I looked up and checked the places to visit in Bataan and saw wonderful posts about Mount Samat, honestly speaking I really don’t have any idea what I would see in the shrine but after learning the beautiful history and the heroism of our soldiers during the World War II and the agony and pain they had to go through during the death march, my heart is filled with sadness and pride for our heroes.

We just made a quick stop at Mount Samat also known as “Dambana ng Kagitingan” (Shrine of Valour) after we checked out from the Nest at Subic.  After exploring Mount Samat, we stayed at Dudice Traveller’s Inn for the night before we head off to Corregidor the next day.

The shrine was built to honor and remember the mighty Filipino and American soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of Bataan during the World War II.  There is an elevator at the shrine for you to get a great view of Bataan, Corregidor and Manila but unfortunately when we came to visit it was out of service.

We then headed to their museum, we just took photos inside the museum since videos were not allowed.

Mount Samat is designed with a Colonnade and a large memorial cross.  The cross stands as a remembrance to the bravery of our dear soldiers. From where you stand in the middle of the colonnade and the cross you get a magnificent view of Bataan and Corregidor Island.

The colonnade is a marble-clad structure surrounded by an esplanade that depicts the war scenes and bronze insignias of the USAFFE Division units.  In the centre of the Colonnade is the altar with three religious stained glass murals, with four large bronze chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, while inscribed on the two lateral walls is a narrative of the “Battle of Bataan”

Being on top of the Shrine, I had no immediate expectations at all but my perception on our history changed.  I’ve seen the heroism of our fellow Filipino and by this breathtaking memorabilia, we shall never forget the “Battle of Bataan”.

Here’s a short video of our trip.  Details of the cost and how to go to the Shrine is listed below.

• Entrance fee to the shrine is P20.00 person
• Parking fee is P20.00 for small vehicles, and P30.00 for large vehicles.
• Entrance fee gives visitors access to the museum as well.
• Elevator fee of P10.00 per person is charged if you wish to go to the viewing gallery.
• The shrine is open everyday from 8:00am to 5:00pm
• If you plan to stay overnight, check out Dudice Traveller’s Inn.

How to go to the National Shrine:

Via public transportation from Manila to Bataan you can take a bus bound to Balanga City via Bataan Transit or Genesis Bus.  From the Balanga Terminal, take a jeepney bound to Cabog-Cabog and tell the driver to drop you off at Mount Samat. There you can hire a tricycle in going to the shrine.

But if you decide to drive your own vehicle, you can take the NLEX and exit at San Fernando, Pampanga. Go westward along Jose Abad Santos Avenue towards the direction of Dinalupihan.

Also,you can take the SCTEX (this is the route we took) and drive towards Subic and take the Dinalupihan Exit. From Dinalupihan, drive through the Ramon Superhighway until you reach Mount Samat Junction. Turn right and then just follow the directions on the road.

Upon reching the KM19 Death March marker, on the left side of the road you turn left to the access road leading to the shrine. There is a burger machine on the corner, you just follow the access road until you reach the gate to the shrine.

Hope you enjoyed our short Bataan Trip.

XOXO,

Sweet

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