According to an adage, “change is the only constant thing in this world.” Nothing could be truer than this whenever I step out of my door and see how everything has been evolving and burgeoning every time the clock moves. The volatility of change has the capacity to transmute the totality of our environment day by day.
It is a subject susceptible of different interpretations and wide array of meanings, but it doesn’t need another Einstein to see how run-of-the-mill change would affect our daily lives. Technology is being developed to adapt with the globally competitive world. We change our lifestyles to get rid of boredom and break our daily routines; to live and cope up with present realities prevailing in our society.
Tourism has to undergo changes as well to cater the needs of travelers nationwide even the locals of a community sans sacrificing the historical value of a place. In our country, aside from improvements in transportation, infrastructure and security, what else could be done to make a tour here worthwhile, whether he is a Filipino or not?
Our service going to Corregidor
Two weeks ago, I discovered that change and innovation have smoothly permeated the ecosphere of tourism. It was when Sun Cruises introduced its Adventour Challenge— an adventure while touring the Corregidor Island which revolutionized classical tour to contemporary.
Tadpole-shaped Island
Corregidor Island has served as the domicile and headquarters of our heroes seven decades ago at the height of the World War II. Perfect for its location—at the entrance of the Manila Bay—this tadpole-shaped island had been the battleground of Filipino and American soldiers when they defended us against the invasion of the Japanese forces in the 1940s. The wrecked ammunition and missiles, remnants of buildings, and barracks in ruins are some of the lucid marks how our soldiers in the past fought hard to protect this land and their people.
One of the ruined buildings
I did not let the opportunity pass when an invitation to tour Corregidor island was sent to our group. And it was because of two reasons: first, I haven’t been to Corregidor island. Second, I wanted to meet my fellow Pinoy Travel Bloggers (PTBs). Whether or not to pick the adventure challenge was one of the options given to us. Classical tour is repetitive to me, one reason why I chose the more challenging kind. Besides, it was the first time I heard of touring a historical site through an adventure. We all gave it a go!
Pinoy Travel Bloggers (PTBs). Red Team and Orange Team
It was awkward that most new members of PTBs among the 12 who joined started our first meet and greet with a competition—healthy and friendly competition. Since the adventour is the new innovation of Sun Cruises to tourists, I knew it would be worthy to give it a try. We were divided into two groups— Red Team a.k.a. Horse Team and Orange Team a.k.a. Jumpshot Team. I was part of the Red team.
Lending a hand to his fellow
Upon the release of the green light, we all hurriedly braved the way to the Battery Hearn, Battery Smith and Battery Grubbs to find the three parts of the map. The map would help us finish our expedition. Aside from the map, we also looked for the clues placed inside the small bamboos scattered at the ruins. With the given clues, we then tried to solve the puzzle one at a time. But wait! It was never easy. We had to run fast to get to another area. If you think running was easy, hey! Think again. We ran while bearing the scorching heat of the sun. And just after the heat strike us, we found ourselves traversing the tunnels, the darkness, and the uninhabited place while dealing with bats most of the time.
Red and Orange teams would have to run past each other. Knowing whether or not you are ahead of your nemesis added thrills to the trail. When we reached the Red Cross Hospital, my expectation that this adventure offers only pure physical activity had gone wrong, because I had to squeeze my brain out to solve mind-boggling puzzles on the green boards. Rephrase: This adventure doesn’t only require strength and alertness; it also necessitates intelligence and common sense.
Corregidor Lighthouse
The last challenge was shooting of several balls in a basket by allowing them to trundle on bamboos of different sizes. After finishing it, Orange team declared as winner. Though we didn’t bag the title, we, from the Red team, were still happy because despite of what we’ve been through, we all emerged triumphant in the end after conquering the 3-hour adventour.
Eternal Flame Monument
Corregidor Beach
Field
One of the lovely trees in the island
Exhausting? I’ll be frank, yes it was. But this doesn’t defy the “in-between-times” we had on the whole duration of the adventure. We may have ran out of water, strength and breath, but we did not run out of stories and experiences to share while trailing the historic sites of the island.
Now, Corregidor Island has made another history. It harnessed friendship among the group of passionate Filipino travelers which for me is the greatest prize of this adventour apart from discovering Corregidor.
Special thanks to Sun Cruises, Sir Ivan Henares and Sir Bambi Aquino for making this trip possible.
DIALOGUE WITH A WANDERER 