That one time our whole class went to Bataan

The date was October 26, 2016

Our class organized a field trip to Bataan. Since we were in an engineering course our main purpose for going there was to visit the non-functional Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, The only attempt of the Philippines at nuclear power production. We also integrated to our itinerary two other places namely, Westnuk Beach and the Dambana ng Kagitingan at Mt. Samat

Our call time then was I think either 3 am or and we were to meet at a 7/11 near our school in Mandaluyong. That was too early for me considering I live almost 16 kilometers from Manda. So my "Barkada" decided to have a sleep over at one of our friend's house near school. Good thing we had a sleepover because the day before that I was going through a lot and my friends helped me get through it. (Thanks FRENS!!!) Boys slept downstairs, on the floor, while girls slept in the room. (Justice :'[ hahahha!!).

'overnight frens/Low quality shot'

'two types of people watching horror movies: One pretends to not care but is scared inside and one who watches while covering their faces'

We met at the meeting place with time to spare, and since we didn't have time to eat or prepare breakfast we just bought food from the local fastfood chain nearby (Jollibee) and ate it on the bus our class rented. We left at exactly 5 am and were on the road for at least a good amount of time for us to catch up on some Zzzzz. I woke up before we got to the power plant and all I can see was trees! trees! We were on the winding road up the mountain and you can mostly see trees! A real jungle was a very relaxing sight for someone who spent most of his days in the urban jungle. We arrived at the Power plant compound maybe 30 minutes before our scheduled tour. The place was HUGE! The building was a marvel. It was just so sad to think that all of the work done to the place and the possibilities of it was set aside because of reasons I don't know haha. Of course we had the mandatory photo shoot. Posing here, posing there, posing every where. Once we got inside the plant we were oriented on the do's and don'ts inside the place, a slight background of its construction, and various technical shtuff I don't want to dwell in. haha. The silence was eerie but calming in a way. The tour lasted for, I think, almost 2 hours. we went to every important part of the plant and was in awestruck of everything we saw.

Then it was time to leave. The tour guide was kind enough to show us a spot where we can see the entirety of the plant and the surrounding area. It was marvelous! Then we had to say our goodbyes and head off to the next place, Westnuk Beach.

The facade of the power plant

'frens ft. forehead'

'pipes'

'the main control room of the plant. much buttons, so wow'

'a huge ass tank

'some castle on the hill sh*t right here. hahaha'

Westnuk Beach wasn't too far away from the Power Plant. In fact, it was in the same compound I think so it was only a matter of a 20 to 30 minute ride. It was around 12nn when we got there and this was ideal because this is where we planned to have our lunch. we packed our own food and rented out Nipa huts to stay in. I can't remember the last time I was on a beach then, so being on one was one of the best feelings in the world. The cool salty breeze of the water, the crashing sound when the waves hit the shore, the sand in your toes, ughhh such bliss. They also had a volleyball net so we had a great time playing. I went searching for various rocks, shells, corals that have washed up on shore as souvenirs. I even caught a hermit crab that I gave to my friend who didn't join the trip (Why zen??) but she lost it hahaha. sand was collected for my collection. After the unwind, It was time to leave and head to our final destination.

'a very welcoming welcome sign'

'picture taking in the hut where we ate lunch. prayer isn't the first thing you do before eating anymore. haha'

'the mandatory name-in-the-sand shot'

Our final itinerary was Mt. Samat and the Dambana ng kagitingan or the "Shrine of Valour". Now the trip from the beach to the shrine took a longer time, about an hour ride. When we got there we were welcomed by souvenir shops where most of my friends bought souvenirs (I'm fine with my sand and shells, thank you very much haha). The hike up the shrine was very grueling. i may not have counted the steps but damn was it high. The shrine was split in two. the first level of the place hosted the colonnade. a huge structure that almost looked like a mausoleum. Well technically it was placed there to honor fallen Filipino and American soldiers who fought during world war II, so I see the significance. The Colonnade was an impressive structure, it had huge bronze chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, an altar, marble columns, canons, and so much more. It was truly a wonder to behold. There is also a huge museum under the structure so if you are going to the place don't miss it. It hosted Items and memorabilia from the war. Now if you think going up to the first level was hard, think again. Going up to the final level of the place, the actual memorial cross, was an even more harrowing experience. But let me tell you, once you go up the stairs and reach the top, all pain will go away from seeing such an amazing place. The Cross was HUGE, and I mean HUGE!!!!! It was so tall. Made of concrete and steel it sits atop the mountain like a king on his throne. most people will see this cross when you search images on google about the dambana ng kagitingan. Aside from the cross, the view, MAN THE VIEW WAS AMAZING!!! You had a 360 degree view of Bataan and was it marvelous. The wind blowing on your face will truly put a smile on your face and wash away your problems. Stores are located at the top so if you still feel tired you can buy food and drinks there so you can enjoy the place well fed and hydrated.

'really looks like a huge mausoleum to me don cha think?But still, Wonderful'

'bronze chandeliers and columns and the altar and the narrative of the battle of Bataan all in one shot'

'the museum under the colonnade'

'the tres marias ft. two more frens posing down there,can't see who you are'

'The memorial cross in all of its glory'

'the intricacy of the artwork on the base of the cross is too much to handle. what a marvel to behold!'

Sad to say, all things must end and before we realized it it was time to pack up and go back to school because our inconsiderate professor (B) scheduled an exam. (*Sarcastic tone "Thank you sir, Thank you") NOTTTTT!

In the end, our trip to Bataan was nothing short of amazing. The places we visited, the nature we got to see, and the history we got to re-live was truly an experience worth remembering and cherished. Please do visit Bataan and see for your self the beauty and marvel of the place.

P.S. I forgot to mention, one side of my family is from Bataan #Share!!!!!