|
Post by Karl Welteke on Jan 19, 2021 10:21:39 GMT 8
News Flash, Grande Island open for Day Tours
Just received an email to that effect, I requested to visit on Friday; they said Ok. Will visit Grande Island on Friday! I have certain objects in mind to search for. Here is their email: grandeislandsales@gmail.com
Dear Sir,
Greetings from Grande Island!
We are now accepting DAY TOUR! 💙🌊
BOAT SCHEDULE Terminal check in: 8:00 AM Island check out: 4:00 PM
Our DAY TOUR rate is P2999.00 per adult and P1499.00 per kid below 12 yrs old.
Inclusions: - Boat transfer - Guided island tour - Fishing - Beach access • Swimming pool is not available
Dine in: - Welcome drinks - AM Snacks - Plated Lunch - PM Snacks
Other Activities: - Water sports Activities • will send details upon request - Back Beach - Chiquita Island tour: • P500/head - minimum of 4 guests • free for kids - 7yrs old below
---------------------------
For Overnight stay:
Nightly room rate is P13,888.00 good for two, kids 7 yrs old below are free of charge. Extra person charge is P5,500.00/head. Inclusions: -Boat Transportation -Room Accommodation -Lunch (can be availed on early check-in or late check-out time) -PM Snack -Dinner -Breakfast for the next day -Unlimited access on the beach (Swimming pool is not available) -Wi-Fi -Cable TV -Guided island tour
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: - Always wear face mask and face shield - Always sanitize - For more than 96hrs stay in the Freeport Zone, PCR/Swab Test negative result is must.
Thank you very much and stay safe always.
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Jan 19, 2021 9:34:15 GMT 8
DOD will analyze remains thought to be WWII’s first Medal of Honor recipient! This was written by the Philippine Scouts Heritage Society. They also posted this picture! U678. Lt. Alexander R. ‘Sandy’ Nininger Jr. the first American soldier awarded the Medal of Honor in World War II In DOD reversal, agency will analyze remains thought to be WWII’s first Medal of Honor recipient From Stars and Stripes news: By Wyatt Olson The Defense Department on Wednesday agreed to analyze remains in a Philippines grave long believed by family members to be those of Alexander “Sandy” Nininger Jr., the first service member awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. Click here for full article: www.stripes.com/news/us/in-dod-reversal-agency-will-analyze-remains-thought-to-be-wwii-s-first-medal-of-honor-recipient-1.658428
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Jan 19, 2021 7:07:46 GMT 8
CFI’s protocol to visit Corregidor from Bataan
Corregidor Foundation Inc. (CFI) responded promptly and sent this:
Dear Ms. Welteke,
Mabuhay from Corregidor Foundation Inc!
Thanks to your email and we are looking forward to seeing you back on the Island. However, due to the Covid pandemic CFI is not intending to hold any remembrance events this year.
For your information and reference the following are cost details good for one person only via Bataan. If may I ask sir how large will your party be? PARTICULARS NO. OF PAX NO. OF DAYS /nights RATE TOTAL RATE Remarks Mandatory Entrance Fee 1 1 300.00 300.00 MacArthur Café's 1 4 1,000.00 4,000.00 Meals Plated Breakfast 1 5 200.00 1,000.00 Lunch 1 5 350.00 1,750.00 Dinner 1 4 350.00 1,400.00 Van rentals 1 1 2,500.00 2,500.00 one day only ( Feb 19) Total Fees 10,950.00 Service Charge (5%) 547.50 TOTAL PAYMENT 11,497.50 Guest owned arrangement Boat Transfer o Boat transfer Brgy. Cabcaben, Mariveles Bataan to Corregidor § Danilo Lenezo 0946 305 9621
o Boat transfer Brgy Mountain Dew Villa Carmen Mariveles Bataan to Corregidor § Mr. Allan Papal 0927 790 4684
Following government’s protocol on mitigation of the virus, the following safety measures are to be observed; • Prior reservation is required • Negative rapid test result or medical certificate send in advance ( 3 days prior to your departure) • Walk-ins without complete documentation will not be accepted • Wearing of face masks, and face shield ( No face mask,no entry) • Temperature screening upon arrival • Filling up health declaration and visitor's contact tracing form • Physical Distancing • Frequent use of hand sanitizers • Provision of disinfectant sprays and sanitizing mats in all indoor facilities. • Allowed age restriction: 15 years to 60 years old only. (for minors and Senior Citizen, a signed waiver is required).
In the protocol requirements shown above, I would point out the need for a rapid test or medical certificate that MUST be sent to use BEFORE you arrive on the island. Unfortunately the government protocol requires this and we have had to turn visitors away who have not fully complied with the protocol.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on 09369686865 /09776434819/ 832-3281. Thank you and we look forward to working with you! Melody
Room 10, Bay Terminal, CCP Complex Roxas Blvd, Malate Manila,Philippines Tel No. +63 2 823-3281 website: www.corregidorisland.com.ph
Note from Karl: After I talked to Madam Melody personally on the phone, I believe I can manage all.
She will send me an age waiver form, so, that can be overcome. The instructions read a medical certificate is ok vice the negative rapid test result, I should be able to manage that also. Documents to be send to the CFI office 3 days before arrive can be done by email, that is good. And ones I do all that Madam Melody will inform the boat I choose that I have permission to go to Corregidor. Re the food, I will bring water and as a former serviceman I can live on emergency rations and cut out the high food bill.
It looks like the ball is rolling, I sincerely look forward to be on Corregidor on the anniversary of the day of liberation for Corregidor.
I will be walking to get to my destinations, so cut out the van. I have edited this post (making it bold)as I believe Karl's post is sufficiently important news to justify it. EXO
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Jan 19, 2021 6:29:56 GMT 8
CFI offers a special tour on the 6th of Feb. This was only one response I received from the Corregidor Foundation Inc. (CFI). It is copied here: Dear Mr. Welteke, Mabuhay from Corregidor Island! Please be informed of our tentative schedule for Corregidor Island Tour is FEBRUARY 6, 2021 (Saturday) For your reference kindly check the details below. Support Corregidor! BOOK & BUY NOW! promo for only Php2,500. ( additional P 200.00 for bike Cargo) Inclusions: · Round trip Ferry Transfer from MOA (via Prestige Sea Navigator) · Island Entrance Fee · Guided Island Tour · Terminal Fee *Your health and safety is our priority. Snacks and Drinks are available in the island but we encourage you to bring your own food to enjoy at the South Beach picnic grounds. ITINERARY 6:30am Check- in at the Terminal 6:45am Boarding 7:00am Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) 8:45am Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) 9:00am Guided Tram Tour 12:00nn LUNCH *Optional Activities -Malinta Lights and Sounds Show (Php200.00) -Swimming at the South Beach (FREE) 3:00pm ETD Corregidor 4:45pm ETA Manila **Regarding overnight, we can't guarantee if there's a ferry trip on the next day for other option o you have to go via Bataan if you wish to go on your preferred date. Another option, you have to go via Bataan. please check the following arrangement for your reference: 1. Ground Day Tour arrangement o Mandatory entrance fee P 300.00 per person o Mac Arthur Lodge P 1,000.00 per room per night ( good for 2 pax) o Camping fee P 200.00 per night /per person ( bring your own tent) o 2 hrs Van Island Tour without tour guide P 2,500.00 § Exceeding hours P 500.00 per hour 2. Optional Tour o Malinta Light and Sounds special show P 3,000.00 per show 3. Guest owned arrangement o Boat transfer Brgy. Cabcaben, Mariveles Bataan to Corregidor § Danilo Lenezo 0946 305 9621 o Boat transfer Brgy Mountain Dew Villa Carmen Mariveles Bataan to Corregidor § Mr. Allan Papal 0927 790 4684 Following government’s protocol on mitigation of the virus, the following safety measures are to be observed; • Prior reservation is required • Negative rapid test result or medical certificate send in advance ( 3 days prior to your departure) • Walk-ins without complete documentation will not be accepted • Wearing of face masks, and face shield ( No face mask,no entry) • Temperature screening upon arrival • Filling up health declaration and visitor's contact tracing form • Physical Distancing • Frequent use of hand sanitizers • Provision of disinfectant sprays and sanitizing mats in all indoor facilities. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on 09776434819/ 832-3281. Thank you and we look forward to working with you! Melody Room 10, Bay Terminal, CCP Complex Roxas Blvd, Malate Manila,Philippines Tel No. +63 2 823-3281 website: www.corregidorisland.com.phNote from Karl: I passed on this tour and I’m working on arrangements to visit Corregidor between the 15th and 19th of Feb.
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Jan 18, 2021 19:12:41 GMT 8
Corregidor Foundation Inc. (CFI) has responded. Here are some relevant numbers if you plan to visit Corregidor from Bataan! First of all, let me remind you that CFI has a webpage and a Facebook account, here they are: corregidorisland.com.ph/www.facebook.com/CorregidorNOW CFI has this email address: info@corregidorisland.com.ph I used it already and received some of this information by their email response. CFI’s telephone numbers are: CFI Telephone numbers: 02 8 823 3281; 0977 643 4819 or CFI Melody Number: 0936 968 6865. This is the correct number not the one the Villa Carmen boat crew member gave me on the 15th of Jan.; he was wrong by one number. Remember, from out of country the numbers change slightly, got to use the Philippine country code, plus the in-country long distance code "0" (Zero) is not used. If you want to visit Corregidor by boat from Bataan after you have received permission from CFI and have met all the prerequisites, the CFI Lady Melody will tell/phone/text the Bataan boats that the passengers have permission to be taken to Corregidor. Boats from Bataan and the price have to arranged by the visitor: -Boat transfer Brgy. (Village) Cabcaben, Mariveles Bataan to Corregidor Mr. Danilo Lenezo 0946 305 9621 -Boat transfer Brgy. Mountain Dew Villa Carmen Mariveles Bataan to Corregidor Mr. Allan Papal 0927 790 4684 The Villa Carmen boat crew member gave me that number on the 15th. Of Jan. but the person did not answer or respond to me on that day. Today I have communicated several times with Mr. Allan Papal with that number. Tomorrow I will present the CFI prerequisites!
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Jan 16, 2021 15:44:02 GMT 8
Visiting Corregidor in Feb. Yesterday, I drove to Villa Carmen and the MAAP Port/Piers at the bottom of Bataan to get information to travel to Corregidor. The Villa Carmen boat people gave me a name and mobile number on Corregidor they would have to get clearance from or get permission from, before they would give me a ride. I tried to contact the number, unsuccessful so far. I will contact CFI (Corregidor Foundation Inc.} to get the strait scoop. I planning to observe the 76 anniversary of the first US Flag raised on Corregidor by the Liberators of Corregidor on the 16th Feb. 1945. To me/us that event is equal in importance than raising the famous First Flag on Iwo Jima. This flag raising anniversary has been observed now for two decades + by us, the friends of the Corregidor Heritage Proboard, in memory and recognition of the 503d PIR Paratroopers and the soldiers of a battalion of the 34th Inf. US Army. U677. The bottom of Bataan where the boats to Corregidor where available before. At the MAAP Pier, Camaya Point, the El Corregidor boats #1 and #2 were not in sight. I contacted the owner of the boats, Mr. Wilfredo Labrador; he said that he had to stop operations because the virus crisis killed his business in March 2020. His boats and vehicles are on Corregidor, available to be bought at a bargain price. As you may know, I recently returned to the Philippines from the USA and had to learn about travel permits. One starts with the local Village Chief, if he agrees with your purpose of travel he will issue a certificate with his stamp of approval. Then you go to the village medical department on days the Dr. is available and get a clearance certificate from his department if you are ok and have no symptoms. After that you go to the local Police Head Quarters and the issue their final permit. So, as of this moment I’m waiting to hear from CFI and I’m hopeful they will respond positive soon. I actually made one album with all the venues of this trip into this album, but it is a long one: philippine-sailor.net/2021/01/19/bataan-trip-21-01-15/
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Jan 8, 2021 19:35:31 GMT 8
Learning to travel in the Philippines; Now, as the virus crisis from Red China is affecting our daily life. I have returned to the Philippines after a 15 months absence. After the 2 week self isolation and catching up with most personal matters, I have now time to look at other things. Yesterday I went to bus terminals and today went to my Barangay (village) Hall for information and I have learned this. From Olongapo City, where I live, the Saulog Bus ONLY runs to Santa Cruz, the most northern town in the Zambales province. The Victory Liner also goes to Santa Cruz and to San Fernando in Pampanga only. One has to change to another Victory Liner and it only goes to Cubao in Manila. The passenger has to have a travel permit and a medical certificate from one’s Barangay. Today, at my Barangay Barretto, I learned the medical certificate only can be obtained on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. I’m planning to travel on the 15th of Jan. so, that means I have to request the document son the 12th of Jan. Also the purpose of the travel has to be for a good reason, like work. -For historical Research I would like to visit several points in Bataan with my car on the 15th of Jan. 2020. -The first two points are Villa Carmen in Cabcaben and the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific Survival Complex (MAAP) for the purpose to check on boat transportation to Corregidor in preparation of the 76th Anniversary of the liberation of Corregidor. The anniversary will be conducted with the Corregidor Foundation INC (CFI) part of the Philippine Department of Tourism. The anniversaries will be conducted on the 16th Feb. 2020, the anniversary of the airborne assault and on the 2nd of March when Gen. MacArthur personally accepted the liberated island from the Paratroopers. I am assuming that the CFI will observe the anniversaries someway. I will contact them soon. -The next point is Longoskawayan Point in Mariveles where the Philippine Scouts and the big guns of Corregidor sent the sons of the Rising Sun to their heaven in 1942. -The last points are Quinauan Point and Anyasan Point, half way between Mariveles and Bagac, again this is another place where the valiant Philippine and American Forces defeated the Imperial Japanese invaders. Then I will return home via the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) Morong Gate. I’m a member of the Corregidor Heritage Proboards, corregidor.proboards.com/And the Advocates for Philippine Heritage Preservation (AHP), www.facebook.com/groups/advocatesforheritagepreservationphilippinesWe publish our research work in the above URLs: So, on the 12th I will request, wish me good luck
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Jan 6, 2021 17:57:28 GMT 8
Honolulu International Airport 18. June 2020 In preparation to return to the Philippines I visited the Honolulu Airport frequently to get a handle on who and when, what airline is flying directly to the Philippines from Hawaii during the virus from Red China crisis. One time I took the time to shoot some pictures of the airport and views from. Some things I observed: -The airport was practically empty because of the virus from Red China. -Surprisingly a lot of construction was going on, new parking, the domestic terminal added a wing and the new Honolulu Rail transit is coming by here and work was going on the rail track and a station here. -Only Philippine Airline (PAL) was flying direct, maybe once or twice a month and United Airline (UA) had a daily flight to Guam and 2 flights a week to Manila from Guam. Both airlines were talking, that a special visa was required. I emailed the Philippine Consulate and told them that I have a 13A visa and an Alien Certificate Registration I-card (ACR) and they answered that is all I needed. I was traveling with my wife also who has a Philippine Passport. But my ACR had expired in April. The UA kept as at the check in counter about 1 ¼ hour before they finally let us board. I kept telling them that I’m a permanent resident in the Philippines and that my wife and I are trying to return to our home, family, pets, house and friends. They tried to call people and got no answers and I kept telling them that Philippines did not restrict permanent residents to go home. It was terrible and I was getting desperate!!!!!!!!!!! Then finally someone made decision and let us go. And of course, there was no problem in Manila with the Airport Authorities! -One thing that is nice about Hawaii, it got a lot of good weather and a lot of nice views. And that is what you see in the album. For this forum presentation I only chose 4 images. 26 images are in this Photobucket album: app.photobucket.com/u/PI-Sailor/a/39228c10-8faa-41b2-ab64-00513592b08dIf you are going to watch this on Photobucket, they are bugging you with advertisements. Try to click slideshow right away and go full screen. Then another option might be to click stop and look at the pictures one by one. The bad thing about the new Photobucket is they don’t show my image descriptions. But then, in this album, some descriptions are embedded! U673. This is one of 26 images in the album: Honolulu International Airport, 18. June 2020 The airport was empty! In preparation to return to the Philippines I visited the Honolulu Airport frequently to get a handle on who and when, what airline is flying directly to the Philippines from Hawaii during the virus from Red China crisis. One time I took the time to shoot some pictures of the airport and views from. U674. This is one of 26 images in the album: Honolulu International Airport, 18. June 2020 In the middle of this picture is the famous, pink Tripler Army Medical Center; it also housed the VA clinic which took care of me! In preparation to return to the Philippines I visited the Honolulu Airport frequently to get a handle on who and when, what airline is flying directly to the Philippines from Hawaii during the virus from Red China crisis. One time I took the time to shoot some pictures of the airport and views from. U675. This is one of 26 images in the album: Honolulu International Airport, 18. June 2020 The new Honolulu Rail Transit goes by the airport and here one sees a mighty machine putting the rail track down! In preparation to return to the Philippines I visited the Honolulu Airport frequently to get a handle on who and when, what airline is flying directly to the Philippines from Hawaii during the virus from Red China crisis. One time I took the time to shoot some pictures of the airport and views from. U676. This is one of 26 images in the album: Honolulu International Airport, 18. June 2020 The airport is now named after a Japanese American Hero who fought in Europe lost a limb and was a longtime US Senator, and he was friend of the Filipino Warriors! In preparation to return to the Philippines I visited the Honolulu Airport frequently to get a handle on who and when, what airline is flying directly to the Philippines from Hawaii during the virus from Red China crisis. One time I took the time to shoot some pictures of the airport and views from.
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Jan 3, 2021 15:07:49 GMT 8
Naugsol to Tibag Smokey Mountain Walk 31st Dec. 2020. Friends This is an album of my walk from Naugsol to the new Subic Town Smokey Mountain in the Matain River Valley above the Sitio (Village) Tibag on the 31st Dec. 2020. To me these walks are exciting because one sees the people of the Philippines struggle with their life and how they succeed in making a living. They look at me as a stranger and usually or almost always make me feel welcome. Looking at the scenery makes one appreciate one’s life and to me it is the most interesting to see the beauty of nature and the things people made to make their life easier This walk was even more special because I was gone for 15 months and to observe all the changes the local Filipinos of Subic Town have made. The Changes that I observed are: -A road has been started and a bridge is built; the people said it will go to Bataan, in other words it will bypass Subic Town and Olongapo City. -The Matain River Banks have been concreted in Naugsol. -Other light bridges and fords for foot and trice have been built. -The high voltage line, being built, is making progress. -A new landfill, I like to call them Smokey Mountain, has been established. -More road concreting has been done, but the trash trucks are also causing some damage in the gravel road sections. -More people are building houses along the river and older hootches have become houses. -Nothing has changed in Tibag and no pictures are provided. -The people are as friendly as always to people like me, an American, European type stranger -Higher up, by the landfill I followed Aeta trails which I had not seen before. U667. The lead picture and description of this walk. U668. The new big bridge, people said it is for a Subic Town and Olongapo bypass road. U669. The new high voltage line is making progress. U670. A zoomed in section of my GPS track of this walk. U671. A zoomed in end section of my GPS track of this walk. U672. A zoomed in section near the start and end of my GPS track of this walk. For the Facebook presentation 59 images are provided. Some of the pictures have descriptions embedded. This is the URL: I actually created or took about 150 pictures and put them into the Photobucket album: app.photobucket.com/u/PI-Sailor/a/79164adf-6037-4c63-b675-3f1915e93d58If you are going to watch this on Photobucket, they are bugging you with advertisements. Try to click slideshow right away and go full screen. Then another option might be to click stop and look at the pictures one by one. The bad thing about the new Photobucket is they don’t show my image descriptions. But then, in this album, some descriptions are embedded! Happy New Year feels good to be home Karl
|
|
|
Post by Karl Welteke on Jan 2, 2021 15:23:06 GMT 8
The man at the extreme left is Major Fullerton. Duane Speyer says: The man at the extreme left is Major Fullerton. I was with him and other Bataan Vets on a trip to Manila in 2003. Note from John Duresky and Karl: One down, who are the others? The man sitting with his left hand on the radio dial is still candidate to be Chester Britt! U665. The man at the extreme left is Major Fullerton. Duke signed the photo for me in the book: Fall of the Philippines. The above pictures and information came from this Facebook URL in the Battle of Bataan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/bataanbattle/permalink/10158910641852232/?comment_id=10158911670847232U666a. Battle of Bataan Facebook capture of comments by Duane Speyer.
|
|