CORREGIDOR...

Corregidor is a small rocky island in the Philippines about 48 kilometers west of Manila which is stragetically located at the entrance of Manila Bay. This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during World War II.

Also known as "the Rock," it was a key bastion of the Allies during the war. When the Japanese invaded the Philippines in December 1941, the military force under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur carried out a delaying action at Bataan. Corregidor became the headquarters of the Allied forces and also the seat of the Philippine Commonwealth government. It was from Corregidor that Philippine President Manuel Quezon and General MacArthur left for Australia in February 1942, leaving behind Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Wainwright in command.

Today, Corregidor's rich history continues to draw Filipinos and foreign tourists alike, making the island one of the most visited tourist spots in the country. For first-time Filipino visitors, Corregidor reacquaints them with the past and helps them discover their national identity.

Malinta Tunnel - Completed in 1922, Malinta Tunnel was formerly an arsenal and underground hospital. Located under the Malinta hill, it served as bomb-proof headquarters for Fil-American troops during World War II.

Lighthouse - Originally built by the Spaniards on 1836 and one of Corregidor's oldest landmarks, the Lighthouse offers a great view of Manila Bay, the South China Sea, and the rest of the island. It is located at Topside and is 628 feet above sea level.

President Manuel L. Quezon Park - A statue of President Quezon stands at the north entrance of the Malinta Tunnel's 1,000-bed hospital where he was inaugurated as the President of the Commonwealth for a second term at the height of the Japanese attack in Corregidor.

General Douglas MacArthur Park - A statue of the General stands at the Lorcha Dock ruins at Bottomside where he boarded a boat to Mindanao on March 11, 1942. He then sailed to Australia where he sent his famous message: "I shall return."

(photos by: LIEZEL P. MEDRANO)