The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page"--Augustine of Hippo
Last December 2016, me and my colleagues have decided to travel far from our province, instead of having the usual Christmas party. Despite the distance and just a couple of days, we've decided to go to Bataan, Central Luzon of the Philippines.
The Map of the Province of Bataan
Image is credited to pinterest.com
Bataan is situated in Central Luzon, despite the distance from Northern Luzon to Central Luzon, we knew that the travel will be worth it.
Why Bataan?
Bataan had been featured prominently during the World War II. We wanted to see the places that played a great role during the war, places that will surely remind us of what our History is, seeing more than pictures from our history books.
The province is just perfect place in reminding us how much the country had fought against the Japanese.
What are the places we visited in Bataan?
1. Corregidor Island.The island has historically been fortified with coastal artillery, to defend the entrance of Manila Bay and Manila from attacks of the enermy warships. Though the island was fis
Corregidor had played a great role during the invasion and liberation of the Philippines.
What had remained during the World War II are the ruins of the bulidings like hospital and barracks, that had withstand throughout the years.
The Malinta Tunnel is also in the island. The tunnel that wasinitally used a bomb-proof storage and personnel bunker but later on it had been equipped with 1,000-bed hospital.
Note: Technically, Corregidor Island is not a part of Bataan, but we get to the Island from Mariveles, Bataan, you can take another route too, from Cavite.
Corregidor Island
*Image is mine
2. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. The Heritage park that is within 400-hectare and situated in Bagac, Bataan and owned by Gerry Acuzar, hence the name of the park.
This is our second must see place during our trip. With Php999.00(Inclusive of wet towel and water), we get to see the different houses or casas within the park. It may sound expensive amount to pay just for the day tour, but it is worth it. With finding the best tour guide, we learn how those old houses were built and transferred, piece by piece like a puzzle.
Some houses maybe a replica of the original houses that were burned, but the story that goes with it were narrated to us. We got the chance to see those houses that made our jaw dropped in terms of prices, but nevertheless, we had fun.
The park has more to offer other than just checking the houses that are open to see for tourists, there are traditonal Filipino games that are open to join and enjoy, like "dama", "sungka", "sabong"(cock fight) *without money involved*.
By the way, if you are tired, there is a tram or free jeep to ride.
Note: If you plan to have the heritage day tour, wear a sneakers, it will be a long walk and have some umbrellas with you too in case of rain or the sun is too hot. For older people, there is/are golf cart for them to ride during the tour.
The bridge in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar
*Image is mine
3. Mt. Samat National Shrine or "Dambana ng Kagitingan"(Shrine of Valour). This is our last stop in Bataan, but definitely not the least. Going there was quite scary for us that time since it was raining, and the road is slippery.
The National Shrine is built to remember the gallanrt of Filipino and American soldiers who fought during the World War II. The park was commisioned by then the President Ferdinand Marcos during the 25th anniversary of World War II.
Mt. Samat National Shrine has the Memorial Cross that stands in the highest point of Mt. Samat. The height of the Cross is 92 meters from the base, the height from the arms is 74 meters and the arms is 30 meters, which is 15 meters on each side. Sadly but we didn't get into the arms since the elevator was under construction.
Tip: Best to wear sneakers again since it will be a long--sort of, climb.
The Memorial Cross
*Image is mine
More than just a trip.
If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree"--Michael Crichton
It may took us more than eight hours to travel just to get to Bataan, it has been a great experience. Despite being stranded in an open sea for more than an hour, I can say, it is still fine.
We learned more of the History, more than our textbooks had taught us, or even pictures from the internet could show us. Being in that place is overwhelming, no money could ever repay that.
Aside from that, we got to bond and know more of myself and my colleagues too.
And now, I am on the "planning stage" of our next December trip. Praying for better weather and I am checking sites that has no water or boat involved.
Must try.
For those who hasn't been to Bataan, I would recommend you to visit the places I have mentioned, seeing everything that will make you remember bravery and what had left and also the style of the houses during the Spanish regime. And if you are looking for adventures, there is an adventure zone near Mt. Samat, we just missed it since we are running out of time. They got lovely beaches too!
And if you are looking for dried fish, they have one of the best dried fish and smoked fish, they are Balanga, Bataan.
Here are some other photos from the trip.
The marbled wall in Mt. Samat National Shrine.
*Image is mine
Hotel Oriente in Las Casa Filipinas de Acuzar
*Image is mine
A video of the view of Mt. Samat national Shrine
*Video is credited to youtube via neilgmc
