March 3, 2013 ~ It was a cool Sunday morning and heaven made us experience Corregidor Island in a very kind cool weather. Myself, Josie and Rose my UST College classmate went to Corregidor for a day field trip. Together once again we get back to our lessons in Philippine History, during and after world war II. We never thought that this experience would really make us all happy, because of this blissful togetherness we we're able to know more and understand the importance of Freedom and Peace and how our ancestors went through this war, their hard-times and their million dollar worth of courage.
Glimpse "nakaka-kilabot makita ang noon ay sa kwento lamang ng libro nai-imagine. Sa pag bisita namin muli sa Corregidor ay may dalang tunay na mensahe ang bawat lugar, bagay na naiwang alaala upang mas maramdaman at pakiramdaman ang bawat pagba-balik tanaw sa kwento ng kahapon sa kasay-sayan ng Pilipinas."
Corregidor Island is a small rocky island in the Philippines about 48 kilometers west of Manila which is strategically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during World War II.
Also known as "the Rock," it was a key bastion of the Allies during the war. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines in December 1941, the military force under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur carried out a delaying action at Bataan. Corregidor became the headquarters of the Allied forces and also the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth government. It was from Corregidor that Philippine President Manuel Quezon and General MacArthur left for Australia in February 1942, leaving behind Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Wainwright in command.
Although Bataan fell on April 9, 1942, the Philippine and American forces held out at Corregidor for 27 days against great odds. On May 6, 1942, their rations depleted, the Allied forces were forced to surrender Corregidor to Lt. Gen. Homma Masaharu of the Japanese Imperial Army after having successfully halted the Japanese advance on Australia. It was only two years and ten months later in March 1945 when the Allied forces under the command of General MacArthur recaptured Corregidor making good his promise to return to the Philippines.
The big guns of Corregidor are now silent and the ruins of buildings, structures, and tunnels in the island tell a very moving story of a war that has claimed so many lives. A visit to this former battleground is a memorable experience especially for those who cherish and value peace and freedom. In his speech delivered at the signing of the surrender of Japan aboard the U.S.S. Missouri at Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, General Douglas MacArthur said, "It is my earnest hope and indeed the hope of all mankind that a better world shall emerge out of the blood and carnage of the past - a world founded upon faith and understanding, a world dedicated to the dignity of man and the fulfillment of his most cherished wish for freedom, tolerance and justice."
Roxas Blvd. Manila Bay at 6:30 AM
Leaving Manila Bay at around 8:00 AM going to Corregidor Island.
View of Corregidor Island from Cruise Ship
View of Corregidor Island from Cruise Ship
View of Corregidor Port from the top of the Corregidor Mountain,
on our way going up to the War Zone area.
Century Old Tree
Ruins of Soldier's Barrack
Ruins of Middle Barrack
Ruins of Middle Barrack
Ruins of Middle Barrack
Battery Way 2
Fun
Battery Way 3
Battery Way 3
Battery Way 3
Josie and Sol
Mini Cave at Battery Way 3
Youth and Peace Memorial Tomb
Eternal Flame
War Memorial Zone
Memorial Park
We Shall Not Forget
Foreign Tourist
Constance C. Compton, RN and Nurses of AETNA
Sol Fun Shot before Malinta Tunnel Entry
One of the Story of war scene showing the wounded soldiers
and sick people inside the Malinta Tunnel
Light House
Part of Mac Arthur Park
I Shall Return!
General Douglas Mac Arthur Memorial Park ~ I Shall Return!
Happy Constance C. Compton, RN
having personal message of Mr Stephen A. Kwiecinski, Authour of the Book
HONOR, COURAGE, FAITH
Stephen A. Kwiecinski, Authour of the Book
HONOR , COURAGE , FAITH
Corregidor Hotel
Welcome Drink ~ Gulaman Pandan
Buffet Lunch
Corregidor Souvenirs
Our Ticket Numbers and 8:10 am Time of Departure from Manila Bay
Josie and Sol at the Sun Cruise Ship!
Inside the Air-conditioned Sun Cruise Ship
Thank you for the Safe, Comfortable, Happy fun Day Tour via Sun Cruise Ship!
2,500.00 pesos per person including Buffet Lunch and Tourist Bus with English Tour Guide
200.00 pesos Entrance Fee for the Malinta Tunnel
