Dambana Ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) in Bataan

After 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.The 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.The 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.Too 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.The 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.The Colonade!At 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.The walls on the other hand features a narrative script of the bloody battle of Bataan.Outside the Colonade, you’ll find a pair of this huge Bronze urns. They said that these urns symbolize eternal flames.The Colonade as viewed from the back. Below the Colonade lies huge wall sculptures depicting various scenes from the historical battle of Bataan. This one depicts the Defense of the Abucai Line.You will also find various Artilleries on displayNot to mention the stunning view of Bataan vicinity.The end of the Parking lot The beautiful landscape of the ShrineBreathtaking 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