April 17 - Manila - Corregidor continued

Ran out of time to finish the Corregidor story since we had to leave for the beach on Boracay (report coming).  Here's the rest of Corregidor:

The Pacific War Memorial is located near the Topside Barracks.  The altar in the foreground is positioned under the dome so that the sun circle will fall directly on it at noon on May 6 -- the day that Corregidor was surrendered to the Japanese.

 Battery Crockett with hidden guns that rise up to fire, then return below the parapet, designed before airplanes could just look down and see them.  Those holes are shell craters.

Lorcha Dock, from which General MacArthur departed for Australia before Corregidor was invaded.

 The Japanese War Memorial has brought out strong emotions.  A veteran attacked the marble with a knife, carving away the words "brave Japanese".  Armando, one of the best local guides we've ever had, was particularly passionate about the atrocities committed by the Japanese.

 Malinta Tunnel is located at Bottomside, was shorter than I had pictured it.  During the original battles of 1942 this was the headquarters, warehouse and hospital for the troops.  They have a lame sound and light show, but they have crafted some dioramas that display the use of the tunnel and the lateral tunnels extending out from it.

 Lunch was at the Corregidor Inn, a repurposed (and rebuilt) former military building.  You can spend the night there, and explore more of the island, visit the tunnel at night and watch the sun rise over Bataan.

 On the way back to the ship we pass a Jollibee.  This home grown hamburger chain has withstood the onslaught of McDonalds and KFC and remains the number one fast food chain in the country.  One of their favorite menu items is Jollibee spaghetti, and, of course, McD's has responded with McSpaghetti. 

 Back at the ship, our sailaway is serenaded by a battle of high school bands.  And Manila has its own collection of lights in the night sky.