Just a few hours away from Metro Manila is a province that allows you to live history the way you read it in textbooks. During the Japanese war, Bataan was among the last areas to surrender. As a remembrance of the bravery of the soldiers, a 30-foot cross was put up for them. Take an elevator up to Mount Samat to view the Dambana ng Kagitingan and pay your respect.
Once back down, discover where the Death March began, at the Zero Kilometer Death March Marker, and where we finally made peace with each other at the Japanese-Philippine Friendship Tower.
If you want to experience even more history, head over to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar to walk along cobblestone streets and maybe even rent one of the many heritage houses that were bought from different provinces and rebuilt in Bataan.
Beach adventures are also an option for your things-to-do. Head to Morong to find rows of beautiful resorts.
How to get there:
Take a Victory Liner bus from Pasay, Caloocan, Cubao, or Earnshaw Sampaloc to Olongapo.
From the Olongapo terminal, take a Victory Liner bus to Balanga, Bataan.