AT the Memorial Cross in Mt. Samat, Pilar, Bataan.

Bataan stands out in the country’s history as the place where Filipino and American soldiers fought hard to repulse the invading Japanese troops during World War II — their last stand in defending the country’s sovereignty.

We, three couples from Manila, visited Bataan recently to get to know the historic and beautiful province for two days

Mt. Samat in the town of Pilar was their stronghold prior to their surrender and the starting point of the infamous death march to Capas, Tarlac.

Nowadays, local and foreign tourists troop to this site to appreciate the beauty of the giant Memorial Cross atop Mt. Samat. Comprised of 28 floors, it stands at 302 feet, 18 feet in width and 90 feet in length. It was built with steel and concrete on 14 April 1966 in honor of the fallen Filipino and US troops.

The newly installed elevator brings up to eight persons in one trip to the 28th floor where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Bataan’s 11 towns and one city.

Rock formation enclave with interior decorator and construction builder Angie Galang. We, three couples from Manila, visited Bataan recently to get to know the historic and beautiful province for two days. As early as a month before, the expedition was broached by the four close-knit wives, but one of them, along with her husband, failed to join the trip, so only three couples made it.

Rick and Angie Galang, topnotch interior decorator and construction builder in the country, offered their state-of-the-art rest house in Barangay Sto. Niño, Calaguiman, Samal, Bataan. Efren and Tina Impreso provided transportation in their new car with matching free merienda at Vista Mall and other miscellaneous expenses.

Prior to seeing the Memorial Cross, we also dropped by the magnificent structure of Bataan Tourism Center along Roman Highway in Balanga City. After listening to a presentation detailing the various interesting spots in Bataan, we were led to several rooms to view the artifacts, photos and important historical remembrances, particularly those of the Filipino and American heroes who fought hard against the Japanese.

On the following day, our group went to Mariveles town to roam around the so-called five-finger islands.

Boarding a rented pump boat manned by two persons, we docked at the first-finger island and alighted on rocks replete with dead seashells and sea urchin. The tayum, as these are called in vernacular, are covered with sharp, black points like needles. The shellfish’s flesh can be eaten.

Out of excitement, majority of us were walking on top of the rough rocks with our water shoes which were necessary to prevent our feet from being hurt or wounded.

Our pump boat driver whisked us to the rock formation not far away from the first-finger island. There we ate our lunch before swimming under the bright sun.

Swimming with Lyn Junco. On our last stop, we dared to jump from the top of rock formation into the sea bed. My wife, labeled by our colleagues as “Jane,” after Tarzan the movie, was determined to try to jump off from the lower level, and she did so without batting an eyelash.

This writer, nicknamed “Tarzan” though I’m already a senior, did the same without any fanfare. My wife and I jumped off the second time where many millennials had shied away due to its height.

Being brave seemed called for in Bataan.