A Visit to Bataan

We were hoping to get to be able to visit the area that was part of 

the Bataan Death March.

The opportunity presented itself as our humanitarian office wanted to work 

with an LGU (local government unit) in Balanga.

Briefly, the Japanese forced the remaining Americans and Filipinos to surrender 

on Corregidor Island. Then they had them walk 80 miles to Capas, Tarlac. 

The march was characterized by extreme physical abuse, hunger, thirst, 

sickness and executions. It became a Japanese war crime and is well 

known throughout the world. Estimations vary but thousands of 

Filipinos and Americans died.

This huge cross stands on a hill above Bataan, called the Mt. Samat Shrine. 

The windows on the cross show an elevator that goes up to the cross bar 

where there is a viewing loft.

There are sculptures all around the bottom of the cross depicting different

 events in the history of the Philippines.

Elder DuPaix in the loft.

Sis. DuPaix enjoyed the beautiful view but was ready to stay away from the high windows.

Off the front of the cross we could see Manila Bay.

Out the other side we could see the China Sea. The jungle growth was so dense. We couldn't imagine fighting a war in this kind of terrain.

A picture from the colonnade looking up at the cross with the 

Philippines flag in the foreground.

We decided to stop for lunch at McDonald's on the way back to our motel. 

We saw many signs like this that said McDonald's straight ahead, but we ended 

up finding it by going "around" a very large block!

Our group - Sis. and Elder DuPaix, Bro. Misalucha, Elder and Sis. Bautista, 

and Elder and Sis. Staton. I enjoyed my first bowl of ube ice cream!

The cute little "Chalet" hotel where we stayed.

We had a wonderful meeting with the Balanga Provencial Council. Linda Custorio 

was there to represent Public Affairs and the Balanga Stake President 

even took the day off work to be with us. These are wonderful, faithful people.

On our way back to Manila and enjoying the beautiful scenery, outside of Manila!

Elder DuPaix especially loved not having to drive! He had a little fun 

taking pictures along the way!