Philippines WWII History Tour (seven-day tour)
By: Ms. Edna Binkowsky
ITINERARY
Day One
Arrive airport in Manila
Tour participants will be picked up at the airport upon arrival by host hotel (Bayview Park Hotel). The hotel is located along Roxas Blvd., right across the U.S. Embassy, walking distance to Manila's famous park LUNETA (now Rizal Park), and close to Harrison Plaza Mall. Free time, stroll around, take the pedi-cab or jeepney to the mall, or enjoy a rejuvenating massage from the blind masseuse in the mall.
Day Two
Manila to Bataan
Breakfast at 7:00am at the hotel. Meet tour historian and guide Edna Binkowski for a briefing on the entire tour. Be ready for the 8:00 am trip to Bataan. Stop at University of Santo Tomas along Espana Ave. It is in this area where the American civilians and their allies were incarcerated during the war. On the way to Bataan, stop at the monument of the Battle of the Layac Junction. This monument reflects the bravery of Sgt. Jose Calugas who earned the highest US Congressional Medal of Honor. Proceed to Mt. Samat shrine and museum, a national landmark, built in honor of the allied defenders. It is in this area where the most vicious battle took place. Lay a wreath in honor of the soldiers who perished in this battle. Visit the Battle of the Tuol Pockets, where the allied soldiers defeated their Japanese counterparts. Check the Pantingan Massacre marker where 400 Filipino soldiers were massacred during the death march, in retaliation to their defeat at the Tuol Pockets. Overnight stay at Villa Edna in Limay or at Crown Royale in Balanga City.
Day Three
Bataan to Subic
Visit the life-size statues of General King Surrender Party at the Balanga Elementary School that became the central Japanese garrison in Bataan. Visit the memorial for the forgotten Filipino and American Nurses in Limay, the General King Marker in Lamao, and the General Wainwright surrender marker in Cabcaben. Proceed to Mariveles Zero Kilometer, start of death march. Along the way, see the death march markers posted in every kilometer of Bataan. Lunch at Villa Edna.
On the way to Subic, view the magnificent Mt. Malasimbu that became the seat of the Bataan guerillas, where Claire Phillips used to hide during the battle. Overnight stay at Vista Marina Hotel and Resort in Subic. Relax and enjoy the swimming pool or the beach. Stroll along the seafront and listen to the band at Pier One, or try your luck at the casino.
Day Four
Subic-Clark-Capas-Cabanatuan
Before leaving Subic, visit the Hellship Memorial along seafront. This memorial was funded and built through the ADBC veterans and their NOKs. On the way to Cabanatuan, stop at Clark’s Stotsenburg and Clarkfield that were bombed on Dec. 8, 1941. We will lay a wreath at the Battling Bastards of Bataan memorial at Camp O’Donnel, now called Capas National Shrine. There is one box car to find in this sad place where thousands of POWs died of hunger, disease, and physical abuse. We proceed to La Parilla Hotel or at Acropolis Hotel in Cabanatuan City for overnight stay.
Day Five
Cabanatuan to Manila
In the morning, lay a wreath at the Cabanatuan Memorial, former POW camp. Reflect on the miserable life of the captives, the role of the underground movement who smuggled aid to the sickly POWs (part of the history that many skeptics doubt about) and the daring rescue operation staged by the Alamo Scouts, the 6th Ranger Battalion, and the Cabanatuan guerillas, an event that saved the lives of about 500 allied POWs. Proceed to Manila. It’s a long drive, we will watch the Chick Parsons documentary and the Claire Phillips movie “I WAS AN AMERICAN SPY” on board the bus. Overnight stay at Bayview Hotel.
Day Six
Manila City Tour
Visit Luneta (now called Rizal Park), Fort Santiago where the guerillas, spies and the underground workers were tortured and executed. Proceed to Intramuros, the Spanish town. Find your Filipiniana souvenir at Silahis Center. After checking the malls at Ayala Ave, proceed to the American Cemetery to lay a wreath.
Back to the hotel.
In the evening, proceed to Zamboanga Restaurant to enjoy a spectacular dinner show.
Day Seven
Corregidor Tour
Take an early breakfast to be ready for the 6:30 am pick up to bring guests to the ferry boat at Roxas Blvd. for the Corregidor day tour. It is a pleasant 1 ½ ferry ride. Tour the island by trolley, a replica of the island’s transportation during peace time. Enjoy the Malinta Tunnel light and sound show which is a world class tour. Visit the battery sites and the huge cannons used during the war. Lunch will be served at Corregidor Inn. Leave the island at 2:30pm (except those who wants to stay for overnight).
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