The Battle of Bataan

The Dambana ng Kagitingan or the Shrine of Valor in Mount Samat, Pilar, Bataan is a historical monument built to remember and to celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. These are the writings on the wall made for us to always remember and never forget.

The Battle of Bataan. On this ground gallant men chose to die than surrender. From all corners of the Philippines they came, youthful and brave, to make their last stand in Bataan against an implacable enemy which had marched through Asia. What transpired was a ferocious combat between raw, ill-equipped recruits against seasoned, well-armed troops. On these tablets is recorded the epic, the truly unifying experience, that was Bataan. Let all who read this take pride in the courage of our race. The Battle: The enemy had secured the beachheads on Lingayen Gulf and the West coast of Tayabas. The 14th Japanese Imperial Army under the command of Lieutenant General Masaharu Homma started the gigantic pincer attack. The fate of Luzon defense was sealed. Fighting valiantly, the United States Army forces in the Far East [USAFFE] led by General Douglas MacArthur was thrown back in fierce actions by the implacable advance of the enemy. Retreat to Bataan became inevitable. On this peninsula, the defending forces, following War Plan Orange 3, regrouped for last stand against the invaders. Delaying actions were fought to permit withdrawal to the peninsula, the bloodiest of which was fought by the 11th and 21st Divisions on the Porac-Guagua defense line. The 26th U.S. Cavalry Regiment protected the west flank of the 21st Division. As the entire USAFFE struggled from the south and north toward the Layac junction, the only approach to Bataan, the delaying forces held its line on open and unprepared ground. From January 1 to January 5 they stood fast against massive enemy aerial and artillery bombardment, concentrated tank attacks and banzai charge. Casualties on both sides were heavy. The first defensive line in Bataan was the Hermosa-Dinalupihan line where on 6 January 1942 the 71st Division, the American 31st Infantry Regiment and the 26th Cavalry Regiment fought the pursuing enemy. The aim of War Plan Orange 3 was to resist the enemy in Bataan peninsula to the limits of human endurance. The Main Battle: Position of the USSAFE. The Abucay - Morong Line was attacked along its eastern flank on 9 January but was repulsed by the 57th Regimental Combat Team reinforced by the 21st Infantry of the 21st Division. On 14 January, the Japanese attacked the boundary of the 41st and 51st Divisions. The 43rd Infantry, holding the left flank of the 41st Division reinforced by the 23rd Infantry, 21st Division, sharply refused its flank. The 51st Infantry, holding the right flank of the 51st Division, withdrew creating a gap through which the enemy advanced to the Salian River, but was discovered by a patrol of the 21st division. elements of the 21st Division were rushed to the Salian River Valley and after a savage fight succeeded in throwing back the enemy. Farther to the west the enemy surprised and routed the 53rd Infantry, penetrating deep behind the mined battle position along the Abo-abo River Valley, the enemy advance was held up by combined elements of the 21st Division of the II Corps Reserve, the 31st and 51st Divisions on the Bani-Guitol forest area. The American 31st Infantry and 45th Infantry, Philippine Scouts succeeded in partially restoring the abandoned 51st Division line. On 15 January, the Morong-Sector, defended by the 1st Regular division, reinforced, came under heavy bombardment, but the line held. A few days later, the enemy penetrated through a huge gap in the Silangan-Natib area and established a road block on the Mauban Ridge, thus cutting off the 1st Regular Division from the rear area. Gravely threatened elements of the 71st and 91st Divisions and the 2nd Philippine Constabulary Regiment repeatedly attacked the road block but failed to dislodge the enemy. Although the II Corps Sector had prevented a similar envelopment in the Salian River battle the I Corps position was now untenable. The Abucay-Morong line was abandoned on 24 January. The Orion-Bagac line was established two days later. Again in a desperate attempt to outflank the I Corps, the enemy landed crack units on the west coast of southern Bataan. The aim was to outflank and isolate the front-line units from the Headquarters and supplies. There were three ferocious engagements: in the Lapiay-Longos-kawayan points area, fought from 23 to 29 January; in Quinauan-Aglaloma points area, fought from 23 January to 13 February and Silaiim-Anyasan points, fought from 27 January to 13 February. Of the 2,000 enemy troops committed to these battles, only 34 wounded soldiers returned to their lines. On 27 January, enemy troops were discovered in the rear of the Orion-Bagac line, the Tuol River valley behind the 11th Regular Division. The series of engagements to eliminate the enemy salients became known as the Battle of pockets, fought from 27 January through 17 February. Of the 2,000 Japanese troops committed to this battle, only 377 enemy soldiers were reported to have escaped. After the Battle of the Points, Pockets and Trail 2, which were brilliant triumphs of the USAFFE, the enemy withdrew to regroup forces and to wait for reinforcements. Meanwhile on 21 March - Gen. MacArthur, his family and some staff officers of the USAFFE left Corregidor on four PT-boats for Mindanao, from there they were flown to Australia. MacArthur’s departure was the end of the USAFFE. On 22 March the defending army was renamed United States Forces in the Philippines [ USAPIF ] under the command of Lieutenant General Jonathan M. Wainwright. The Japanese High Command reinforced Homma’s 14th Imperial Japanese Army, and toward the end of March, the enemy struck. The entire Orion-Bagac line was subjected to vicious artillery and aerial bombardment. About a hundred and fifty artillery pieces of various calibers concentrated in front of Mount Samat. The enemy opened fire at 10:00 hours on Good Friday, 3 April. Aerial bombing was equally intense. The 21st and 41st Divisions came under incredibly savage bombardment, turning Mount Samat area into an inferno. The forest was set on fire, men were buried alive in their foxholes and every inch of ground was covered by enemy fire. The dust, flames and smoke darkened the mountains. The USAFFE artillery, which had backed the defenders, was immobilized. At 15:00 hours the enemy infantry spearheaded by tanks which rolled over the bodies of the dead and living Filipino defenders, broke through the main line of resistance of the 41st Infantry at Trail 29. Along Trail 6, enemy Infantry - also spearheaded by tanks, crashed through the main line of defense of the 21st Infantry. By nightfall, the enemy had penetrated about 1,500 yards behind the main line of resistance of the 41st Infantry, 1,000 yards behind the 23rd Infantry. On 4 April, the enemy infantry attacked the 23rd Infantry. Crashing through the line along Trail 4, the enemy swerved toward the east and struck the flank of the 22nd Infantry. By nighttime, the enemy had penetrated 1,000 yards behind the main battle position of the 23rd. By 6 April - Mount Samat was surrounded. But the 21st Division, reforming its line to resemble a horse shoe, still held the slopes of the mountain. The battle of Mount Samat was called the most vicious encounter of the second battle of Bataan. On 9 April 1942 - at high noon, Major General Edward P. King, senior American officer on the battle-torn peninsula, surrendered the Bataan forces. The infamous Death March began an ordeal which annealed the Filipino spirit. The night before the surrender a series of earthquakes rocked Bataan two which were nature’s making. In the morning heavy rains fell. Then the sun shone. The heroic resistance of the defenders of Bataan had wrecked the time-table of the Enemy. Let friend and foe recognize the martial spirit that defeat could not break. To the memory of these brave warriors, whose blood soaked every rock of this land so this Nation might endure, this humble shrine is consecrated. " Our mission is to remember."

More FUN in the Philippines

Philippines' advertisement on CNN, for a week-long "Eye on the Philippines" - April 28 to May 4, 2012.

CNN TURNS ITS 'EYE ON THE PHILIPPINES'

Highlights include:

'Talk Asia' interviews with President Benigno Aquino III, Jaime Augusto and Fernando Zobel de Ayala. A week of live daily reports and features from across the Philippines. Extensive online coverage and iReport special.

CNN's 'Eye On' series is shining the international spotlight on the Philippines, with a special week of programming dedicated to the Southeast Asian country, airing to more than 280 million households around the world.

From April 30 to May 4 'Eye On The Philippines' features live daily reports with Anna Coren from Manila, Batangas and Lake Taal and in-depth reportage from Kyung Lah, providing insight into the tropical country's people, politics, business and culture. The special week of coverage culminates with a half-hour program featuring highlights from the week, airing May 4 to May 6.

'Eye On The Philippines' also includes extensive online coverage at www.cnn.com/eyeon. In addition, CNN has launched a special iReport initiative calling on people to share their photos and videos highlighting the sights and sounds of the Philippines, with the best stories and videos featuring on CNN.

On-air coverage encompasses a wide range of special reports, including:

Talk Asia: President Benigno S. Aquino III - CNN correspondent Anna Coren sits down with the President at the Malacanang Palace for a rare and in-depth interview for CNN's 'Talk Asia'. The President discusses the opportunities and challenges currently facing the Philippines, as well as some of the experiences that have shaped him on a personal level.

Talk Asia: Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Fernando Zobel de Ayala - In this half hour interview, CNN correspondent Andrew Stevens talks with Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Fernando Zobel de Ayala, respectively the Chairman & CEO, and President of the Ayala Corporation, the country's largest and oldest business conglomerate. The brothers discuss growing up in the illustrious Zobel de Ayala family which founded the business empire in the 19th century, their business philosophy, and what they have planned for the future.

Ballet Manila - Based on the belief that dance could change a child's life, the first Philippine-based prima ballerina Lisa Macuja started funding lessons for poverty-stricken children in Manila. This summer, the first of her scholarship kids will dance in a prestigious international competition in Hong Kong, a fourteen year old girl whose parents are garbage scavengers.

Call Center Capital of the World - The Philippines has become a location of choice for business process outsourcing in the past decade due to its relatively low operational and labor costs. Combined with the young and vibrant workforce, the Philippines is becoming recognized as the so-called 'Call Center Capital of the World'.

Anti-Piracy Training - A third of all the world's seafarers are from the Philippines and since 2006, over 700 Filipino marine workers have been hijacked off the coast of Somalia. The Philippine Government is now making every seafarer undergo mandatory anti-piracy training before they go to sea.

Ending Child Labor - Dante Campilan is just 14, but he works seven hours a day, pulling weeds and tiling the soil barefoot. He is one of an estimated 2.4 million child workers in the Philippines. The Philippine government is trying to fight the problem, aiming to reduce the worst forms of child labor by 75 percent by 2015. 'Eye On The Philippines' reports on how those efforts are taking shape in one community which survives off the global sugar industry.

Poverty and Pag Pag - 'Pagpag' is a Filipino term for leftover food from fast food restaurants which is thrown away in garbage bins but then re-cooked, or sometimes eaten straight from the bins, by the urban poor. This compelling report investigates the situation in the Philippines and the extreme conditions in which these people are living.

Source: http://www.cnnasiapacific.com/press/en/content/800/

Watchiratan Waterfalls

At Doi Inthanon, Chiang Mai City.  Highest point in Thailand.

Philippine Travel Tips

Planning your trip to the Philippines:
• Travel light - limit the things you carry with you when you travel. If at all possible, carry just one 9" x 22" x 14" bag with a maximum weight of 20 pounds. If you can manage to limit your bag to this size, you don't have to check-in your luggage at the airport. Upon arrival to your destination, you can go directly to customs while everybody is waiting for their luggage at the carousel. Pack light and pack smart. When choosing what to bring, think in terms of what you can do without rather than what might be handy for the trip.

• When you travel to the Philippines, bring light clothing specially if you're visiting in summer. Cotton Tees, shirts, pants and walking shorts are your best bet. For ladies, a hat with brim will help protect against the heat of the sun. A pair of sunglasses with UV protection is recommended. And if you plan to travel to the countryside or walk a lot, don't forget to bring your comfy sneakers or sandals.

• Note that the Philippines uses 220V of electricity. Most 5-star hotels provide 100V outlets but generally, they are not available, specially in the rural areas. So if you're planning to bring some electronic gadgets, make sure you bring a converter with you.

• Travel tip for smokers: long haul flights can be difficult for smokers. Bring with you a couple of nicotine patches and put one on about an hour before your flight. It is amazing how this small patch can make your craving for a smoke disappear.

Travel Tip on Valuables:
• Avoid bringing valuables. A decent watch and faux accessories (optional) are all you need. But in case you did bring some expensive jewellery, deposit them and your other valuables in the hotel safe (most major hotels provide them for free).

• Make sure you make a photocopies of your passport and tickets just in case you loose them. Keep the copies in a separate locations - place them in the deep pockets of your luggage.

• It is a good idea to use a belt bag to put your money, passport and other valuables when on the road rather than a bag. And position it in front of your body and under your shirt if possible. Better yet, use a money belt and hide it under your clothing.

• Never leave your bag and other valuables on the beach or at the poolside when swimming. It is a lot safer to leave them in your hotel room.

Tipping:
• It is customary to leave a tip when rendered a service. On restaurants, a 10% tip based on the total bill is recommended. However, if there is already a service charge on the bill, a tip then becomes optional.
• Taxis drivers, bellboys, chambermaids, all expect to be tipped. For a short taxi ride, a P20 tip will suffice. But for hotel bellboys and chambermaids, a P100 tip is more appropriate. Adjust the tip according to your length of stay and service rendered.

Shopping Tips:
• If you are about to do some shopping and are scheduled to visit the Philippines, don't. Do your shopping in the Philippines. Even designer clothes are sold cheaper in the Philippines than the countries they are made in. Many Filipinos living overseas come home to see their families and shop at the same time. The savings oftentimes pays for their vacation.

• Aside from the goods, you can save substantially by having your medical, dental and cosmetic needs done in the Philippines. Ask for referrals from friends (or the hotel concierge for minor services) and choose the best ones.

Philippine Travel Seasons:
• June to August is the typhoon season. Although the temperature is moderate and hotel rates are lower, it is not the best time to travel specially if you intend to see the countryside or cross the islands by sea.

• From March to May is summer time and is a good time to see the islands with clear skies and calm waters. You are also assured that no flights or ferry boat trips will be cancelled due to typhoons. Although expect the temperatures to occasionally reach 38 degrees centigrade.

• The best time to see the country is from November to February when the weather is cooler. It is also a good time to see the longest Christmas season in the world. Were Filipinos start to decorate for Christmas as early as October.

General Philippine Travel Tips:
• Filipinos (as with most Asians) are mostly conservative. Act, speak and dress modestly, more so when going to the countryside. In most places, wearing shorts, tees, sleeveless shirts, sandals or sneakers are fine - specially in summer.

• Avoid talking about religion and politics specially to people you have just met. Especially when drinking (alcoholic beverages) this sometimes lead to heated arguments or worse.

• If you are going to Mindanao (southern Philippines) where some areas are predominantly Muslims, dress conservatively - specially the women. And don't call Muslims Moros. It's considered rude.

• When travelling overseas, its always a good practice to get a travel health insurance. Travel health insurance offers peace of mind when abroad. Also, check with local health authorities for any concerns when going to remote villages. And drink only bottled water or canned beverages when unsure of the local water supply.

• Filipinos are a very friendly and welcoming people. The Philippines has a lot to offer its visitors. Discover the country, get to know the people and their culture. Enjoy your visit to the Philippines and Mabuhay!

Songkran Festival: Thailand's New Year

Ancient Siam in Muang Boran

16 Thai Provinces in 10 Months

At the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand.

1. Chiang Mai

2. Phitsanulok

3. Sukhothai

4. Prachuap Khiri Khan

5. Ayutthaya

6. Samut Prakan

7. Chonburi

8. Bangkok

9. Nakhon Pathom

10. Kanchanaburi

11. Petchaburi

12. Nonthaburi

13. Suphanburi
14. Lopburi
15. Chachoengsao
16. Ang Thong

16 Thai provinces in 10 months for year 2011. Thank you Larry Love for colorfully marking our Thailand map and bringing home happy and precious memories from each place. We love you forever. God bless you more.

Thank you dear Lord Jesus for the gift of travel and for always keeping us safe and healthy.