Bataan, Cymplified!

After Christmas day, I got sick that I felt disconnected from the online world. My head and throat hurt like crazy, I couldn’t eat very well. I had fever and was weak. I think my milk supply dipped along with my health. I felt miserable!

Still, last December 30, I went with my hubby and the kids to Bataan as I’ve never been there before. But I could have enjoyed the trip more if I was in a good shape.

The time it took for us to arrive at our friend’s place seemed to take too long, but it was actually around two hours.

After lunch at Crown Royale Hotel, we went to Mt. Samat where the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) was located. The drive going to the parking area was very steep but it was worth it since we have four small children with us and cannot afford to walk or climb very far.

At the Memorial Cross:

• Fall in line to get to the elevator, wait for the passengers to alight first.
• There’s a staircase, but I doubt anyone would actually use it.
• There’s a public restroom nearby, entrance fee is 3.00Php.
• The elevator was narrow and a bit claustrophobia-inducing. The capacity was around 7-8 adults and must always include the person who gets the tickets.
• The ride to the arms of the cross was not as dizzying as I imagined. Thank goodness!
• Keep an eye on little children as they could easily fit through the viewing window. There’s even a broken one that had been “boarded up” by just knotted nylon ropes.
• It sure was windy up there! It could get cold if you stayed longer than 10 minutes.
• Enjoy the view of nature!

At the Museum:

• No cameras allowed!
• Displays of artillery, war photos and a diorama of Bataan.
• There were many split-type air conditioners but none were turned on. 🙁
• The little kids grew bored easily.
• There’s a colonnade above the museum where there’s an altar-like table with three stained glass pictures behind it. I wonder what it was for.
• I could imagine my children dancing there, though!

Aaaaand, the main purpose of going to Bataan was for these:

Tinapa! (smoked fish)