Corregidor, known as “The Rock”, is a small rocky island in the Philippines strategically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. It was a key bastion of the allies during WWII. Corregidor was the headquarters of the Allied forces and also the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth government during that time. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers who bravely fought against the invading Japanese forces during World War II.
Our day started at CCP where we boarded a ferry that would take us to Corregidor. We toured the island via “tramvias” (buses made to look like the old trams used in the island during the war) with candid tour guides narrating stories, anecdotes and historical facts along the way. We were shown the geographic sectors of the island which includes Topside, Middleside, Bottomside and Tail end. And visited the island’s landmarks such as the Mile-long Barracks, old Spanish Lighthouse, Pacific War Memorial, Eternal Flame of Freedom,Filipino-American Friendship Park, Filipino Heroes Memorial, Malinta Tunnel (with a 30-minute audio and visual presentation on WWII), and not to mention numerous gun placements and ruins all around the island.
Although it was sooo hot that day and all the information and facts that we’re getting may be too much to handle at times (as it has been years since we last read our history books), we can’t help but be fascinated and awed by the story being told both by the ruins and the newer memorials built in Corregidor. Truly, this island not only teaches lessons from the past but it also give us a glimpse of the sacrifices and heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers alike.
We think every Filipino should include visiting this historical island in their personal to do/to go to list.
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