(Brothers in Arms Statue)
The Philippines definitely has a lot to offer for foreign and local tourists-from UNESCO's World Heritage Site in Vigan to World's seven wonders of nature in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Pristine beaches, enchanting waterfalls, bountiful fruits and historical sites. One of these is the Battle of Corregidor where many of our Filipinos and Americans killed by the Japanese soldiers during the World War II. Nearly hundreds of thousands of people suffered and tormented, even small children were not excused to be executed in front of their parents on the Island. Corregidor was attacked by aerial bombardment and it lasted for two hours as the Japanese destroyed the navy fuel depot, metered long barracks, hospital and other facilities. Years passed and the only one left on the Island was the ruined buildings which marked as Americans and Filipino soldiers died to defend the country during the World War.
How to get there:
How to get there:
Corregidor is located at the southwestern entrance of Metro Manila and the only way to get there is by purchasing Sun Cruises Tour package deals- the only company who caters and have an access to the Island.There are two options for this deal: a day tour for fee of 2,300-2,500 per person or an overnight stay that would costs normally from 3,000-3,500- but we get it for only 2,150.00 at ( http://www.cashcashpinoy.com/ ), both includes lunch buffet and seasonal fruits (watermelon and pineapple was served when we were there). The Ferry usually sails at 07:00 in the morning from Mall of Asia Terminal. Day tour ends at 02:00 in the afternoon and leaves the Island at 02:30 while a 3 hours free time on day one for those who are staying overnight at Corregidor Hotel before witnessing the spectacular sunset and creepiest ghost hunting at Malinta Tunnel and the ruined hospital.
Day 1
Tip; You may purchase a promo deals from Ensogo or Cash Cash pinoy for a much cheaper rate than getting it to Sun Cruise.
1. MALINTA TUNNEL
Malinta Tunnel is a tunnel complex built by the American Corps of Engineers which serves as higher ranks offices, hospital and their shelter. According to our guide, the men who worked for the construction of this concrete tunnel was the convicts of Bilibid Prison for ten years from 1922 to 1932 and in return they were being paid for a free shower and a cigar everyday.
There is a light and sound presentation on the south entrance of the tunnel that lasted 30 minutes from 9:00-9:30 in the morning, they will be showing a brief history about the Battle of Corregidor. A fee of P200.00 will be collected but this is just optional. It is advisable for those who availed the Day Tour if you want to see what tunnel looks like, but our group opted not to get in since we'll be here again by 7 in the evening for the 'ghost hunting" as they call it .
2. LORCHA DOCK
A historical site where General Douglas McArthur's departure point when he left for Australia. A huge statue stands at Lorcha dock in honor of him with his famous line "I shall return".
A diesel gasoline operated and the only hotel on the Island. It has 32 spacious rooms available for guests who are staying overnight. The hotel serves sumptuous sets of food like Paella, Corn soup, steamed vegetables and a lot more.
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4. PRESIDENT'S OSMEÑA AND QUEZON'S PARK
There were actually 3 statues stand in this little park: the two former Philippine Presidents- Manuel L. Quezon who was the first Filipino to the govern country, and Sergio Osmeña who was the second rising President after Quezon. There sculptures was all made by bronze which is quite different from the third statue standing on the left side of the park,dedicated to a woman in honor for her bravery during the war which is made of marble.
5. JAPANESE GARDEN OF PEACE
A memorial built in honor of the Japanese soldiers who died during the war.
6. MIDDLE SIDE BARRACKS
It has two three-story buildings and according to our guide, these massive building housed 60 coast artillery, US regular Army and Philippine scouts.
7. BATTERY WAY
A remarkable gun placement on the Island, Battery way is consists of four 12 inch mortars which are capable of lobbing a 1000 lb deck piercing shell in any directions.
8. BATTERY HEARN
It has a firing elevation between 15-25 degrees and capable of firing in all direction. Battery Hearn is considered as the biggest weapon on the Island.
9. ETERNAL FLAME OF FREEDOM
10. PACIFIC WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM
A marble dome memorial built by the US government in honor of the Filipino and American soldiers who served during World War.
11. CINE CORREGIDOR
Located in front of Pacific Memorial Museum, Cine Corregidor caters leisure and entertainment needs of the soldiers. The last movie shown in this movie house was "Gone with the wind'. Today, concrete walls, stairways and floors are left from the movie house.
12. BROTHERS AT ARMS
This sculpture was dedicated for Filipino and American soldiers who gave their lives during the World War.
13. MILE-LONG BARRACKS
It is a 3-story concrete building used for the enlisted personnel detailed of the garrison. The Mile long Barracks usually seen on postcards and magazine covers depicting Islands historic past.
14. FARO DE ISLA CORREGIDOR
The lighthouse had gone through several reconstruction after it has been damaged during the war and was last reconstructed in the year 1950's. Tourists are allowed to climb up to the viewing deck of the lighthouse for an awesome view of Manila Bay and Bataan. There are also souvenir shops within the vicinity and a gallery at the lower level of the lighthouse.
15. BATTERY GRUBB
Grubb is located in the west central part of the Island, firing towards the northwest sector. Unlike the other batteries, the atmosphere changes markedly as approached Grubbs through Spanish style arch at the roads end.(corregidor.org)
This place is actually a spot for magnificent sunset viewing but unfortunately it was raining when we get to Battery Grubb.
16. CORREGIDOR HOSPITAL RUIN
A cross-shape concrete building which symbolizes as hospital but despite of its red marked, it was still bombed by the Japanese soldiers.
17. MANILA TUNNEL GHOST HUNTING
The most exciting part of the tour is the ghost hunting at the Malinta Tunnel, we started our trek at 7 in the evening and it was a bit cold since heavy rains start to pour. Our guide discussed what was life of our Filipino and American soldier during the time that they lived here. There were almost hundred of lateral that were built inside of the tunnel. We also tried to turned off our lamps for couple of minutes to experience of how difficult it was without electricity inside the tunnel.
DAY 2
18. JAPANESE TUNNEL
We woke up as early as 5:30 in the morning for the sunrise viewing but then again the clouds were too thick for the sun to show up. We headed to the Tunnel, dug by the Japanese soldiers during the war, the passage were carved through the rock leading up to another uphill.
19. SAN JOSE CHAPEL
Located at the north dock of the Island
20. CORREGIDOR SWIMMING AREA
Day 2 tour ends at 8 in the morning and while waiting for our check out time at 12, why not use it by plunging at the south dock of the Island.
A set of breakfast will be serve after the morning tour.
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