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HONG
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CANADA
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EUROPE
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THAILAND
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Philippines |
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Corregidor Island - 1 |
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Source: Manila Bulletin |
Author: Mary Anne R. Conde |
Date: 2000-03-30 |
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Ruins, relics and remembrances
The war-ravaged ruins of Corregidor can make
anyone emotional - even the generations born after
World War II. Although the island is now serene, it is
not difficult to imagine the terror of being there in
the midst of a war - the sounds of fighter planes
roaring overhead, bombs exploding, debris flying
everywhere and the voices of men rising over the
din.
For years the island of Corregidor served as a major
stronghold to ward off the attack of the enemy. Its
strategic location and fortifications earned for it the
name “Guardian of Manila” during the Spanish, Japanese
and American Occupations.
Its name is derived from the
Spanish word “corregir” meaning
“to correct” or “to check” as this
island served as a check point
for vessels entering Manila Bay
during the Spanish and American
Occupations.
This tadpole-shaped island is situated 26 nautical miles
west of Manila and lies just off the southern tip of Bataan
Peninsula. It is about 5.6 km in length from end to end
and approximately 2.4 kms in width at its widest point.
Today, this island is one of the most visited tourist sites
in the country. Its beaches against a beautiful backdrop
of huge limestone formations, its nature trails, and
panoramic views of Manila Bay and South China Sea are
only some of its many attractions.
Most importantly, Corregidor is visited and re-visited
because of the rich history it reveals. Being there is like
reading through a chapter in our history books.
Once an expensive travel
package because of its location,
this historical tour is now
available to the younger
travelers at “studentfriendly”
prices. The Philippine Tourism
Authority has recently added
Corregidor to its
Balik-Barkadahan sa Turismo tour
packages. The Barkadahan is a
project especially aimed at
educating and awakening the
youth’s interest in domestic tourism by providing them
with affordable and adventure-filled tour packages.
For the price of R525/person (minimum of 20), young
travelers can visit the Aviary, Middleside, Battery Way,
Battery Hearn, Mile Long Barracks, Pacific War Memorial,
Spanish Lighthouse, Battery Geary, Battery Crocket, the
MacArthur Statue, Filipino Heroes Memorial, Japanese
Garden of Peace and the Malinta Tunnel. Included in the
package are round-trip ferry boat transfers
(Mla-Corregidor-Mla), shrine and terminal fee, guided
island tour via tranvia bus and a welcome drink. Optional
offers are a Light and Sound show at the Malinta Tunnel
and meals which range from R305 to R75 per person. (to be continue)
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