Climbing Up Mt. Samat

Saturday, May 2 was a free day for us. My family,( together with my M-i-l and S-i-l) trekked the three hour and a half trip to Mount Samat and view the Bataan Peninsula and Manila Bay from atop the huge cross. We reached the foot of the mountain at around 9:00am and saw a lot of hikers climbing up the road. I wonder if these youngsters knew what they’re doing coz I understand, it’s more or less ten kilometers from the foot of the mountain that ascends to the top where the cross is standing. Anyway, we strolled at the park, enjoying the view and took the elevator inside the huge cross until we reached the lounge area which is actually the horizontal arm of the cross. The view from atop is exhilarating whilst feeling the strong gust of the wind. I've been enjoying the stroll that I forgot to go to the museum that displays war memorabilia. M-i-l enjoyed the place once again. This is a scenic place to bring the children to have fun and learn history as well.

Here's a brief info on Phil. History
Mount Samat is a mountain in the Town of Pilar, Province of Bataan, Republic of the Philippines that is the site of the Dambana ng Kagitingan or "Shrine of Valor". Along with the island fortress of Corregidor, Mount Samat was the site of the most vicious battle against the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942 during the Battle of Bataan. Suffering heavy losses against the Japanese, Filipino and American soldiers retreated to Bataan Peninsula to regroup for a last valiant but futile stand. This retreat to Bataan is part of a United States strategy known as War Plan Orange. After fierce battle lasting 3 days, 78,000 exhausted, sick and starving men under Major General Edward P. King surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942. It was, and still is, the single largest surrender of U.S. and Philippine Forces ever. These forces were then led on the Bataan Death March.

The mountain is now a war memorial. A huge white cross stands as a mute but eloquent reminder of the men who died there. It also acts as a tourist attraction with a war museum nearby that has a wide array of displays from paintings of the Philippine heroes to armaments used by the American, Filipino and Japanese forces during the heat of the battle. (taken from wikipedia)


The cross as viewed from afar.

The signage that points the way.

The start of the ascend to the Memorial Cross.

The base of the huge memorial cross



At the lounge atop the cross.

At the other "arm" of the cross.

The top view of the Dambana Facade.

Giving my best pose against the giant cross.
Can you see me? he he..