When was the last time you visited Corregidor or have seen it on a post card? Well, me, it's not interesting to know that I haven't been to Corregidor and knowing that I'm a History graduate (not proud of that). I have only seen it on photos and videos plus read stories about the place on different print medias. This is one of the  historical place that plays an important role in our history, the Philippine History, and I missed a lot of opportunities to go there. Never been there but longing to visit and experience the place.

Just recently, July 4, I attended a press launch and unveiling of the new brand of Corregidor. It is an event where the Corregidor Foundation (CFI), the Department of Tourism through its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA) launched it new brand called CORREGIDOR NOW.  This the agencies way of creating better improvements and plans for the tourism of the island. The launch was held on a date where Filipinos and Americans are celebrating the Filipino-American Friendship Day.

It was sad to know only few people have been to Corregidor and I'm one of them. Perhaps for some few reasons, and one of which is going to Corregidor really takes time and effort.

Today, I was hoping that after the introduction of the plans and changes maybe more will be enticed, excited and encouraged to visit the place.

But before you take the tour in Corregidor here are some facts that you should know about the place.

1. Corregidor was once been the capital of the Philippines. At the break of World War II, President Manuel L. Quezon move the capital of the Philippines to Corregidor and took office in the island together with his cabinets and other officials. This is one of the most secured military bases and garrisons during that time. But as the battle begun and the US and Filipino forces were on the loosing end, President Manuel L. Quezon together with other officials and cabinet members were secured and fled to Australia.  

2. The Americans funded $150M for the construction of the facilities and weaponries inside the island of Corregidor. These includes facilities such as hospital, barracks, movie houses, recreational facilities, commissary, and other structures that you usually find in a base. It took much time before it is completed but was finished in time before the World War II breaks out.

3. The Malinta Tunnel's lateral section is believed can accommodate 100 hospital beds that is why during the World War II many soldiers and civilians were treated here. At the same time a lot of people died in the place that according to some there were sightings and 'paramdam' were felt by some visitors. Malinta Tunnel is a 836-foot-long, fishbone-shaped system of bombproof tunnels with three 227meter by 8 meter main sections and 24 49meter x 4.5-meter laterals. The cement used for the its 30-foot to 40-foot thick walls are called Asada cement which was bought from the Japanese. 

4. Corregidor island's 'disappearing' gun batteries. These guns were created and mounted on a disappearing carriage that enabled the guns to hide from direct attack. The Battery Crockett and Cheney, each had two 12-inch 'seacoast guns', while Battery Grubbs had two 10-inch guns. All-in-all the whole island of Corregidor together with the adjoining islands have 56 coastal guns and mortars in 23 seacoast batteries and 76 (28 3-inch and 48 50-caliber) anti-aircraft guns in 13 batteries. That's why it is one of the strongest defense during World War II. 

5. The island of Corregidor does not only have its ruins of the past but also the diverse ecosystem within it. That's why it is a paradise during the time it was built because of the tropic island features.

After the appointment of Cynthia Carrion by President Rodrigo Duterte as the Chairman and CEO of Corregidor Foundation Inc., she spearheaded the new strategic campaign, dubbed as "CORREGIDOR NOW", which aims to deliver a stronger and unified voice for the whole island, bringing it to greater heights as a tourism attraction.

"For years, Corregidor Island seemed to be perceived solely as a popular historical site, with its idyllic features unknown to many," according to Carrion. "With our campaign, we hope that it will usher in a new era for this eco-historical location, making it known as a place of sanctuary where one can enjoy a relaxing opportunity to revel in the past," she added.

TIEZA is developing a comprehensive master plan for the redevelopment of Corregidor and the proposed rehabilitation of the Corregidor South Dock Pier, Under the marketing campaign, they will implement more proactive promotional efforts in various forms of media to inform the public and entice target markets to visit the island.

With all the tourist destinations in the Philippines, Corregidor Island is the only one where you can truly dive deep into history while enjoying the best of tropical Philippines, It is the picture-perfect showcase of the variety of fun and adventure offered on its land, sea, and air. Carrion invites Filipinos to come together, enjoy, and explore the historical paradise that is an ultimate relaxation and fun adventure sanctuary.

To book a tour or know more about Corregidor, please email info@corregidorisland.com.ph or visit www.corregiorisland.com.ph or call +632.8233281.

Getting to know and honoring the champions of today’s drivers of Philippine tourism is the main thrust of Tourism Star Philippines award. It is the Department of Tourism’s program to recognize Filipinos who have significantly made an impact in sharing valuable information or program in sharing the Philippines tourism industry. The program sought out individuals in the tourism industry, media, and local government units to underscore the distinct Filipino brand of warm hospitality that marks our culture of tourism.

Kwento Ni Toto shares great news for the Philippine tourism industry as hotels and resorts in key island destinations in the Philippines are now ready to compete in the global marketplace and that is according to the initial findings of a team of International Accommodation Assessors (IAAs) who joined the Department of Tourism (DOT) in conducting a national review of accommodation standards last month. This is one great leap for the local resorts and hotels.

Last week, I was able to attend an event at Diosdado Macapagal International Airport or commonly called in Clark as DMIA. The highlights of the activity are the unveiling ceremony of the DMIA Hospitality Counter and Pinoy Homecoming Program Presentation to Region III.

The event was attended by different agencies inside Clark, different media not only local but Medias from nearby countries as well, and of course bloggers were there too to witness the unveiling.

Before the unveiling, guests were entertained by the local folk dancers while waiting for the program to start. It is sure that Pinoys coming home will have a smile in their face seeing these folk dancers dancing with great joy.

The Pinoy Homecoming Hospitality Counter in DMIA is a Project of Department of Tourism partnered with Globe Telecom and other participating merchants.

The unveiling was headed by ASec Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III together with the other partners and managers. Learn more of the story…

Press Release...
Balikbayans arriving at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Pampanga, will experience their warmest welcome yet with the opening of the Pinoy Homecoming Hospitality Counter at the airport on November 29.

Spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the homecoming counter is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to boost visitor arrivals from the balikbayan market by 25 percent in the next five years. Dubbed as the Pinoy Homecoming campaign, it primarily targets Filipinos based overseas, not only in the United States and Canada but worldwide.

A result of Presidential Proclamation No. 181 “Declaring the Years 2011 to 2016 as the Pinoy Homecoming Years” signed on June 3, 2011, the campaign supports Republic Act No. 6768, as amended, or the “Balikbayan Program.” Under the Balikbayan Program, overseas Filipinos (OFs) are given special privileges and benefits in recognition of their contribution to the growth of the Philippine economy in terms of foreign exchange inflow and remittances.

“This is a campaign that recognizes three things: the invaluable contributions of Filipinos overseas, our urgent need to develop and promote Philippine tourism further and how much can be achieved when government agencies work together,” shares DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez. “We also have to tap into the market of second and third generation Filipinos abroad and encourage them to discover their roots.”

To reach this set of younger Filipino abroad, the campaign also has a digital marketing component. Through the website www.pinoyhomecoming.ph, Pinoys abroad can easily access Philippine news portals, tourism products and services, practical balikbayan tips, Philippine holiday and festival calendars, as well as a directory of industry partners and the contact details of DOT’s international offices.

The campaign is supported by Globe Telecom, Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) and the over 700 partner-merchants nationwide. For more information on the campaign and balikbayan benefits, contact the Pinoy Homecoming Secretariat at (632) 525-1255, (632) 525-9318 local 268 or 244; fax to (632) 521-6165, or e-mail at tts@dotpcvc.gov.ph .