A Brave Weekend at Corregidor, Part II

The Batteries

Roughly intact 12-inch mortars abound the island. With the help of our tour guide we learned how these artilleries constituted the defense system of World War II. Battery Way was an effective means of countering the Japanese artillery in Bataan, while Battery Hern, one of the last major additions to Corregidor's defense, was designed to frustrate naval threat from the China Sea. Battery Geary and Battery Crockett were considered the most effective anti-personnel weapons of the island. Both could fire in any direction, but Battery Crocket was mounted on disappearing carriages ---that's why it's called a disappearing battery. There are a total of six disappearing gun batteries in the island, one of which is the Battery Grubbs which is the best site for sunset viewing.

The Ruins and Shrines

On our way to the Pacific War Memorial, the main attraction on the Topside, we passed by the YMCA Building, Middleside Barracks, Senior Officers Quarters and the Topside or Milelong Barracks. Our tour guide said that these buildings were made of first class cement imported from Japan while the steel bars came from the US. Milelong, world's longest military barracks for having a length of 1,520 feet, is a three-deck hurricane proof building for American officers and served as McArthur's headquarters. The three-storey Middleside Barracks housed the 60th Coast Artillery Regiment and the 91st Philippine Scout Coast Artillery Regiment. These two buildings were among the first damaged when Japanese first attacked Corregidor.

Standing on the highest part of Corregidor is the Pacific War Memorial dedicated to the Filipino and American soldiers who fought for freedom. Forty-five minutes was given to us by our tour guide to explore the whole memorial complex. To the memorial's left side are the ruins of Cine Corregidor, the old movie theatre where its former lobby now houses the cars of two great players during that time, Pres. Manuel L. Quezon and Gen. Douglas McArthur. Opposite the Cine Corregidor are the ruins of the Bachelor Officer's Quarters, while behind is the museum that houses war artifacts. (Of all the things that interest me in the museum was the old Coca-Cola bottle that tickled my imagination on how soldiers took break-time on the battlefield!) Located at the back of the memorial complex is a wing-shaped steel sculpture designed by Aristedes Demetrios symbolizing the flame of freedom burning eternally.

Just a hop away the area is a reconstruction of the Old Spanish Lighthouse where we got an awesome view of Manila Bay, the South China Sea, the neighboring provinces of Bataan and Cavite, plus a bird's eye view of the island. The original lighthouse was built by the Spaniards in 1836 and was replaced by a bigger one in 1897 before being destroyed by the war. Beside the lighthouse is a memorabilia store where you can buy the best souvenirs from Corregidor after that wonderful experience being atop the highest point in the island. (What I brought home for you? Well, my stories!)

The two newest landmarks in Corregidor are the Filipino Heroes Memorial that was erected in 1987 during the Aquino government, and the Japanese Garden of Peace which was constructed and maintained by Japan-based private groups. Filipino Heroes Memorial has 14 murals of famous and obscure Filipino heroes who fought for freedom, starting from the Battle of Mactan in 1521 to the People Power of Edsa in 1986. It was sculptured by Manuel Casal.

Another must-see memorial is the Fil-Am Friendship Park located at the Middleside. This former civilian community named Barrio Conception is now a fully landscaped park with 10-foot-statues of Filipino and American soldiers shown assisting each other.

The Malinta Tunnel Experience

Before the day tour ends everybody has the chance to experience the dramatic light and sound show restaging the war story of Corregidor, right at the historic-bomb-proof Malinta Tunnel. Scripted by late National Artist Lamberto Avellana, the show recapped the whole fun-filled touring experience of the day. (But do you know that there are more to discover in Malinta Tunnel? Wait until I tell you how exciting it was to visit its laterals at night. Spooky?)

Gearing Up for More

It was time to bid goodbye to new friends, as most of them headed for the wharf where the same Sun-Cruiser would bring them back to Manila. We overnighters were dropped off by the tranvia to the Corregidor Hotel where we started managing our own timetables. The serenity of the place fits exactly the quietude lovers, while the more adventurous individuals have plenty of things to experience. The hotel offers free-of-charge activities that include sunset and sunrise viewing and a night lateral visit at the Malinta Tunnel. Other alluring activities with minimal fees include fishing, hiking and boating around the island.

It was only 2:30 PM and long before the sunset, so we decided to take some rest on our hotel room. But despite the comfort of the cushioned-bed, thoughts of the activities made me more energetic. After grabbing some snacks, we set off for an afternoon beach walk where we got delighted in picking stones called "blood stained-stones" because of its bloodlike designs. Legends say that those are the bloods of soldiers who died in the battle ---Filipinos, Americans and Japanese, no distinctions. Before long, it was 5:00 PM, 30 minutes before the sunset. We hurried to the hotel with handfuls of stones we picked for souvenir.