Ruins. Batteries. Rifles. Tunnels. Japanese. Americans. Filipinos. World War II. These are only a few that can be associated with Corregidor. You may think how a millennial like me is doing here. Well, I thought so too. It all started with me browsing in discount buying sites that I saw a promo for a day tour in Corregidor for P1,300 including a round trip ferry transfer and buffet lunch. What the heck, it can be a treat! I thought deep, for months and remembered how my father wanted to go here. And I am that kind of a daughter who watched war movies with him until I fall asleep in his arms. (Yes, my dad is in a peaceful place now and he always wanted to go somewhere historical.)
So I booked and reserved a date for November 26, 2015 (Kenny's flight back to Bacolod). We rode a taxi to SM Seaside Terminal by 630am, dropped me as he went directly to NAIA. Terminal Fee costs P30 and by 7am, it is time to check in. It was nearly half past 9 when we docked. I had some seatmate, a balikbayan (Camille) and her friend (Louis) from USA. Would you believe that I had no idea of the place and its geography? All I know is, it is somewhat related to WWII and my father has spoken of this. I was assigned in Tram #7 with my new found friends and we sat at the end of the bus together with the Koreans, Veterans and some middle-aged folks. I asked Camille why she joined, she said that her aunt planned it for them, as for me... Nah... We first went to the Northern part of the island, the entrance of Malinta Tunnel where a Light and Sound show starts, it is just optional for a fee (P200), I opted not to go since I wanted to check the outer part of the tunnel. There were only 4 of us who didn't go inside and went back to the tram to go to the other side of the tunnel to meet the remaining passengers who went in. While on the tram, we had a marvelous view of the cliff, crossed paths with monkeys, saw their aged-old chapel. For 15 minutes, we waited outside the tunnel, I had a chat with another guide, Kuya Doms, and another tourist, Tita Ann, she asked, "Why didn't you join the lights and sound show?" I then replied "Nah, I prefer checking the outer views", she added "Oh, I thought you've felt something... like I felt" Kuya Doms said "You also felt it? Please don't tell the others, but there really is something going on there" and the story continued until it was opened. We ate at Corregidor Inn afterwards, then the Battery tour, Museums, Lighthouse and Ruins took place. It was such a historical/informative/fulfilling day for me as we went back to the ferry by 3pm and arrived at the SM Seaside Terminal by 5PM. Camille talked to a Japanese woman and asked why she visited the island, she said that her father died here. One of our tour guides said that there is a separate tour for Japanese since they believed in a different story, to which they must not be offended. Tip: Bring a bottle of water, extra food. Good tour for those who like war/battle/historical trips. For less than P1,500 on a day tour with buffet lunch, ferry rides and island trip, you can never go wrong with this deal.
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AuthorI go for the name GK since it is short for Gloria Katherine. A nurse by profession but a traveler at heart. I hope you'll find my blog interesting and noteworthy. ArchivesCategories |