This summer season, a trip to Bataan should be in the books. Pack your bags and head to Central Luzon to experience the beauty and culture that this province has to offer.
Miraculous Images
For the religious, Orani Church is a must-see. Also called the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Church, this site is a pilgrim shrine which many Catholic devotees come to visit every year.
The Orani Church features majestic architecture comprised of old and new techniques. Pay close attention to the Batingaw ng Orani, the church’s heritage bell which shows the loyal faith of the people of Orani to the Lord.
Never Forget the Death March
Bataan was the site of some especially gruesome parts of history. The Death March of World War II would definitely top the list in terms of historical impact.
During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, 60,000 to 80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war were forced to march on foot from Bataan to Tarlac.
This was a journey of 97 km to 112 km, for prisoners who were tired, starved, injured from severe physical abuse, and lacked sleep. Anywhere from 5,650 to 18,000 died as a result of this Death March, forever cementing the Japanese as one of the cruelest military colonizers in Asia.
To honor the lives of the fallen, the Bataan Death March Marker was constructed in Mariveles and Bagac, Bataan to mark ground zero of this event. You can visit this to pay your respects as well as view the site of this moment in history to remember how many people sacrificed their lives for democracy.
Historical Heritage Houses
A trip to Bataan isn’t complete without a visit to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the best beach resort in Bataan. The only Historic Hotels Worldwide property in the Philippines, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is the Bagac, Bataan resort that will make you feel as if you traveled back in time.
Each casa or house is painstakingly restored to its former glory; however, if you book a stay in one of them, you will be treated to modern amenities such as Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, and in-room coffee and tea facilities.
If you’re short on time, you can enjoy a heritage walking day tour with family and friends, or else book a room for a night and have more time to marvel over the majestic Spanish-era architecture. Reservations are easy; head over to https://lascasasfilipinas.com and check availability and prices for your preferred dates.
3 Places To Visit In Bataan To Cap Off Summer 2018
