IN PHOTOS: 74th Araw ng Kagitingan on Mt. Samat in Pilar Bataan

We woke up early on our 2nd day in Balanga City for us to get early to the town of Pilar, Bataan. But before proceeding to Pilar, which is about 30 minutes away from Balanga, we went first to a nearby fast food and grabbed some breakfast. We then we continued our travel to Mount Samat (Dambana ng Kagitingan) where the national celebration of 74th Araw ng Kagitingan will be held.

While waiting for the program to start, we roamed around Mt. Samat Shrine and observed the preparations for the arrival of President Aquino and some guests. The audience were also entertained by a group of singers and "pangkat kawayan" from different towns of Bataan performing their beautiful rendition of several Filipino songs.

With this year's theme, "Isabuhay and Kagitingan, Kapayapaan, at Pagkakaisa, Kamtin and Mithing Kaunlaran," the 74th Araw ng Kagitigan celebration was attended by President Benigno S. Aquino III at Mt. Samat Shrine last April 9, 2016.

Part one of the program was the awarding of winners of the painting and essay writing contests by Undersecretary for Civil Veterans and Retiree Affairs, Department of National Defense, Jesus C. Millan, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina, and Director for External Partnership Services, Department of Education, Margarita Ballesteros. The awarding of winners on the oratorical contest was done by VFP Sons and Daughters Association, Inc., Executive Vice President Ms. Estrella DL Santos and assisted by Undersecretary Millan and Administrator Carolina.

The second part of the celebrayion was the wreath-laying ceremonies led by President Noynoy Aquino. He was joined by the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and the Ambassador of the United States of America to the Philippines Philip S. Goldberg.

Thank you to our friends from Bataan Provincial Tourism Office for inviting us to be part of their Araw ng Kagitingan celebrations. 'Til next time!

How to Get to Bataan

From Manila, there are buses (Bataan Transit or Genesis Bus Lines) bound for Balanga or Mariveles, Bataan. Bus terminal can be found in Cubao or Pasay. Travel time is about 3-4 hours and fare is around Php 200-300 pesos.

If you need assistance when visiting Bataan, you may contact:

Bataan Tourism Office

Contact no.: (047) 237-4785 / 237-4476
Email: bataan_tourism@yahoo.com
Facebook: Bataan Tourism
Instagram: @BeholdBataan