I missed out on this island tour after our Mountain Province adventure with my sister three months back. But Ate Juliet assured me that once I inform her of my availability, she would be ready to rub-elbows with me for our fourth trip together to Corregidor! :)
I hit the road early from General Trias, Cavite en route to CCP to meet with Ate Juliet. I was wary since the route was unfamiliar and travelling in the big city always makes me cringe, really.
When I got there, I enjoyed the sunrise, the skyscrapers, and the big number of joggers going up and down, to and fro the CCP Complex area, while I was waiting for Ate Juliet and her daughter, Chris Diane to call out my name, now from the sparse crowd since it was already past 7 that time.
When I got there, I enjoyed the sunrise, the skyscrapers, and the big number of joggers going up and down, to and fro the CCP Complex area, while I was waiting for Ate Juliet and her daughter, Chris Diane to call out my name, now from the sparse crowd since it was already past 7 that time.
We walked going to the CCP complex Terminal for our boarding tickets and official check in on Sun Cruises ferry. A colourful and flamboyantly decorated jeepney transferred us to the quayside. There we boarded the cruise vessel and found our seats in the cabin for over an hour travel, I bluntly remember, to Corregidor.
I knew very little about this island except for its historical significance during World War II where both Filipino and American soldiers fought off the onslaught of the Japanese air attacks. Just that!
I knew very little about this island except for its historical significance during World War II where both Filipino and American soldiers fought off the onslaught of the Japanese air attacks. Just that!
The tour officially commenced the moment we disembarked, and climbed up the post-war designed tour buses. Our charismatic guide greeted us and briefed us about the historic island.
Nature was at its best. Concrete roads and pavements outlined the whole island; war batteries of varying sizes are stationed at strategic areas, ruins of the grand barracks, cinema, shrines and other important facilities, and not to be outdone was the bomb-proof Malinta Tunnel. A Php 120.00 entrance fee for the Light and Sound Shows were skillfully presented inside the tunnel as we surveyed around.
Nature was at its best. Concrete roads and pavements outlined the whole island; war batteries of varying sizes are stationed at strategic areas, ruins of the grand barracks, cinema, shrines and other important facilities, and not to be outdone was the bomb-proof Malinta Tunnel. A Php 120.00 entrance fee for the Light and Sound Shows were skillfully presented inside the tunnel as we surveyed around.
Corregidor is also a come-on to campers and the place is a recommended site if you consider spending a night or two. This island is part of Cavite and not of Bataan as it is always mistaken of.
At noon, our bus brought us uphill to Corregidor Inn for a mouth-watering buffet meal, included in the tour package. After gorging, glutted and satiated, we walked around the hilly inn and relished the panoramic landscape, the sea breeze, and the old facilities there.
The tour resumed completing our itinerary with lavish photo-ops as a proof of our visit. History has dawned upon me once more as we pried into the horrible and horrendous past of the unsung heroes at the hands of the cruel Japanese. It was then time to head back to Manila.
Around 4 pm, we were already at CCP, and the sad part of it? Yes, the separation pangs. We parted right away. My travel buddies were Meycauyan bound while I found my way back to NAIA 3 for my Naga flight.
It was enlightening! It was a historic tour, indeed! :)
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