Mt. Samat is a mountain in Bataan, Philippines and on its summit, the Shrine of Valor or Dambana ng Kagitingan was built because of its huge historical contribution during World War II. Also, the province holds the record of Battle of Bataan including the controversial Death March. Anyways, from Bagac, we traveled to Pilar to discover and to know more about the significance of the Cross on top of the mountain.
Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor on top of Mt. Samat.
THE HISTORY: The cross erected on the summit, the memorial shrine and the museum were built to honor the gallantry of the Filipino American soldiers who fought during World War 2. The shrine complex includes a war museum with different memorabilia, paintings, and weapons used by the Filipino, American and Japanese forces during the Battle of Bataan. These structures were commissioned by former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1966 for the 25th Anniversary of the World War 2.
The gigantic cross stands 92 meters from its base and is considered as the second tallest cross in the world. A viewing deck in the arm of the cross is available via an elevator. At the base, the external part of the cross has gorgeous sculptures by Abueva titled "Nabiag Na Bato" showing the important events of Jose Rizal, Lapu-lapu, and Antonio Luna.
In the viewing gallery, there's an amazing view of the province of Bataan, Corregidor island, Manila bay and the mountain ranges surrounding the province, like Mt. Tarak. Stores and souvenir shops are available at the summit.
HOW TO GET TO MT. SAMAT: From Manila to Bataan, we rode in a Genesis Bus to Balanga Central terminal. Then, took in a jeepney to Cabog-Cabog and alighted by the jump-off point and walked to the summit.
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