Dambana Ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) in Bataan

IMG_0306tAfter exploring the marvelous heritage resort of Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar, our Tour Organizer (Stroll Pinas) took us to another popular spot in Bataan, the Mount Samat National Shrine or the so-called “Dambana ng Kagitingan”. The shrine is located in Pilar, Bataan which is not too far from Bagac but since the Shrine is situated near the summit of Mount Samat, the trail is quite a challenge (somehow reminds me of those insane roads going to Lucban Quezon).  We left the Las Casas almost 5 pm because we waited for the heavy rain to tame down and we were so glad that the weather gave us enough time to explore the Mount Samat Shrine.IMG_0273tThe site was already close by the time we arrived there but we were able to convince the guards to allow us to view the site. The Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor is a historical site that is built to honor and remember the gallantry of Filipino and American soldiers who fought during World War II.IMG_0274tThe 302ft Shrine of Valor Memorial Cross as viewed from the parking lot. This huge white cross was constructed as a remembrance to the soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the Battle of Bataan. The entire place was commissioned by the late Ferdinand Marcos in commemoration with the 25th Anniversary of World War 2.IMG_0277tToo bad the way towards the foot of the shrine was not accessible by the time we arrived there but did you know that visitors can also access the cross and there was an elevator that can take them all the way to the wings of the cross. It has a small room with chairs facing the glass windows which allow them to get a stunning panoramic view of Bataan and Corrigedor Island.IMG_0289tIMG_0278tThe moment you arrived at the shrine, you will be welcomed by a series of steps and on top of it lies a marble-built Colonade which houses a small museum depicting different scenes from World War 2 and Battle of Bataan.IMG_0296tThe Colonade!IMG_0292tAt the center of the Colonade, you will find a glass-stained masterpiece murals by Cenon Rivera depicting religious images. Those large bronze chandeliers made this Colonade even more scenic.IMG_0290tThe walls on the other hand features a narrative script of the bloody battle of Bataan.IMG_0291tIMG_0304tIMG_0295tOutside the Colonade, you’ll find a pair of this huge Bronze urns. They said that these urns symbolize eternal flames.IMG_0311tThe Colonade as viewed from the back. IMG_0310tBelow the Colonade lies huge wall sculptures depicting various scenes from the historical battle of Bataan. IMG_0309tThis one depicts the Defense of the Abucai Line.IMG_0312tYou will also find various Artilleries on displayIMG_0313tNot to mention the stunning view of Bataan vicinity.IMG_0315tIMG_0318tIMG_0320tThe end of the Parking lot IMG_0314tThe beautiful landscape of the ShrineIMG_0299tIMG_0302tIMG_0276tBreathtaking scenery as viewed from the shrine.

This concludes my Bataan Trip. In case you missed my previous entries you might want to visit the links below

Travel Back In Time With Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Part 1
Travel Back In Time With Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Part 2
Travel Back In Time With Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Part 3
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10 thoughts on “Dambana Ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) in Bataan

  • October 19, 2016 at 7:48 am
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    What an amazing journey. The views are breathtaking.

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  • October 19, 2016 at 9:17 pm
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    It is wonderful that they constructed the cross in memory of all the brave soldiers that lost their lives in the war. Beautiful.

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  • October 20, 2016 at 3:20 am
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    I love posts like these that actually teach you about different parts of the world. I for one had never heard of Bataan. Your photos give a good idea of what to expect when visiting. Nice.

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  • October 21, 2016 at 2:36 am
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    It’s very interesting to know. I’ll definitely check this out when I get to visit the Philippines again soon!

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  • October 21, 2016 at 8:07 am
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    looks like an interesting and worthwhile monument to visit, for anyone visiting the area. A lot of steps, though, I recommend good shoes, blessings!

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  • October 23, 2016 at 1:38 am
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    Looks like a really interesting place to visit! It’s a great thing that those brave ones are remembered.

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  • October 25, 2016 at 2:32 am
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    This shrine reminds me of Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at St. Augustine, Florida that I visited last year! Your pictures are amazing!

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  • April 25, 2017 at 12:00 pm
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    Hi may I ask how long did it take for your whole trip in Mariveles, Bataan? 🙂

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    • April 25, 2017 at 12:03 pm
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      Hi May, thanks for dropping by..
      it just took me a day to explore the Mariveles (including the Panoypoy and the Sisiman Bay)… this one , however, is included in a separate trip in Bataan (it’s our side trip after going to Las Casas in Bagac

      Reply

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