One of our side trips in our recent Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar escapade is visiting this towering cross-shaped structure on top of a mountain. Imagine, going up at a tower on top of a mountain.. sounds crazy right? lol. Well, it even holds a number of surprises when you visit the place in person. So let's not waste time and discover more about the secrets of this place.
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Mt. Samat cross |
First, let's analyze its name in detail. Mt. Samat cross is this huge cross structure on the photo above. The structure is located at the summit of Mt. Samat which is located at Pilar, Bataan.
Going here can be tricky but waze-able. You just need to turn at the right spot then it's straight forward going up. I was the one driving our car when we went here and from the foot of the mountain, it's still like a 30-minute uphill drive before reaching its entrance. As a friendly reminder, the uphill drive can really be dangerous as not only that it's very steep but the curves are literally U-turns as well so make sure to drive safely.
There will be some minimal entrance fee of P20 per person (+P10 each for the elevator ride, ONLY if you are going up the observatory floor which is located at the wing/horizontal part of the cross). There will also be another P20Â parking fee if you are going there with a private car. And just as you get off it.. The view is already worth it!Â
TIP: There will be a huge parking area just right after the entrance but if you guys are going with adults who are having a hard time going up the stairs, go furthermore as the road will take you to a higher ground lessening the use of stairs. It should take you right in this area below with this view.
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Mt Samat stair entrance |
My initial impression of the place was just simply a cross-shaped building that has a great viewing deck. Well, surprise surprise.. It has a huge spacious park with great features. Its actually called Mt. Samat shrine or locally called "Dambana ng Kagitingan", "Shrine of Valor" in English.
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Mt. Samat shrine |
It actually commemorates the Filipino and American soldiers who fought the Japanese army during World War II. You can read more of it here by reading them on the walls just like us in this picture below.
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history on the walls of the shrine |
If you are to ask if there are Instagram-worthy spots here.. Yes, there are. Aside from its over-looking views and areas, the shrine itself is a great place to strike those poses. Well, aside from those giant pillars of marble, the altar of valor can be a subject.
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altar of Valor |
The place's vibe is quite relaxing making it a perfect side trip for this escapade of ours. Aside from some replica of machine guns and a covered stage in the vicinity, you may now start climbing more stairs all the way to the foot of the cross before reaching its viewing deck via an elevator.
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more stairs to the cross |
Unfortunately, I didn't have the luxury of time to go up the deck as we arrived there a few minutes before closing. I actually still can if I will push it but since the whole clan will be waiting for me solely and with the adults' limitation as per their knees, I settled on where we were. Besides, it's a great reason to go back right?
So with these, let me share with you this video of ours exploring the place.
P.S. I will update this blog/vlog when the next opportunity comes to experience its viewing deck.
So with these, let me share with you this video of ours exploring the place.
If you cannot see the video above, click HERE for it
P.S. I will update this blog/vlog when the next opportunity comes to experience its viewing deck.
Mt. Samat cross at Pilar, Bataan | Dambana ng Kagitingan
Reviewed by Michael
on
February 26, 2020
Rating:
![Mt. Samat cross at Pilar, Bataan | Dambana ng Kagitingan](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2Ctl5_UsOQftc4Z_tqoTZ3Yh8Kh1iIGsQJbdtfaH99HWlioa6b3OzvObbS-jNneusDL8tu6q8MOZjkHCuUvV14wVzkLdaj_tf3FOb_X5bM4jxO_i9tr80pb00zX6xudC6t5NkRGVSlA/s72-c/Mt+Samat+cross.jpg)
What a spectacular view from the top of the mountain! It sounds pretty tricky driving up the mountain with the u-turns, but definitely worth it!
ReplyDeleteYep. Definitely
DeleteI went there last December! Do you know that the president goes there every year to celebrate Araw ng Kagitingan? I've been there many times and I keep on learning more about the history because of the tour guides.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for sharing that trivia Karla.
DeleteI love the view deck of Mt. Samat cross umm..... parang gustu kong pumunta dito ha! love your photos!
ReplyDeleteSakay na! LOL
DeleteI can't imagine myself driving uphill. It's so scary! I hope you get the opportunity to go up the deck next time.
ReplyDeleteThere was actually a curved that nearly got us. If there was a car going down that time, most likely we bumped into each other. Thank God we got down safe
DeleteThis is on my list of places to visit in the coming years. I’m not sure if it will be an adult trip or family trip. Still deciding on that one
ReplyDeleteGo for it! I support thee
DeleteAmazing place, the view really look so awesome.. Will love to visit this place someday.
ReplyDeleteFor sure especially if you really love the hieghts.
DeleteIt looks like a very nice place to visit. All the click are very nice.
ReplyDelete=) <3
DeleteLovely sight!! it is amazing view from the mountain. It would have so amazing to catch a glimpse, I love the photo with the sun behind.
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteHey, you're most welcome. Appreciate the great content you put out on your blog.
ReplyDeletehttps://amca.ae/
Your comment is appreciated as well. =)
DeleteThis looks so peacefuland beautiful. I love that is a top of a mountain. Mountain tops are usually powerful but peaceful places.
ReplyDeleteA place where you can think lol
Delete