Looking Back Thru Corregidor Island

happened on Nov. 22, 2014... pictures heavy post...

the soldiers' barracks ruins

I have been meaning to visit this place but knowing how much I have to spend for a day tour makes me back-out every time (what more for an overnight accommodation!).  Having half a dozen family is always a big challenge - financial budgeting wise.

Metrodeal promo came to the rescue, with a discount of Php1,000 for each voucher covering the transfer from Manila Bay to the island and vice versa, guided train tour and lunch buffet.  So the moment I saw the promo, I contacted the Windangan Group and purchased the vouchers.  It's a timing that the group still doesn't have a getaway trip planned for this year (aside from our Summer getaway).  Arggg... this irresistable wanderlust!

All tours from Manila Bay to Corregidor Island are being managed and run by Sun Cruise.  The ship is nice, clean, with great air conditioning and comfortable seats.  Travel is smooth and took about almost 2 hours.

 

You need to have a reservation prior the tour.  You can't just walk-in as there might be no more available slots.

the cast; excited to board the ship

the gang enjoying the ride

 

the ship

Let's have the historical background first (from Wikipedia):

Corregidor (Fort Mills) is the largest of the islands that formed the harbor defenses of Manila Bay together with El Fraile Island (Fort Drum), Caballo Island (Fort Hughes) and Carabao Island (Fort Frank), which were all fortified during the American liberation of the country. The island was also the site of a small military airfield, as part of the defense.


During World War II, Corregidor played an important role during the invasion and liberation of the Philippines from Japanese forces. Heavily bombarded in the latter part of the war, the ruins left on the island serve as a military memorial to American, Filipino and Japanese soldiers who served or lost their lives on the island. Corregidor is one of the important historic and tourist sites in the country.

Upon embarking the ship, we were led to a train.  Since we are a big group, we have almost occupied the whole train. 

lots of tourists that day

Each train has a speaking tour guide.  We have chosen this one.

The Ruins:

We started with the barracks' ruins, the most photographed area in this island.

 

Movie House - even amidst the war, there's an entertainment provided for the soldiers.

The Headquarters:

The Batteries - apparently there were 36 batteries (holds ammunitions and armories) strategically located within the island.  Some are still there and were restored for viewing purposes.  We are awed on how gigantic the guns are.



a battered ammunition

a century old building

The Light House - the oldest landmark in Corregidor which was first list in 1853 and completely reconstructed in the 1950s. This is now being used by Philippine Coast Guard and being operated on solar power.  It's good to know that some of our taxes are being properly utilized.

the solar panels, mostly being used for operations here in the island

view from the top of the lighthouse

stairs quite steep

Malinta Tunnel - the most famous spot in this island.  For P250.00, one can have a guided tour inside the tunnel.  We didn't hesitate to avail this tour with audio visual presentation by National Artist Lamberto Avellana of the events that took place in this island. The entrance fee is being used in preserving, restoring and maintaining this site.  I'm glad that they are doing a great job in preserving an important Philippine history in this island.

some parts still for reconstruction

Corregidor Today:

Aside from all the renovations and restorations made, some structures were added to commemorate and honor our unsung heroes.

Pacific War Museum - a gallery of the war that have been witnessed by this island.  It holds some memorabilia of that era.  We are so fortunate to be born after this war.  I couldn't imagine how hard and frightening life would be then.

Pacific War Memorial - this was built by USA to honor the American and Filipino soldiers who participated in WWII.

The major memorial structure is a rotunda with a circular altar directly under the dome's oculus through which light falls on the altar during daylight hours. Light lands directly on the altar on May 5th at exactly 12 noon, in commemoration of the surrender of the troops stationed there and the courage they exhibited over 72 days of bombing.

Eternal Flame of Freedom - commissioned to Aristides Demetrios; a steel sculpture symbolizing freedom.

Filipino Heroes Memorial - designed by Francisco Manosa; with 14 murals depicting heroic battles fought by Filipinos from the 15th century up to the present.

Japanese Garden of Peace - a memorial for the Japanese soldiers who fought and died during WWII.

my pretty mom

overlooking Caballo Island

McArthur's Monument - this is where the General landed and departed.

Corregidor Inn - the only hotel here in the island. 

not too many options for the lunch buffet and food not that good

Our day tour ended on this shore.  The parents are all so tired, not from the tour, but from taking care of the kids hehehe... We were all so lazy to get out of the train.  Looking how grown up the kids are makes me think how time flew so fast *sigh*.

tired but with happy faces

We are done by 3PM.  If you wanted to spend more time here, avail the overnight package.  You can visit the tunnel at night time (it will be creepy I'm sure) and enjoy some activities - biking, zip line and hiking.  Overnight stay is around 4,500 per person which I think is too expensive since the hotel is not that plush.

Another item slashed from my bucket list... Yipeee!!!

 

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www.corregidorphilippines.com