Bataan and Beyond

The sea was flat, we had no plans. And I hadn't been out of town in a month. I had to go.

Just east of Manila, Bataan is actually nearer to Manila than any other province, separated only by the famous Manila Bay. I've been to a beach in Morong before, and it was gorgeous. There were waves too.

Abe had an uncle from Bagac who supplied his last birthday party with all the freshly grilled oysters we could swallow. I didn't know anything about this place, except that it was probably near the sea (as is every other province in this country!) and they had good oysters. So we spent our Sunday afternoon driving past the Dinalupihan exit (which we always skip to head to Subic) to the uncharted land of Bataan.

It was a scenic drive, with wide paved roads nicely shaded by the shadows of tall trees, passing through rice fields, valleys, and simple barangays. There are 2 main mountains that accent the provincial landscape: Mt Samat and Mt Mariveles. The provide a gorgeous skyline overlooking the place, and gives mountaineers something new to conquer.

Of course we checked out the beaches. Unknown to many, Bataan's west coastline is lined with cliffs and powdery whitish gray sand beaches. The most popular resort there is Montemar, but there are so many other spots just as nice if not more beautiful that are unheard of and probably untrekked. And the part that attracted me the most? The south monsoons where wind is coming from the Southwest brings in large swells -- with no one riding the waves that break near the coast. This is probably the main reason I'll be heading back for now.
Apart from natural beauty, Bataan is notorious for its history. This was where the Japanese first landed during WWII, and where the famous Death March began. I remember the stories of my lolo about this hundred km walk. Many landmarks signifying this experience are found along the main highway, including the very starting point.

Who knew the Philippines has a nuclear power plant? Back in the day, White Westinghouse put up this plant in hopes of God knows what. Today the village is a ghost town, with the giant power plant visible in the horizon from miles away.


One of the more interesting sites we vistited is the future Azucar Heritage Village. Apparently Mr Acuzar invested millions buying old Spanish houses from all over the country and transferring them to this little village in Bagac. These houses will soon be for rent, and it will have a hotel available to tourists for about P7000/night. A brilliidea to preserve this nations dwindling heritage.

I apologize if this came out like a travel article. Whatever it was, I hope it convinces a fellow traveler to visit this place. May this be yet another wake up call that there are so many places in the Philippines that you can't find in TV and in travel magazines that are worth your visit.