The Philippine Star

Rediscover Corregidor

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Corregidor was the site of one of the most heroic and crucial battles in World War 2 between the allied US and Filipino forces against Japanese invasion forces. The battle lasted for three months when, against all odds, American and Filipino troops held back the Japanese and kept them from entering Manila Bay. Decades later, if only for its historic and even nostalgic significan­ce, the island continues to hold special significan­ce to all Filipinos. But there are now more reasons to visit Corregidor. Once just a historical tourism destinatio­n, Corregidor Island has evolved into a multi-faceted destinatio­n that combines history, eco-tourism and leisure opportunit­ies. It is a family-friendly place that showcases meaningful heritage, heroic history and natural beauty.

Corregidor offers beautiful, refreshing beaches and sandy coves. The clean waters are simply too inviting to resist. The best, according to locals and visitors, is South Beach. It’s perfect for just chilling on the sand, going for refreshing swims or bonding with family and friends.

Corregidor is also a good place for hiking, biking, adventure races, team building and other outdoor activities. For those who wish to spend the night, they can even do some ghost hunting – if they are brave enough!

More leisurely and special occasions, of course, are also possible. Some visitors go to Corregidor to celebrate birthdays, anniversar­ies and even weddings.

Corregidor is a place where visitors can virtually walk through history as they drop by and reflect at various historical spots on the island.

There’s the Pacific War Memorial that has a museum and a dome-shaped shrine and park. It was opened in 1968 as a tribute to the heroes of the Pacific side of World War 2.

Close by is The Eternal Flame of Freedom, a steel sculpture dedicated to freedom and how all human beings come together to defend it.

There’s also the Japanese Garden of Peace built to honor the Japanese soldiers who fought and died in World War 2.

Then there’s the Filipino Heroes Memorial that represents the Filipinos’ heroic battles in their fight for freedom since the 15th century against various colonizers.

Visitors should certainly not miss historical attraction­s on the island like the Malinta Tunnel tour and audio-visual presentati­on.

Thanks to the efforts of the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board and the Corregidor Foundation, the island is experienci­ng a resurgence of interest and importance.

Corregidor tells us that the way to peace and freedom is not simply a matter of taking up arms but, more importantl­y, linking arms in compassion, respect and cooperatio­n.

 ??  ?? Corregidor lets visitors walk through history with its war relics which have now become memorials to peace (top). Visitors of all ages can enjoy biking and hiking trails (above left). Malinta tunnel once served as a bunker for officers and troops (above right).
Corregidor lets visitors walk through history with its war relics which have now become memorials to peace (top). Visitors of all ages can enjoy biking and hiking trails (above left). Malinta tunnel once served as a bunker for officers and troops (above right).
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