The Japanese invasion of the Philippines during World War II was designed to be a swift and blitzing operation, that was, of course, until the ambitious East Asian invaders encountered gritty and stubborn resistance from the heroic Filipino-American defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, and although the twin bastions of resistance eventually fell to Japanese hands, the gallant stand of its defenders has been etched in history forever.
Now, a little less than 50 years after the being battered and decimated by enemy fire, the island popularly known as “The Rock” is only a mere shadow of its old and imposing self, but, remains to be a valuable asset to the Philippines and its people.
Once a coveted military installation, Corregidor has been reconstructed as practically an island museum that houses priceless relics of its heroes’ gallant stand against all odds. For tourists who value bringing a piece of history, this former island fortress would well prove to be the perfect choice.
The Corregidor experience begins with an enjoyable, 40-minute ferry ride from Manila Bay. Tourists would ride air-conditioned cruise ships that would reach the island in no time. After arrival, visitors would then be loaded to train-like buses called the “tranvia,” the only mode of transport around the island and one of Corregidor’s main attractions.
The tour around the island begins with a visit to its Middleside, where numerous American-established structures are located. The Filipino-American Friendship Park gives visitors a breath of fresh air in preparation for their long day of adventure. For keen history lovers, the Middleside Barracks and the Army Hospital provides the first taste of the vast history of war around Corregidor. On the other hand, nature lovers would also be in for a surprise treat in the Aviary and Theme Park, which houses local and foreign varieties of birds such as the red-vested cockatoo, Indonesian parrot, Philippine horned owl, Brazilian sun conure, and the Indonesian rainbow lory.
Next in the agenda would be a visit of the island’s big guns, which served as Corregidor’s defense mechanisms during the Pacific War. Designed and constructed by the Philippine Coast Artillery Command, the island’s gun emplacements were one of the world’s best during its time. Funded by the Americans in anticipation of conflict in the Pacific arena, Corregidor’s batteries are of different varieties. Battery Way, for example, was capable of lobbing a 1000-lb deck piercing shell or 700 lb high explosive shell 14,610 yards in any direction. Batteries Hearn and Geary were 12-inch seacoast west-ranged guns which had a maximum range of 29,000 yards and were capable of firing in all directions. But, perhaps the most interesting and most popular of the gun emplacements remains to be Battery Crockett, one of the six "disappearing" gun batteries that formed the interlocking field of fire which totally encircled the island. Armed with two 12-inch seacoast guns mounted on disappearing carriages behind a concrete parapet, its range was 17,000 yards and was capable of 170-degree traverse with overlapping fields or a total of 220 degrees coverage for the battery.
However, quite undoubtedly, the main attraction of the island tour is the visit to the Malinta Tunnel, which, in itself, tells a moving story of a war that claimed countless lives. Dug through solid rock, the tunnel offered complete protection from any kind of artillery or air attack. The tunnel housed the command communications of the USAFFE, as well as its medical units, which took care of the sick in the tunnel’s hospital. Today, visitors can experience the thrills of Malinta Tunnel in the vividly staged Light and Sound Show called the “Malinta Experience.” Scripted by national artist and film director Lamberto Avellana and sculptures made by national artist Napoleon Abueva, the show is a re-enactment of World War II’s dramatic events. Although it would cost a little more money, such a moving show would prove to be more than worth it.
As the adventure comes closer to a conclusion, the island’s Topside would be the last place on the checklist. Being the highest terrain on the island, the Topside houses the Pacific War Memorial and the Eternal Flame of Freedom, structures erected to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the Filipino-American brothers in the name of freedom and peace.
Undoubtedly, Corregidor Island stands out among all other islands in the archipelago, the fortress long known as “The Rock” is truly a priceless piece of Philippine history.
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