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It is the longest march in the history of the Philippines and a bloody one at that. Some 60,000 American and Filipino soldiers walked to death in between railway stations from Bataan to Capas, Tarlac after the fall of Coredigor, the United Allies headquarte5rs in the Pacific during the World War II. And for the brave souls who fought against the Japanese in the ‘40s, the Philippine government has built a monument that will remind younger generations of this important event in history. The Capas National Shrine, located in Barangay Aranguren, Capas, Tarlac, stands as a memorial for all the soldiers who were part of the famous Death March. President Aquino proclaimed the shrine as a national memorial in December 7, 1991. It has 54 hectares of parkland, 35 hectares of which have been planted with rows of trees to represent each of the deceased. According to Wikipedia, in April 9, 2003, a new memorial wall and obelisk was unveiled. The 70-meter obelisk towers above the grounds of the forme...

April 9 is the birthday of my eldest nephew, Allen. But April 9 is more than just a date. It is a very significant part of Philippine History. It was in April 9, 1942 when Bataan fell to the power of Japanese invaders during World War II. But prior to the defeat, American and Filipino soldiers fought hard for 27 days protecting the island fortress of Corregidor. It was then the headquarters of the Allied forces under the leadership of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and also the seat of the Commonwealth Republic of the Philippines. Its downfall was a significant symbol of the Allied forces defeat during the World War II. Corregidor was made a memorial to the courage and heroism of hundreds of American and Filipino soldiers who fiercely fought the Japanese troops during the war. Today, the rocky island about 48 kilometers from Manila, stands as a memorial to these heroes. The war ruins, huge guns and tunnels in the island now serve as tourist attractions, especially to those who romantically in...