Bid the island farewell

As I bid the island farewell after a day of historical rendezvous and astonishing discoveries, I recount some of the spots which captured my “patriotic spirit” the most. I consider these the more significant, or better yet, sacred places in Corregidor:

The Pacific War Memorial on the center of the island stands as one of the greatest monuments of heroism and love for freedom.

On the northern tip, outsized bronze murals were used to recount pieces of Philippine history in an artistic fashion.

In another part, a vast garden lies as a symbolic gesture of Japan’s remorse for the destruction they have brought to our people.

But nothing can compare to the “Malinta Tunnel Experience” – a 30 minute light and sound presentation inside the Malinta Tunnel itself.

The total darkness gives the perfect background to revive the episodes at play during the most important days on Corregidor. The smoke and dust effects added texture to the light and sound show, letting the tourist experience more intensely the narration about the fall of the island, the dramatic stories of soldiers during the war, and the great victory from the oppressors. The presentation ends with the playing of the Philippine National Anthem, a moment that would make every Filipino present very proud.

History is best appreciated if one can truly feel its true sense, how it contributes to the present and affects our future. These are what Corregidor has taught me, and I believe that I would be leaving the island more proud of my heritage.

Spirit Questors

Corregidor Island is not only known for its historical significance, but also noted for baffling stories of specter and unexplained sightings.

The Corregidor Hospital has been attached with testimonies of chilling occurrences and haunting encounters from thrill seekers and spirit questors who dared to explore the carcass of this once significant establishment. A stopover to this place was not a regular part of the tour, but the intriguing stories made me and my cousins want to visit the hospital. Our guide gave us directions how to reach the place, but refused to join. We left the other tourists who also declined our invite. Gladly, Tito Cesar and Tita Judith were up for the challenge.
The hospital complex lies on top of a hill, but is enclosed by thick forest trees. The main path is almost unnoticed and enclosed by entangled shrubs and enormous tree roots that sprang out from the ground. Finding the hospital itself is a daunting adventure.
What is left of the hospital are vast, dark and empty halls, punctured walls and columns resembling a skeleton of its remains. I couldn’t think but imagine how once it sheltered the injured especially during the heated moments of the war. Maybe the hallways of the hospital were filled with crying soldiers wounded from battle, while doctors and nurses run about to tend the more serious patients. I felt that Tita Judith, being a nurse herself, was moved by this experience.
Only the whistle of the wind and chirps of birds were the sounds I heard that morning. There were no more screaming and other traces of human suffering left, but these will be forever etched on the sides and pillars of the ruins. I kept on telling Greg to take pictures in conspicuous spots – chances are the ghosts we’re seeking might appear on one of his photos.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, none appeared.

Batteries are included

We have landed. This is it - the start of our day-long Corregidor Tour.

There are two choices on how to get around the island - first, for the more adventurous souls (and have booked a room or two in Corregidor Island Hotel), a day-long trek and hike. Warning though, be prepared as you would surely pass by wandering snakes and other forests creepers along the way. My group opted for the more convenient, but less cool option - colorful open tourist bus. Fiesta!

Thanks to the drizzle, the wind blows crisp, but the twisted, hilly, steep and narrow roads became slippery. The bus would stop once in a while along monuments and old ruins for tourist to take photo ops and listen to a tale or two courtesy of our tour guides. It's like grade school field trip all over again...

There were amazing spots around the island - several of which include batteries where in the old cannon-sized guns are still erected. Gigantic in proportions, these artilleries where used by the American soldiers to gun down tora-toras and battle ships - cool! There are also deep tunnels, bunkers, passage ways and underground holes which are quite daunting. I could feel the chills running through my veins (hmmm... sounds like a line from an old Alamid song). I have counted at least four major batteries visited by my tour group.

On top of one of these batteries, you could view the splendid South China Sea over the horizon, accentuated by grassy hills and lush flora that resembles a backdrop for a dramatic soap scene... where in the "bidang lalaki" would chase the "bidang babae" and chances would allow the male hero to raise his prized trophy girl by her curvy waist and spin around like there's no more tomorrow... how cheesy-romantic!

On a serious note, the batteries of Corregidor are standing monuments reminding us about the horrors of war. So many lives were lost and properties damaged by these monstrous instruments of man. But the more important thing is that we do not forget and continue to honor the courage and dignity of the heroes who have once fought for our freedom that we continue to cherish up to the present.

History 101: Corregidor, the Spanish, the Americans, and World War II

During the hour-long cruise aboard the MV Sun Cruises, backgrounders about Corregidor and related history lessons were taught to tourist and student excursionists. Let me share with you what I have gathered:

The name Corregidor comes from the Spanish word "magistrate".

The island is situated 26 miles west of Manila; it lies just off the southern tip of the Bataan Peninsula and guards the entrance to Manila Bay. It is dominated by huge limestone formation and is about four miles long and a half-mile at its widest point.

During the Spanish era, this tadpole-shaped island was a signaling station were bonfires were lit apprise Manila of an incoming galleon. Later, Spaniards built a lighthouse on the island.

Corregidor has witnessed numerous Philippine maritime highlights, among them, the destruction of a Spanish fleet by a squadron of U.S. naval convoy, and much earlier, the battle between Spain and Dutch privateers.

Photo courtesy of gregoryperez.

From 1941 to 1942, an embattled force of Filipino and American Soldiers fought one of the great delaying "tactics" of World War II. The big guns of Corregidor were used in support of Fil-Am defenders of Bataan until the island itself was invaded. The restless pounding by Japanese guns, including intermittent bombings reduced its defenses and compelled its surrender.

On January 1945, Corregidor was once again caught in the fury of war as the Americans retook the island after a bloody battle.

Indeed, this forlorn speck of land has played a pivotal part in Philippine and World War history. The stories and history lessons I heard and video clips continuously shown on monitor screens on board have made me much eager to see and experience, though the war remnants left on the island, the thrills and chills of Corregidor.

Sail away

It is a great day to sail away.

A few days ago, rain clouds and continuous drizzle overcast Manila. Today, I had no worries even if I need to take a ship to my destination - Corregidor Island.

November 12, 2004, Friday, around 8:15 am, aboard the MV Sun Cruises, I embark on a journey that will take me more that 60 years back in history during a period in time that most people would probably want to forget because of the tragedies and horror war has brought upon them. But it is also a trip that would remind me of the bravery, courage and heroism of our forefathers that has brought us to where we our today - a free nation.

I wouldn't probably be on this trip if it were not for my balikbayan relatives who wanted to visit Corregidor. I haven't been to this tiny but historically significant island along the southern tip of the Bataan Peninsula, yet I volunteered to be their "tour guide" for the rest of the day. Good thing, Sun Cruises provides very skillful and trained personnel who took care of everything during our tour of the island. My relatives, Tita Judith and her husband, Tito Cesar, haven't been home for more than 30 years. They have been living in Florida for almost half of their lives. This balikbayan trip was courtesy of their son, my cousin, Gregory, who wanted to spend an unforgettable 30th birthday by bringing his parents and his younger brother, Joe, here in the Philippines. Actually, it is Greg and Joe's first time to visit the country, and are both exited to discover the history and culture of their heritage.

Photo courtesy of gregoryperez

Manila Bay was gorgeous! The view of the city from afar is breathtaking - ang ganda pala ng Maynila sa malayo! The sea air was a breather especially for my balikbayan folks who were complaining much about the smog in the city. The one-hour cruise was quite enjoyable too.

I am confident, even I myself haven't been to Corregidor, that they will enjoy the place and will have a great historical blast!