Island of valor and adventure

MANILA, Philippines - On May 6 of every year, descendants of American and Filipino World War II veterans troop to the island fortress of Corregidor in a poignant remembrance of the valor of their forebears in the face of overwhelming odds.

At high noon, they gather at the Pacific War Memorial in the island’s topmost portion along with day tour guests, for a floral offering and moments of silence at the exact moment when defenders of Corregidor capitulated to the more superior Japanese forces after nearly five months of fierce fighting.

Dubbed as “The Rock” or the Gibraltar of the East, historical records show that it suffered one of the heaviest bombardments during the war.

This sentry by the mouth of  Manila Bay has been reinventing itself in recent years into an adventure, nature and recreation destination, and no longer just a mere war memorial frozen in time.

Sun Cruises Inc., the integrated leisure provider in Corregidor, is promoting it with the unique blend of history and adventure, something that other tourist spots cannot replicate.

It has rolled out new activities and tour packages to make it a more fun tourist hotspot.

Sun Cruises Inc. has been offering fast ferry transfers, hotel and restaurant services, and guided tours around the island’s historic spots for the past 25 years.

One of the hottest activities being offered now is the Adventure Challenge where guests can explore the ruins, navigate the fortress’ hidden tunnels and decipher clues and see the historic spots in the mold of reality TV show Amazing Race.

The Challenge tests the participants’ creativity, planning skills, logic and team work in winning the race to earn them bragging rights, and a dinner cruise at the equally historic Manila Bay. This is an ideal bonding activity for students, friends, office mates and families.

Visitors also can glide along the 300-meter long, 12-meter high Rocket Zipline which takes them from Corregidor Inn to the South Beach in about 30 seconds.

The beach area is also a playground for watersports lovers and the more adventurous can go on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) ride in a purpose-built track.

Overnight guests can take a romantic sunset tour at Battery Grubbs, with one of the large guns perched on a hill overlooking Bataan Peninsula and a crater of an extinct volcano.

After which they can take a night tour at the Malinta Tunnel, exploring the lateral tunnels, including the 1,000-bed Fort Mills hospital and other vital chambers which became the war-time refuge of the Commonwealth Republic.

At daytime, the Malinta Tunnel Light and Sound Show can be experienced, with a comprehensive narrative and multi-sensory effects that will transport them back to the War’s crucial periods.

Guests can also island hop and view the neighboring isles of La Monja, Caballo, and El Fraile (Fort Drum), then stop over at fishing spots. These comprised a naval defense system during the American era, and have their own interesting stories to tell.

To position Corregidor as a fitness island, bikers are encouraged to pedal around its splendid and challenging road network and trails. And with only a handful of motor vehicles, all roads in this idyllic isle are virtually bicycle lanes.

“The Rock” is also ideal for marathons and fun runs, being home to the Corregidor International Half-Marathon since 2010. The 21-kilometer race brings racers through a demanding combination of paved uphill and downhill slopes and dirt trails while passing through key historical hotspots.

An activity gaining popularity is birdwatching because of the varied bird species spotted here, including the White-Collared Kingfishers, Asian Glossy Starlings, Eurasian Tree Sparrows, Blue Rock, and Philippine Cockatoos.

Visitors also have the option of exploring the island on foot via the walking tours offered occasionally by Old Manila Walks with tour guide Ivan Man Dy which provide a different take on the island’s intriguing history.

Because of its old world charm, it is a favorite venue for pre-nuptial shots, photography boot camps and fashion shoots. In 2010, it hosted the special screening of the popular HBO TV series “The Pacific,” which tells of the exploits of the Allied Forces in liberating the Pacific island chain in 1944 before landing on Philippine shores.

Seventy-two years after Corregidor’s heroic stand, it is worth revisiting The Rock to appreciate it as an island of valor and adventure.

Log on to www.corregidorphilippines.com  for more details.