The Tourist Gaze

On the weekend before this year’s Araw ng Kagitingan, I go on a road trip to Bataan, a province rich in history and natural beauty. This trip was supposed to be with Kenneth, with whom I visited Tarlac in February, but he’s caught up with some tasks, so I go with my dad instead. We embark on a scenic drive along SCTEX, heading towards Subic before making our first stop at the famous Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) atop Mount Samat in Pilar, Bataan.

Unfortunately, the shrine is closed in preparation for the Araw ng Kagitingan ceremonies, but my dad and I enjoy the breathtaking views of coastal Bataan from the base. This isn’t my first visit to Mount Samat, as I’ve been here a couple of times before, though the last time was in 2003. Still, the spectacular scenery and the solemnity of the location leave a lasting impression.

For the rest of the day, we head down to Balanga. I’ve been to Bataan a few times before, but all of those are to other parts of the province. I’ve never been to Balanga, so I feel like an exploration of the provincial capital is overdue.

We first have lunch at SM Bataan. Currently, there’s a World War II exhibit. A couple of wartime items are on display, along with photographs showing the extent of the destruction and various people enduring the hardships of occupation. These images serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.

Tummy grumbles fixed, we head to the Bataan WWII Museum, located inside the grounds of Balanga Elementary School. It’s tucked away and takes a few turns to find, but the museum offers an intimate and insightful look into the province’s role in the Second World War. It’s privately owned, and while there’s a small fee to enter, I unfortunately don’t have small change on hand after tipping the staff at lunch, so I just roam the area, snapping pictures of the school and the surrounding grounds.

A short 15-minute drive east brings us to the Balanga Wetlands and Natural Park, a serene natural haven contrasting the urban vibe of Balanga. I take a walk along the mangrove trail, spotting a couple of migratory birds flitting through the trees before they fly off as soon as they sense my presence. A group of high school students steps onto the trail, reminding me of the students at our school.

Back at the city center, we visit the Cathedral Shrine Parish of St. Joseph and the Plaza Mayor de Ciudad de Balanga. The church is hosting a religious tour, so it’s bustling with visitors wearing tour shirts. The Plaza Mayor is especially picturesque, offering a stark contrast to the otherwise drab city.

Before heading home, my dad opts for a massage at a local spa near the provincial capitol. I drop him off and take a stroll around the capitol, where a marker commemorates the Fall of Bataan. There’s not much else of interest, so I join my dad for a relaxing foot massage before wrapping up our trip.

This particular journey to Mount Samat and the other historical sites in Bataan serves as a powerful reminder of the profound significance of courage. Although the idea of courage may seem trite nowadays, reflecting on it inspires me to stand up for what is right. Courage isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to act in spite of it, guided by our values.