Get the bad part first — it’s a long drive from Manila. There - I said it. Everything else is amazing. The combo of sombre history, plus friendly people, and our incredible guide JB -/ it was a great day!!
Our guide was John,, the driver was Boyet(?).. Boyet was a great driver,, very aware,, very careful.. They were both very helpful, courteous, friendly, accommodating.. John was knowledgeable beyond belief.. His English was faultless.. All the places we stopped were very interesting.. Ronnie was the guide at the museum,, also,,, so knowledgeable..
We were picked up at our hotel,, just before 7am.. We returned about 6:30pm.. A nice, new, very clean car. AC was great.. It was a bit of a ride to our first stop but the chatting made the time go by quickly. The distance between stops didn’t seem extreme. There were no crowds.. Very little walking.. Our last stop was at the top of a mountain overlooking Manila Bay.. Very nice.. Some road construction on our return but more chatting made it bearable..
Everything was included,, except our stop for lunch.. We very much enjoyed our experience. I’m not shy about recommending this tour.. More than five stars…
When we got home we discussed our experience. There was a feeling of sadness,, knowing the full extent of the suffering and death.. That so many gave so much,, many tens-of-thousands gave all… Also a feeling of great pride; proud of our ancestors who sacrificed so much,,, for their freedom,, and ours..
We are very grateful that there are people who are dedicated to keeping these memories alive.. May we never forget the "Battling Bastards of Bataan"..
ROY….