A Day In Corregidor - Topside

Topside was named as such because it is the highest geographic sector in the island where the terrain elevation above sea level ranges from about 400 feet and higher. Topside is said to be the nerve center of the island fortress. It is here where you will find the ruins of the Mile-Long Barracks, the most photographed area in Corregidor. The barracks served as the Headquarters of some 2,000 US officials including Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

The Spanish Lighthouse used to be a checkpoint which alerts Manila of an approaching galleon. Encouraged by our guides assurance that climbing all the way to the top is worth the hardship since it offers a spectacular view of Manila Bay, South China Sea and the whole island, my friend and I eagerly went but I backed out after seeing how steep the climb was. I can almost hear the evil voice of my personal trainer at the gym ~ Get your butt back here and work those flabs!
I just waited outside and took a photo of best-friend Ai and prayed hard she made no plans of jumping off that tower just to check if she can be the next Darna (Filipinos equivalent to Wonder Woman).

Aside from her aching legs, Ai survived the Spanish Lighthouse so back to our tramvias and off to our next stop Cine Corregidor,a movie theater. It was erected during the pre-war period to cater to the entertainment needs of the personnel of the garrison as well as their families. Gone with the Wind was the last movie to be screened before the place was destroyed. Of course the theater is long gone but it did not stop me from having my photo taken.


The Pacific War Memorial located at the highest point of the island was completed in 1968 and one of the only two memorials built by the US government to mark the war, the other one being Pearl Harbor.


Located at the rear end of the memorial is the sculpture of the Eternal Flame of Freedom. Designed by Aristides Demetrios, the sculpture commemorates the sacrifices, hopes and aspirations, and the heroic struggle by the United States and the Philippines to preserve freedom for future generations. The sculpture stands as a reminder that all men will fight as one if need to be to defend a nation's liberty.