ESCAPE TO CORREGIDOR

(The Island of Corregidor)

www.akamug.com

By: McMike_Angel@akamug.com

As a trekker. As a Filipino. A tour to the famous Island of Corregidor is a refreshing idea.

When WW II began, Corregidor Island served as the guardian of Manila. The Island stood proud as the Japanese tried to enter Manila Bay. Many great Battles were fought here. Thousands had died. Countless bombs were drop and fired. And great heroes were born. All of these in one tiny Island of Corregidor

Corregidor is like a Castle. It was defended up to the last breath. Filipino and American soldiers stood side by side. They put all they had got; Long range canons, anti-aircraft, guarded beach front, underground tunnels, supplies and thousands of brave soldiers. The Knights did all their best but the enemy was determined to get their objective. The fall of Bataan weakened the entire Archipelago.

The Japanese ruled the Philippines, But not for long. When the Americans returned as promised by Gen. Douglas McArthur, they were armed to the tooth. It was time to get the castle back to the Filipino people! It’s time to liberate Corregidor! The island was once again filled with blood.

The tour started at CCP Complex ferry terminal. There were various tour packages available. We chose the one-day tour package. Boarding time starts at 0715 and it would only took an hour to reach Corregidor. Some 200 other local and foreign tourists were also onboard. I can only imagine what’s in store for me in this battled island.

Manila looks like New York City from a distant. Felt like I’m going to Alcatraz.

Then here comes Corregidor. The island looks like from “Survivor Challenge” in Africa. Very nice Beach front with unpopulated costal bay. We ducked into the island’s main port. There were several Tran via bus waiting for us. This was the exact replica of the train going around Corregidor during the war. The exploration had started, this time with a tour guide.

The tour guide explains everything and the historic places added every detail. The Malinta tunnel, Several Batteries (Canons), monuments, war torn barracks, a museum and cemetery to name a few.

We had our lunch at a nice place near the beach. Although there was a nice hotel in the island, camping is still the best! @ 1400, the tour guide said it’s time to say goodbye to Corregidor. This is it? I want to see more! I want to feel more of Corregidor. Well, one day is a good way to start an adventure.

The island of Corregidor is truly an escape! The beauty is magnificent considering the battles that took place here.

How I wish I could spend more time to really get the picture perfect beauty of Corregidor. But hey, it’s only an hour away from Manila. I can be here in a flash! But I have to do it, The Trekkers Way!

Specal thanks to all DENKI ENGINEERS of ROHM APOLLO

Sir Benjie, Regs, Pohl, Nonie, Mike, Nat, Marlo, Romer, Mae, Led, Maki, Lou, Ervin and Abe

for the ESCAPE!!