A client of Travel International Group, Inc. Bob Bennett has written us about his experience in the Philippines, which I would like to publish here to encourage others, especially our “kababayans” who have not been back to the Philippines for years, to come and visit. Below is Bennett's account.
I have made five trips to the Philippines in the past few years. I travelled there to scuba dive, tour the country's interesting spots and shoot photos above and underwater. I have enjoyed touring World War II sites in Corregidor Island, and the shipwrecks of Coron, Palawan and Subic Bay.
Corregidor Island, also called “The Rock” is about 48 kilometers west of Manila, with its entrance at the Manila Bay. Because of its strategic position in the bay, Corregidor served as a focal point for the naval defences of the capital city of Manila. During World War II, Corregidor was the site of several battles and fell to the Japanese forces in 1941. Although the American forces recaptured it in 1945, Corregidor Island was abandoned to the elements until the 1980's when the Philippine government converted it into a historical tourist destination.
Tourists are shuttled around on the tranvias to the island's many relics and memorials, beginning with the Japanese War Memorial, then to the Batteries Way, named in honor of the Coast Artillery Corps of the U.S. Army, which was a mainstay of the Corregidor Garrison during the Japanese invasion.
There were 23 batteries installed on Corregidor, consisting of 56 Coastal guns and mortars. In addition Corregidor has 13 anti-aircraft artillery batteries with 76 guns and Sperry searchlights. Those big guns of Corregidor are now silent, but they tell a very sad story of a war that has claimed so many lives.
Among the ruins that tell of Corregidor's glorious past is the Mile-Long barrack. It is a three-story concrete building constructed to be hurricane-proof. It was used for the billeting of American officers and enlisted personnel detailed at the garrison. The headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur was located in the building.
The Malinta tunnel had been dug through solid rock and offered complete protection from artillery or air attack. Command communications and medical units were housed in the tunnel, as well as the headquarters of USAFFE where men and women lived and worked during the siege of Corregidor.
The Pacific War Memorial honors the Filipino and American servicemen who participated in the Pacific War. It also houses a museum which serves as the repository of relics and memorabilia of Corregidor's glorious past.
For those who want to explore more of Corregidor, there is a hotel in the island where tourists can stay overnight or even longer. There is a light and sound show every night at the Malinta Tunnel.
In our succeeding columns, we shall bring you Mr. Bennett's scuba diving experience in the Philippines. He is back in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota and contemplating on returning to the Philippines.
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