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Post by cbuehler on Jan 26, 2012 7:57:06 GMT 8
Hello all, My name is Conrad Buehler and I have been a student, collector and visitor of Philippine military historical and battlefields for over 22 years. After a 5 year hiatus, my wife and I are finally coming back to Manila for 2 weeks (Feb. 15 to 28). Being an inveterate battlefield visitor, this time I would like to connect with anyone who may wish to join me in my ventures. I will also being bringing a period uniform, hopefully for some on site photo ops! This time (in addition to Bataan and The Rock of course) I am going to do a little exploration of the Mt. Mataba/Pacawagan area in Rizal, where so much fighting occured in '45. I love to hike and explore, so please contact me and hopefully we meet and share our passion for the sites. Maraming Salamat and Mabuhay!
Conrad
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Post by batteryboy on Jan 27, 2012 21:02:16 GMT 8
Hi Conrad,
Welcome aboard. I am local here in the P.I. I may not be able to join on your expedition due to prior commitments but if there is chance to have a chat over coffee or a San Mig when you are here,, then let me know.
Cheers, Tony (aka batteryboy)
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Post by cbuehler on Jan 28, 2012 1:50:16 GMT 8
Kumusta na Tony! Thanks and I have sent you a PM.
Conrad
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Post by dmether on Jan 28, 2012 8:56:27 GMT 8
Let me know if you plan on heading to the Clark AB area, I live there. We can go over the fighting in Bamban and Clark.
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Post by batteryboy on Jan 28, 2012 10:47:15 GMT 8
Ok, Conrad.
dmether, I frequent Clark a lot. Maybe we can also have a San Mig when I am there.
Cheers, B-boy
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Post by EXO on Jan 28, 2012 18:57:41 GMT 8
Conrad, I expect to be on Corregidor during the leadup to the raising of the flag on 16 February. Karl will also be there, and for a few more days besides. PM me if interested.
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Post by tomasctt on Jan 29, 2012 12:51:30 GMT 8
Hi Conrad! I'm interested to join you in the Mt Mataba hike. I'll ask a friend, he might be familiar with the area. He and I got some hiking experience. If my schedule is free, I'll be happy to accompany you in that trek.
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Post by cbuehler on Jan 31, 2012 1:54:40 GMT 8
Hi dmether and tomasctt! demether, have connected with Tony near Clark and hopefully we can all meet there. I am quite familiar with the Clark/Bamban area and history and would love to go around the area again! tomasctt, I would love to have you accompany me to the Mataba/Pacawagan area! All, I am working on a trip to Ft. Drum/Frank and we are aiming for the 18th or 19th. If this falls through, I may try to get to Corregidor to see Karl and company, although I plan to definitely meet with Karl after he returns on the 20th. So it looks like I have a full plate coming up in few weeks! I look foward to meeting as many of you as possible and seeing the sites? My home email: lbuehler@sbcglobal.net Please contact me and we can work out a schedule Cheers and thanks all! Conrad
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Post by tomasctt on Jan 31, 2012 14:17:47 GMT 8
ok, i just googled mt mataba, and lo and behold, I have been near it for the past few months already. It is near a place called Timberland, at San Mateo, Rizal, and I have been biking in that area for the past months, most recently last 28 January 2012. There are two access points for Mt Mataba - one is the road called Shotgun, the other is through Timberland. The Shotgun route leads to a landfill near Mt Mataba. The trail at Timberland (specifically Roxas Trail) connects to Shotgun. Both are partly paved, and then it becomes rough thereafter. If bringing a vehicle, an SUV or 4x4 / ATV is best used because of the condition of the road. It can also be walked/hiked which people do at Timberland. I can easily bring you to Mt Mataba, by parking at Timberland Clubhouse. From there, it's a steady ascent on rough trail (wide fireroad). If you know how to mountain bike, I'll see if I can find a mountain bike that you can borrow. It's best to mountain bike to the place rather than walk. The place you are targeting is considered the mountain bike capital of the Philippines. The one with the lat/long coordinates is Mt Mataba
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Post by cbuehler on Feb 1, 2012 1:10:02 GMT 8
Hi tomasctt, Yes, that is Mataba. This area as well as Pacawagan just to the north leading back to the Wawa dam area was the scene of much hard fighting in the spring of '45. The US 6th, 38th, 43rd, 1st cav., and other elements fought General Yokoyama's Shinbu shu who were in prepared defenses in depth throughout the area. Major General Patrick of the 6th Div. was killed on Mt. Mataba during the battle. I might even guess that some of the trails in the area might date from this time as they had to use bulldozers to clear trails for vehicles to follow up the Infantry. I would like to see of there is any evidence of the battles in the area still remaining. Somewhere in the grasses and ridges must be something as it is not a developed area. Walking around is the preferred method!
Conrad
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