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Post by oozlefinch on Oct 5, 2014 13:04:15 GMT 8
I was informed here in California that CFI had been thrown off the island and the Inn was closed. All others have been told to clear off the Island, and there is only a 3 person security on the Island. Can anyone confirm, or debunk, this information?
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Post by Karl Welteke on Oct 6, 2014 9:38:23 GMT 8
Hello oozlefinch and All If you read my recent entries you should conclude that that news is false. Corregidor CFI and the SCI hotel and ferry service operate pretty much as normal as is expected in the rainy season. There seems to be a rumor that something is in the works but that is SPECULATION. A few days ago I shared with friends these observations about my recent visit 25th to 28th Sep 2014: John Thank you for your response as always you do outstanding work. Re the structure north of the firing line, I have the same feeling as you that it was built locally, at one place a steel rail track is sticking out. Ok, thanks to you, I am cleared up re the mine control structure. For a few years before I had maps I thought that was SL3. I have been in both tunnels, the one with 1942 carving and the one at X-F-1, I got pictures but I don’t know anymore what direction etc. Thank you for the two documents and the link for you trip to Mine control in James Ravine. I have reviewed them and again got to say: “You do outstanding work”. corregidor.proboards.com/thread/645/anti-ship-mines-casemate-commandObservations; Edith is there and does most of the work. They have less help, I only saw a boy. They don’t have the vender store above anymore the fees went up 100% or so, so they gave it up. She still provides all the food and drinks but gave up on peanuts and chips. Bought them on the other place at Diana’s place (South Shore Bottomside), that family is still going strong. Electricity is a problem, CFI cut back but I don’t know how much, that would interest me should I have to go for the Rowhouse which is still available for 750 P (the room I assume). The reason I went for the Thursday – Sunday Schedule is that on those days Mac has 24 hour electricity from the hotel. On the other three days the hotel elec. is on only 4 times an hour or two each time, don’t know exactly. The Sound and Light Show is going again but in a more provisory manner, at each station another button has to be manual pushed but it is going or something like that. Ron and Gilbert are still there and I sprung some beer for them at their place at Denny’s ex 2nd home, no news from him. Steve and Marcia Kwiecinski do have notice to vacate Jan 1, no reason given only a no answer with a smile. They hope they can arrange a commendation at Mac or the hotel, nothing moving yet. They have made plans to quit the PI next summer. On my walks one could notice the island had heavy rains with signs of the water pushing things along. The trails are not being maintained anymore, not by CFI or the hotel and at some places it is difficult to get around a fallen tree. Bottomside looks clean but I did not see the cleaners and Friday and Saturday on my walks to Topside or B-Way I did not see a vehicle or person go up while I walked from 6am to close to 7 am. I had purchased a Roundtrip ticket for 1400 Peso; I assume that included the Corregidor entrance fee. But Sunday morning I was ready to leave and was hoping to take a tourist boat to Cabcaben and it looked good. Edith even communicated with the lady of Villa Carmen and they said they would take me back with a tourist group (walk-inns). That is what I did and got home at a civilized hour. Maybe I will go back again the 2nd part of Nov. This was the 5th or 6th time I went in the rainy season and had dry weather again, lucky. Of course one does not go when a storm is going across the PI. Manila Bay was calm, maybe too calm, no wind and I sweated like a pig during the walks. Best wishes Karl
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Post by Registrar on Oct 6, 2014 19:24:34 GMT 8
Karl covers the news pretty well.
I have known for a while that CFI gave Steve & Marcia Kwiecinski a notice that they are to vacate as of 1 January, but have kept it under my hat for a while. The news eventually had to come out in due course, which is now. My surmise was not that there is any bad blood between CFI and the Kwiecinski's (who have done a wonderful job publicizing Corregidor against great odds) but that the cessation of their role might be an indication that CFI's powers of control will be terminated effectively as of that day. They're not being drummed off the island, they just have to vacate their residence. If they can find accommodation elsewhere, they may stay a while. Obviously, there are people wondering why this might be. For those who haven't been around for long, I have written about this in the past, and the short version is that I believe that it is the result of factors that Steve & Marcia have absolutely nothing to do with. Years before they even arrived there was a court case between the government and CFI concerning the former's powers to control the latter. CFI argued that they were the ultimate authority concerning Corregidor, and CFI lost in the Court of Appeal. I am a lawyer, I read the judgment, and I did form the view that CFI were playing a bad hand, and were playing for time. The government held all the aces. Subsequently, CFI were audited. One can only read between the lines, but my surmise is that the government has just arrived at the last step of a long, involved and contested process, and is about to appoint a new authority over the island.
I must emphasize, though, that I have no information whatsoever whether or not CFI is being run out of Dodge. I have been reading the goat's entrails. What CFI's position is to be next year, is a complete mystery to me.
I have long argued that Corregidor, by virtue of its unique environment and historical character, should have been declared a National Park. I repeat, I haven't the foggiest idea what is around the corner, these sorts of things happen behind closed doors. That's just the way it is. One hopes that because Corregidor has been a major tourist earner, and one which is of particular sensitivity to the United States (it is still the burial place of numerous MIA's and KIA's, that there will be an enlightened era about to dawn upon us. Why this step must be accomplished by giving Steve and Marcia a DCJ Notice, does seem to be counter-intuitive. But things are different this side of the dateline.
I have heard nothing about the status of the Inn. Magsaysay Lines have a lot more political clout than the CFI because they make a lot more money than CFI, so I expect that they will be more in control next year than now. The Inn sure could do with a reinvention and refurbishment. The island-trained staff have been wonderful people throughout the years, and its these guys and gals who remain their finest assets.
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Post by okla on Oct 6, 2014 22:22:06 GMT 8
Hey Registrar....After perusing your posting I now have a feeling of foreboding. Just a "gut feeling" that this sacred place is going to go thru a period of instability,etc. I just hope whoever does, eventually, take charge is up to the task of administration. I will always lament the fact that when the US gave the PI their independence that some arrangement was not set up whereas the US Park Service would be in charge of Corregidor and adjacent Harbor Forts. The new Republic of the Philippines would, of course, have kept full sovereignty over the Fortress, but the US Park Service, with the required funds and experience, would have taken care of operating, upkeep, etc. If they can handle the care of such hallowed places as Gettysburg, Shiloh, Vicksburg, etc, then, Corregidor would have been in excellent, competent hands. In a perfect world you, Fots, and Karl would be in special advisory capacities with Fots placed in charge of the Tunnels with their Bats, Spiders, and other "varmints". It is evident that this would be a perfect choice for him since he has crawled, on his belly, every inch of those dank catacombs over the years. The latter assignments could, still, be possible if the Philippine Government takes complete charge. Just sayin' Cheers.
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Post by The Phantom on Oct 7, 2014 4:36:35 GMT 8
Interesting information from all.
The ability to read TEA LEAVES would help at this juncture. In the P.I., what isn't said, is made more clear by small actions over time.
I have been in contact with Sun Cruises through email, a next day response from them, about a future stay at The Inn for next year. I was told I can set up my reservation and pay from here, that sounds positive, right?
I will need to bring my Machete, with sharpener, it appears though........
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Post by oozlefinch on Oct 7, 2014 5:12:58 GMT 8
Well, it appears that the scuttlebutt told me is partially right, and partially wrong. Okla has a good idea, from our side of the dateline, but I probably have a better chance of winning the Powerball than the Philippine Government letting the U.S. take over, in any way, shape or form. In 1987 a proposal by the U.S., through the American Battle Monuments Commission, to assume control of Corregidor from about above the elevation of Middleside came to naught, probably because someone in P.I. thought they could make some money from taking control of the island. It will be interesting to see how this all shakes out.
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Post by rik on Oct 13, 2014 19:36:14 GMT 8
Having spent time exploring the island with Steve and Marcia, I'm saddened to see them leaving. Steve's passion for Corregidor is amazing and hiking the island with him was the highlight of all of my trips to The Rock. Just a wonderful, wonderful couple.
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Post by Karl Welteke on Aug 19, 2017 8:14:59 GMT 8
Corregidor Inn Renovation 17-08-09 CI Inn Renovation 17-08-08 with Chris Brennan Chris Brennan is a friend of the Gen. MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk and we visited Corregidor 2017-08 to 10. On the 8th of August we had a look at the renovation of the Corregidor Inn and this is the documentation of the progress. We heard it might open in Sep. or Oct. and that only partial, someone said Grand Opening, It looks like this sometime this year in my opinion. 30 images with descriptions have been uploaded into this Photobucket album: s74.photobucket.com/user/PI-Sailor/library/Corregidor%20by%20subject/CI%20Subalbum%20No%202/Corregidor%20Inn%202017-08-09%20renovation?sort=9&page=1In this forum presentation are only 9 images and they are smaller than in the album above: Za052 Corregidor Inn, the new entrance way to the dining area. -07 this is the new entrance way to the dining area, the first door is a new entrance to the toilet, which is still at the same location. This is a Corregidor Inn renovation image 2017-August 8th on Corregidor Island, the ex Fort Mills. Za053 Corregidor Inn, the same dining area under renovation. -08 The same dining area under renovation, the veranda portion is still used for material storage. This is a Corregidor Inn renovation image 2017-August 8th on Corregidor Island, the ex Fort Mills. Za054 Corregidor Inn dining hall is extended outward. -10 this is going to be a big change in the dining area, the north side is extended outwards but a rail still needs to be provided. This is a Corregidor Inn renovation image 2017-August 8th on Corregidor Island, the ex Fort Mills. Za055 Corregidor Inn lounge area. -12 the same lounge area, the windows are in, the painting is done, the floor needs attention and the electrical fittings not there yet. This is a Corregidor Inn renovation image 2017-August 8th on Corregidor Island, the ex Fort Mills. Za056 Corregidor Inn, sample room. -18 this is one of the rooms on the 2nd floor above the dining area. This is a Corregidor Inn renovation image 2017-August 8th on Corregidor Island, the ex Fort Mills. Za057 Corregidor Inn, sample bath room. -19 this is one of the bath rooms on the 2nd floor above the dining area. This is a Corregidor Inn renovation image 2017-August 8th on Corregidor Island, the ex Fort Mills. Za058 Corregidor Inn, sample room with air con. 021 this is one of the rooms on the 2nd floor above the dining area. This must be the air con, maybe central air con? This is a Corregidor Inn renovation image 2017-August 8th on Corregidor Island, the ex Fort Mills. Za059 Corregidor Inn stairway from 2nd floor. -31 this is the stairway from the 2nd floor down to the reception and lobby area. This is a Corregidor Inn renovation image 2017-August 8th on Corregidor Island, the ex Fort Mills. Za060 Corregidor Inn east annex. -34 This is the ground and north end of the Inn east annex, some of these rooms will have a balcony or outside seating. This is a Corregidor Inn renovation image 2017-August 8th on Corregidor Island, the ex Fort Mills.
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Post by Karl Welteke on Mar 26, 2018 19:35:14 GMT 8
Corregidor Inn seems to be open. Their website says so, this is the URL: www.corregidorphilippines.com/contact.htmlZa767. Sun Cruises Inc. Corregidor Visiting Rates, effective as of 1st Feb. 2018. Za767. When we were on the Corregidor Island, between Feb. 13th to 16th 2018, there were overnight guests but they were still fed in the Meal-Tent Topside. They did not address the case if someone wants to stay more than one night!
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