On April of this year, we held our teambuilding activity at the Coral View Resort, Morong, Bataan but before proceeding to the resort we had a side trip at the well-known Dambana ng Kagitingan. Travel time from the City of San Fernando (P) to Mt. Samat then to the Coral View is approximately three hours. I was quite dizzy with the roads to Morong because there are lots of sharp curves and zigzag roads. I guess it’s scary to travel at night or during heavy rains.
In the Dambana ng Kagitingan, we paid an entrance fee of P20.00 each and P30.00 for the service vehicle; this includes entrance to the museum. Another entrance fee was also collected at the Mt. Samat Memorial Cross. The Memorial Cross is huge; it has a height of 92 meters from the base. Upon looking the cross from the base, you’ll see the clouds moving you’ll get shaky as if the cross was moving. The sight was so nice and clean with an overlooking view since we are in a mountain. In the cross, you’ll need to ride an elevator which can occupy approximately five (5) persons that’s why if there are lots of tourists you’ll definitely wait for your turn because there is a limit of persons that can be accommodated at the top of the cross. In case of brown-out, there is a 14 flight zigzag foot path. Once you are in the arm of the cross which is the main deck, you’ll see a pleasant view of Mt. Samat and nearby mountains with a cold breeze too! It’s fun to take pictures and feel the altitude breeze.
Meanwhile, a visit at the museum will trigger your sense of patriotism. The rules inside the museum are very strict. No picture taking is allowed, no touching of artifacts, no food and drinks! I was quite naughty when I tried to capture the bazookas using my cellphone; later, the security guard of the museum came to me and asked to delete the pictures I captured. He looked individually at my pictures and ensured that it will all be deleted. Then the security guard gave a feedback thru the handheld radio that all the pictures were already deleted; that’s when we discovered that there are CCTV cameras all over the museum. That’s my funny experience I thought they will confiscate my cellphone. I was just amazed with the artifacts and captured them to share it with my family at home. You will see in the museum the pictures of the buildings and the events during the Japanese period. I was devastated to see those pictures and memories of the war. You will see how Filipinos were maltreated by the Japanese colony. There is one photo showing a billboard notice by the Japanese saying that they are the masters and anyone who will fight against them will be considered enemy and be punished. Another photo will show the ruined building of Manila Post Office. There are also live bazookas, machine guns, soldier uniforms and boots, and a lot more artifacts. It’s a good historical connection experience.We stayed overnight at the Coral View Resort in Morong, Bataan approximately one and a half hour from Mt. Samat. The resort is very nice and clean; the staffs are very friendly and accommodating. The rooms are nice also; they have cottages also for day tour. Built-in obstacle course facilities are also available for teambuilding activities. The shore has grey sand; the beach in front of the resort is not that ideal for swimming. It really goes with the name of the resort – “Coral View”. The corals are located at their beach; you’ll see them at sunset when it’s low tide. There are also quite lots of sea urchins as I was a victim of those. On the other hand, you can explore the nearby beaches if you’re into swimming. There are areas which you can swim or you can also swim at the two (2) resorts’ pool.
On the way home, we bought pasalubong to our families at the Balanga Public Market where it is well-known for their fresh tinapa (smoked fish), tuyo (dried fish) and other sea foods products. Along the mountainous road from Morong, there are vendors who sell fresh and roasted Kasuy; they are so appetizing!
Lastly, another teambuilding activity was conducted on May at Morong, Bataan also. It was at the Waterfront Beach Resort. The resort facilities are the standard type; you’ll be quite disappointed to see the actual than the pictures from their website. The pleasure (for me) is with the beach because it has fine sand you can swim in it no visibility of sea urchins or corals. However, just avoid the jelly fishes ~wink, wink~! Their buffet meals are very good; you’ll be stuffed if you’re hungry.
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