Corregidor - very sad current affairs

[VeeVee]

I'm grieving for this. It just shows how little the caretakers of this island really value our history and heritage. Holy crap nothing is sacred anymore... I want to vomit.


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globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20091216-242351/Zipping-up-in-Corregidor


Zipping up in Corregidor

By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net First Posted 14:05:00 12/16/2009

MANILA, Philippines – Looking for a new kind of adventure? You don’t have to go far.

The Rocket Zipline in Corregidor will literally take your breath away as you scream your lungs out while sliding through 200 meters of cable suspended about 20 feet from the ground, with the trip from the jump-off point to the other end lasting all of 25 seconds.

“We added the zipline so that tourists who stay overnight would have something to do aside from the usual historical tour," said Roland Portes, general manager of Sun Cruises Inc. (SCI), which opened the zipline Tuesday.

If you’re worried about how sturdy the cable is, the zipline can carry up to 250 pounds, said Joey Cuerpo of Powerup, which helped install the adventure facility with the end in view of developing Corregidor into a fun place, aside from being the historical landmark that it was always known for.

Kristine Castro, marketing manager of SCI, added, "This year we launched Corregidor not just as a historical island but also an adventure island."

Portes said he hoped that “with the support of the Corregidor Foundation” SCI, which brings 70,000 tourists to the island annually, could build another zipline next year “connecting the Malinta Tunnel to the topside.”

Castro also said that aside from the zipline, SCI also sponsored sports activities this year such as marathon, beach football and volleyball, the Corregidor aquathlon challenge, and kayaking race.

Wakeboarding in Corregidor’s South Beach is a water sports activity that SCI will also be adding next year, Portes added.

But Portes assured the public that despite these innovations, preserving history and the environment remained top priorities.

"We have a corporate social responsibility where we clean up the beach quarterly and we use solar-powered electricity in the island," said Portes.

The tadpole-shaped Corregidor, 48 kilometers west of Manila, can be reached through Manila Bay or through Cavite City. Its history lies in the heroism of Filipinos and Americans who fought the Japanese in the island during World War II.

[oklahoma]

Hey Vic...I posted a quote that was often used by a salty old Master Sergeant (who I served with in Korea back in 1952-53) when he was faced with an unpleasant or distasteful situation. I quote...."that would gag a maggot off a gut wagon". I think this observation by ole Sarge describes this latest possible Corregidor sacrilege to a T. As I keep telling fots over on the Corregidor.org website, a roller coaster on the topside parage grounds isnt too far fetched, methinks.

[VeeVee]

Okla that's a mouthful ;D
I don't think I can even say it fast enough and with a straight face.

[scarab]

Greetings Gentlemen,
I can understand your concerns regarding this recent addition to Corregidor. It is really sad that the people administering the island has such poor grasp of planning. I remember when I was still in school, they commissioned a design competition for the Ayala Alabang complex. This is to gather fresh design ideas from students. They could actually do the same for Corregidor. And from there formulate a master plan for the place. Of course with the help of experts this time. The zip line could actually work if only they could develop it as part of the whole theme. I can't help remember my 6 year old son having such a great time when we zipped in tandem from 75 meters high and traveled 450 meters in just over 50 seconds in Sentosa, Singapore. He wanted to do it again.
Just imagine a mock up of a C47 as platform, high up, lets say 100 meters on a steel tower, and a group of us in our airborne uniforms and gear, hooked up and jumping to travel along the zip line at least 500 meters long. Wouldn't that be in theme with the island? I'm sure it will attract a lot of people and generate income.
To keep and develop corregidor for the memory of our brave forebears, great amount to money is needed. They just need to keep the income generation in theme with the tradition the island is known for. They have so many things they could do, they just have to get these ideas and develop them properly.
Thats my two cents worth. Thank you for your time.
respectfully,
scarab

[VeeVee]

It's the fact that they want to turn it into an "adventure island" that's repugnant. This is hallowed grounds. Wake boarding... ziplining... they don't have those at Gettysburg and Normandy.

[VeeVee]

Your "airborne" twist to the zipline to give visitors a flavor of the danger that the liberators faced is more palatable. Kind of the way these reenactors try to educate the public.

[frank]

They need revenue to keep up the place.

They could build up sections of the mile-long barracks with a facade that is identical to the original. Its uses would be hotel, casino, etc.

Also the golf course, if there ever was one is another idea.

While your hot about the situation, who are the Corregidor Foundation and how are they operate?

If you bring your own project there like "airsoft" action games. How will they regulate and get a cut from it?

Other ideas?

[VeeVee]

Sorry, none of the above. No casinos. No airsoft. The golf makes one think... only because there used to be a golf course there that could be restored but then again the constuction necessary to get an operational golf course will destroy hallowed grounds, so no. We should not have to sell its soul for revenues. Just leave it as is and do a better job of marketing it as history and heritage. Why not encourage college history courses/classes to take a field trip there? I have a Filipino friend from college who thought Corregidor was in Intramuros... (conversation between us happened just this past october)

[oklahoma]

Hey Vic....As per usual I have to agree with you on all points. Your story about your friend's ignorance of Philippine World War II history reminded me of this good friend of mine (female, 40 years of age) who thought Robert E. Lee was a Yankee general. Can you believe it? Postscript...Are those your two lads? I think the one on the right is a prime candidate for the 26th Cavalry. He seems to have his priorities in order. lol.

[VeeVee]

Mine is a 38 year old female friend... not trying to stereotype or anything... just coincidence with the same demographic as your friend.

The two kids in the header are not mine They're kids of reenactor/historian friends in the Philippines.

Mine would fit right in though

[oklahoma]

Hey Vic....A Philippine Scout reincarnate for sure. Its gotta be in the genes. After all, this lad just might be related to Trooper Varano who was KIA on the Abucay Line. Methinks something to be very proud of. As I believe I mentioned to you before, I would just assume it as fact and go with it. Feliz Navidad, my friend.