Corregidor is a tadpole-shaped island at the mouth of Manila Bay, making it a natural site for erecting a fortification in defense of the bay. It once served as an initial checkpoint for visiting ships during the Spanish-era and may have functioned as a correctional facility for criminals of that time, hence the translation of its name as “Island of Corrections”. Its most recent use came during World War II, when American and Filipino defenders battled the invading forces of the Japanese Empire. Today, Corregidor stands as a testament of heroism during those terrible days of conflict.

“The Rock”, as the American colonials called it back then, was the operations center for the defense of Manila as well as the de-facto seat of the Philippine Commonwealth government. It was from here that President Manuel L. Quezon and General Douglas MacArthur withdrew to Australia upon orders by the US, leaving Lt. Gen. Wainwright in command. The island held out for 27 days after the Fall of Bataan, surrendering only after rations gave out.

Corregidor is separated into 3 areas: Topside, Middleside and Bottomside. Not only is Topside the most picturesque of the 3 areas, with its numerous batteries and Mile-Long Barracks, it also possess the Pacific War Memorial, a museum which houses war artefacts and memorabilia. A tall steel structure called The Eternal Flame of Freedom is set on the Memorial, as well as a circular altar covered by a dome with a hole, allowing light to strike the center only once a year. This is every May 6 at noon, the day when the island and the country fell into the hands of the Japanese military. Middleside contains Middleside Barracks, an aviary, and the Filipino-American Friendship Park.

Bottomside contain the dock facilities. To the east of this section rises Malinta Hill, which cuts Bottomside from the tail end of the island. In order to create a bomb-proof shelter, the Americans spent 10 years digging through solid rock to create the famous Malinta Tunnel. The tunnel served as the headquarters of MacArthur and the USASFFE, the seat of the Commonwealth government, hospital, and storage facilities. Although it was safe enough from enemy fire, it was also stifling from the poor ventilation, and prone to dust and insects. Today, visitors can experience the hell that the military personnel had undergone through “The Malinta Experience”, a light-and-sound show scripted by national artist Lamberto Avellana.

Another heritage structure in Corregidor is the Spanish Flagpole, once a mast of a Spanish warship captured by Admiral George Dewey back in 1898.

The best time to visit “The Rock” is between November to May, well away from monsoon season. To get to Corregidor, it is best to sign up with one of the dedicated tour operators, like Sun Cruises. You can choose a day tour or an overnight tour, where accommodations are provided by the cozy Corregidor Hotel. Assembly for the trip takes place in the early mornings near the waterfront at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex besides Roxas Boulevard, right next to Manila Yacht Club. Each group takes an air-conditioned jetty to the island, where colorful coaches called tramvias will take them to areas of interest throughout the island. These tramvias have Filipino, English, or Japanese-speaking guides to describe the history of each spot. And don’t get left behind by your tramvia while exploring each place of interest, as there are no taxis available to carry you from place to place. Overnight visitors can attend the special night tour which allows them to see the lateral tunnels which comprises the Fort Mills Hospital, where only the flashlight-carrying guide breaks the complete and eerie darkness under the earth.

Posted in Attractions, Philippines

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