Steemit Philippines Photography Contest Week 3 | Colonnade of Mount Samat

As part of our travel tour in Bataan, we visited the most famous and historical place in the province which is the “Mount Samat National Shrine.” It is located in the city of Pilar, and also commonly called as the Shrine of Valor or Dambana ng Kagitingan.

The province of Bataan has a big contribution in world history during the World War II for this is where the “Bataan Death March” and “The Battle of Bataan” events took place. It served as retreat location for Filipino and American soldiers after the capital of the Philippines, Manila, has been captured by the Japanese forces.

The whole shrine was built in 1966 to commemorate the heroism and bravery of all the soldiers, Filipinos and Americans, who fought and offered their lives to defend our country’s freedom and democracy from the Japanese invaders during the World War II, and as a 25th year celebration of the end of war. It was completed and inaugurated in 1970. Now, we celebrate it as “Araw ng Kagitingan” (The Day of Valor) or also known as “Bataan Day”, the most important event in the province of Bataan.

The shrine also consists of large Memorial Cross, World War II Museum, and a Colonnade, which all serves as remembrance and memorial during the battle. The photo attached is the Colonnade that is located just below the memorial cross.

The Colonnade of Mount Samat National Shrine is a monumental structure painted in white, with inscribed details on the walls describing what happened during the Battle of Bataan. It is surrounded with mostly marbles and has an altar in the center with religious stained-glass murals. Infront of the altar is a flag pole that holds a Philippine flag.

Mount Samat is just 3-4 hours away from Manila. You can include this place on your itinerary when you visit Bataan. This is really a perfect place for those who loves historical places. The whole place will surely bring you back in time. And if the weather permits, you can also see the Corregidor Island, together with the view of the beautiful mountains, from the peak of the Mount Samat.