Adventures of a Supermom...: Corregidor Island

I can't seem to sit still and continue to look for new adventures. I think this supermom thing is really becoming my reality! I love going to places, although the financial damage is pretty painful. Would you rather buy a signature bag than be able to see and experience new places? Erhm, I shouldn't have asked myself that. I'd be torn in the decision making! Shallowness aside, I'm starting to slowly set aside small amounts (when I can) to travel. So keen on understanding the history, culture of places and it's a must to visit museums. It dawned on me that I know very little about the Philippine history. Shame on me!

So, I decided to plan a trip to Corregidor Island and brought my mom with my boys. On a side note, we were almost late because we had no idea that they close off Roxas boulevard, the roads along CCP, etc...because it was filled with people running, doing zumba, cycling, people getting to row near the bay...etc. What a busy place Manila is! I think it's great that there are so many people taking care of their health by exercising. Yeah!

Going back...I booked us a trip at Sun Cruises online. Cruise ride was almost 2 hours from Manila to the island. Once on the island, we rode the tranvia to take us around the island with a tour guide. It was very organized although the tour guide lacked customer service. He was cool and all, but we were seated next to some foreigners that didn't understand what he was saying because he spoke Filipino all throughout. Although he did ask if there were any foreigners on board, but these tourists were shy. Later on I approached him just to let him know that our seat mates couldn't understand him. He was a bit defensive and rude by saying that the foreigners should have said something when he asked. Then arrogantly he asked me what he should do, then? Then the guy seated next to me also approached him and to let him know that he didn't understand Filipino and instead of being apologetic, he said the same thing to the guy, "I asked if there were any foreigners before the tour started. You didn't say anything." Poor tourist. I wanted to cringe and was so embarrassed of the tour guide's behavior. We should be more friendly and accommodating. For crying out loud this is a tour and the importance of tourism! Working in an industry that provides customer service as the core, I am very sensitive to such. Most of all, these are tourists/visitors. We should be taking care of them. The impression that we leave goes a long way.

Anyway...the Malinta Tunnel experience was, indescribable. The presentation was educational. But just the thought of being in a tunnel where so many soldiers died, especially the Japanese soldiers that refused to surrender, who committed suicide rather than give in to the American soldiers. One end of the tunnel was closed to trap them. I can't remember if the Japanese blew themselves up with the bombs they had because they didn't want to surrender or they were lit up to burn inside by the Americans. Sorry, not too clear. But when it blew up inside, the branching tunnels caved in. The dead and covered bodies were not excavated and left as is. A lot of spooky stories. My experience? Nothing really except the tunnel felt cool and when I took pictures, not sure if the lens of the camera was dirty because of the white, blurry circles that appeared in the tunnel and cave shots. Dennis was saying they looked like orbs.

You be the judge :)