Heroes Memorial. It is located in the Tailside of the island. The place features murals of different historical events from Battle of Mactan up to EDSA Revolution as well with the inscriptions which show the details. In addition, the faces of national heroes and Philippine presidents are also included in the mural. There is also a museum which show the old photographs of President Manuel L. Quezon during the Commonwealth and Second World War.

Therefore, visiting the three places in Corregidor represents the unity of three countries namely United States, Japan and the Philippines after the Second World War. In addition, it showed that these countries truly gave salute to the heroic deeds of the people who sacrificed their lives in the war in order to show their loyalty to their country. These places are interesting for tourists for the reason that it help them to recall the historical events that they studied in school or read in books.

Date of Travel: March 13, 2010

Source:
1 - Battle of Corregidor (Wikipedia article)
2 - http:///www.lakadpilipinas.com

Lateral Trek in the Malinta Tunnel

Have you feel the total darkness and the deafening silence in a particular place? 

I can consider it as one of the unique experiences that I ever had in a tour, to feel the total darkness. It was such an exciting but thrilling moment while walking in a tunnel in the middle of the darkness. I don't know where is the next location and the feeling that the road gets smaller and narrower when I pass the tunnel, but when the guide turned on the flash light, the pathway is still wide. In addition, I experienced the deafening sound of silence where nobody is speaking and the echo of quietness is the only thing that I heard inside the tunnel. That is my most memorable experience in the lateral walk in Malinta Tunnel.

The entrance of Malinta Tunnel.

The lateral walk at the Malinta Tunnel is one of the interesting activities in the Corregidor Island day tour. The place comes from Tagalog word "ma linta" meaning "many leeches." Malinta Tunnel was built by United States Army Corps of Engineers which was used as bomb-proof storage and personal bunker and later become a 1,000-bed hospital. During the Battle of Corregidor, the tunnel became the seat of administration of the Philippine Commonwealth. Today, Malinta Tunnel is the venue of an audio-visual presentation directed by Lamberto V. Avellana about the events that occurred during World War II.

A typewriter and a book used by General Douglas MacArthur.

Map of Southeast Asia during the Second World War.

During the lateral walk, we discovered a lot of things about the history of our country during the Second World War. It is still evident through the artifacts or objects found inside the lateral as well with the stories that covered the tunnel. Therefore, visiting the Malinta Tunnel is one of the interesting activities in the island in order to explore the history and appreciate the valor of Filipino and American heroes during the war.

Date of Travel: March 13, 2010

Biyaheng Bonifacio (Part 3): Quezon City Trail

In the continuation of Biyaheng Bonifacio trail, I decided to go back to Metro Manila where I will visit two more historical sites in Quezon City. 

The welcome arc of Krus Na Ligas.

The Krus Na Ligas marker in the church.

1. Krus Na Ligas

Brgy. Krus na Ligas, Quezon City

The first site that I visited is the Krus na Ligas. It is now a barangay in Quezon City which is located near U.P. Diliman. In this barrio, the group of Bonifacio rested in the area. Katipunero Genaro delos Reyes was sent to Mandaluyong to inform the chapter about the encounter with the enemy.

The Cry of Pugad Lawin Shrine

2. The Cry of Pugad Lawin

Seminary Road, Brgy. Bahay Toro, Quezon City

Fifteen to thirty minutes away from Barangay Krus Na Ligas, I visited the Bahay Toro, a site where the Cry of Pugad Lawin was located. Over 500 Katipuneros gathered at the warehouse of Cabesang Melchora Aquino (Tandang Sora) on August 23, 1896 and tore their "cedulas." They carried assorted weapons: bolos, spears, daggers, a dozen small revolvers and a rifle used by Lieutenant Manuel for hunting birds. This event started the Philippine Revolution which was held in August 26, 1896 in Balintawak.

Biyaheng Bonifacio (Part 2): Cavite Trail

The province of Cavite played a significant role in our history because it is the place where the Philippine independence was proclaimed. In addition, it is one of the provinces which represent the eight golden rays of the sun in the present Filipino flag because Governor General Blanco proclaimed a state of war in these provinces. Cavite is one of the places which played an important role in the life of Andres Bonifacio. There are historical sites which represent the important events in the life of Bonifacio when he was in Cavite. Let us continue the Biyaheng Bonifacio trail in Cavite.

Imus Cathedral

Andres Bonifacio Monument in Imus Plaza

1. Imus Plaza

Tirona St., Poblacion, Imus, Cavite

Imus Plaza is located in front of Imus Cathedral which can be found in the poblacion or town proper. In this place marks an event where the councils of Magdiwang and Magdalo met at the friar estate house on December 29, 1896. In addition, the councils discuss the framing of the constitution, the establishment of a revolutionary government under new elected officials and the possibilities of merging the two councils.

Tribunal of Noveleta Marker

Tribunal House

2. Tribunal

Gen. Antonio St., Poblacion, Noveleta, Cavite

Fifteen to thirty minutes away from Imus, you can visit the small coastal town of Noveleta which is famous for its beach resorts. Located near at the town hall and the public market, you can visit the Tribunal where Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Pio Valenzuela and Pantaleon Torres established the Magdiwang, a council of the Katipunan. On April 3, 1897, Bonifacio attempted to recapture Noveleta but he was unable to dislodge the Spaniards. In addition, General Pascual Alvarez of Magdiwang council defeated Kapitan Antonio Rebolledo, a Guardia Civil under Mariano Alvarez, the town chief of Noveleta. This incident will be one of the reasons of a siege in Cavite during the Philippine revolution.

Tejeros Convention Site

3. Tejeros Convention

Gen. Trias Drive, Brgy. Tejeros, Rosario, Cavite

One of the most important events in the Philippine revolution is the Tejeros Assembly. It was convened on March 22, 1897 which established a central revolutionary government with Emilio Aguinaldo as President and Andres Bonifacio as Director of Interior. Certain events arising in the convention cost Bonifacio to bolt its action. The site is located near the boundary arc of General Trias and Rosario; besides, a barangay in Rosario was named after the name of the historical convention.

Pinagbarilan Shrine in Indang, Cavite

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang, Cavite

Bonifacio Marker in Indang Municipal Hall

4. Pinagbarilan

Brgy. Limbon, Indang, Cavite

On April 22, 1897, the Supremo's troops assigned to guard the fort and they were surprised by the sudden assault of Aguinaldo's men. Ciriaco Bonifacio was killed and his troops captured. Andres Bonifacio was shot with a revolver by Agapito Bonzon and was stabbed on the right side of the neck by Ignacio Pawa. Today, the site is located at Brgy. Limbon in the town of Indang. In addition, you can also find the historical marker beside the municipal hall where Bonifacio was imprisoned before he transferred to Naic.

Naic Elementary School is the present site of Casa Hacienda de Naic.

The dungeon where Procopio and Andres Bonifacio stayed in Casa Hacienda de Naic.

5. Casa Hacienda de Naic

Brgy. C. Nazareno, Poblacion, Naic, Cavite

The present site of Naic Elementary School and located beside the Naic Church , Casa Hacienda de Naic is the place where Bonifacio stayed after the Tejeros Convention. They held the "Naic Military Agreement" or "Acta de Naic." On April 29, 1897, Andres Bonifacio and Procopio Bonifacio were imprisoned here after their capture in Indang.

Bonifacio Trial House

Life-sized statues to depict the trial of Bonifacio brothers.

6. Bonifacio Trial House

Col. Riel St., Poblacion, Maragondon, Cavite

The house was built on 1889 owned by Teodorico Reyes. On April 30, 1897, the Bonifacio brothers were transferred to Maragondon from Naic. On May 4, 1897, Andres Bonifacio and his brother Procopio were tried by a court-martial headed by Brigadier General Mariano Noriel. The following day, the Council of War gave its decision declaring the Bonifacio brothers guilty and recommended the death penalty. However, Aguinaldo issued an order where the brothers put to an isolated place. In the end, he cancelled his order and implement the death sentence after being told by his men.

Bonifacio Execution Site Tableau

Bonifacio Execution Site marker

7. Execution Site

Brgy. Pinagsanhan, Maragondon, Cavite

On May 10, 1897, Andres and his brother Procopio were brought to Mt. Nagpatong which is near in Mt. Buntis. They were executed by Col. Lazaro Macapagal and his troops upon orders of General Noriel took command of a firing squad.

Therefore, the Cavite trail of Biyaheng Bonifacio helped me to appreciate more about the history of the Philippines especially during the Revolution. Bonifacio showed his valor and courage in defending the country as well with the fact that there are some questions and issues in that historical event which needs an answer. These questions can be answered by exploring the past through reading and studying historical chronicles and travelling the sites to discover our heritage. You can read the Manila trail of Biyaheng Bonifacio.

Date of Travel: April 15, 2013

Source: Biyaheng Bonifacio Brochure by Department of Tourism and National Historical Commission of the Philippines