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SAN ANTONIO – Japan’s ambassador to the United States apologized Saturday on behalf of his country for the 65-mile forced walk of U.S. troops and allies during World War II that left some 11,000 prisoners of war dead.

“As former prime ministers of Japan have repeatedly stated: The Japanese people should bear in mind that we must look into the past and to learn from the lessons of history,” Ichiro Fujisaki said at the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

He said his country was extending a heartfelt apology for “having caused tremendous damage and suffering to many people, including prisoners of war, those who have undergone tragic experiences.”

Although Fujisaki received a standing ovation from about half of the 400 to 500 attendees, others said the apology was overdue and didn’t seem sincere.

Former POW Hershel C. Boushey told the ambassador that he did not accept “your apology,” and that the atrocities and mistreatment many suffered was severe.

In 1942, Japanese captors marched about 78,000 prisoners of war _ 12,000 Americans and 66,000 Filipinos _ for six days on the Philippine island of Luzon to a prisoner-of-war camp in what became known as the Bataan Death March. Many prisoners were denied food, water or medical care, and some were stabbed or beheaded.

As many as 11,000 prisoners died, according to the U.S. Air Force.

Survivor Tony Montoya, of Woodland, Calif., also questioned Fujisaki’s sincerity.

“This young man knows very little of the atrocities,” Montoya said. “They probably rehearsed him on it.”

Abie Abraham, of Renfrew, Pa., said it was time to move on.

“I was never one of those guys that worried about whether we got an apology or not,” said Abraham, a 95-year-old vet.

“The way I look at it is _ Japan is now our ally,” Abraham said. “Why should we get an apology from them?”

Retired Tech Sgt. Joe Alexander, of San Antonio, said he was satisfied because “we finally got the apology that we wanted.”

About 73 surviving Bataan Death March veterans of the Army and former Army Air Corps members attended the convention Saturday, which served as the march survivors’ final reunion.

Popularity: 62% [?]

Rain clouds loomed over Metro Manila yesterday, March 26, but in Bagac, Bataan, the weather turned out to be bright and sunny with clear blue skies. Members of the press were able to enjoy the warm weather during the set visit organized by Annabelle Rama for the stars of the GMA-7 primetime show Zorro.

A bus rented by Annabelle, the managing director of Royale Era Entertainment and Artist Management, carried 34 people to the site, which is located approximately four hours away from Manila. The passengers included select members of the press as well as grandchildren of Annabelle as well as their yayas.

After eating brunch in Balanga, Bataan, our group arrived at the Acuzar compound in Bagac where men and women could be seen walking around in their native camisa de chino and Filipiniana dresses. Zorro director Dominic Zapata pointed out that the land they were renting from Mr. Jose Acuzar, chairman of the board of New San Jose Builders, includes a portion of the mountainside, a long stretch of beach, and a river where a simple bamboo bridge spanned a small river.

At around 3 pm, Richard Gutierrez warmly greeted the press by saying with a smile: “Welcome to Universal Studios!” PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked how he feels to be on the Acuzar compound where turn-of-the-century buildings stand proudly to this day.

“Pag nandito kami, nalilimutan namin na nasa modern era na pala tayo ngayon. Hindi nag-e-exist para sa amin ang Manila,” declares Richard.

When one is standing in the cobbled streets of the Acuzar compound, it’s easy to see how the modern world can melt away in the heat. The sprawling 400-hectare boasts of ancestral homes and buildings that were transferred brick by brick to this Bataan coastal estate. Some buildings have been standing since the 1900s but they appear as stately and ornate as ever.

This setting is perfect for the primetime show about a bold caballero who avenged the helpless against tyrannical bureaucrats. Through his many reincarnations, Zorro has become a household name widely known for his outstanding fencing skills, horseback riding abilities, and his trademark black cape and mask.

On that day, PEP was able to observe two indoor scenes: Father Felipe’s (Ricky Davao) incarceration before he was scourged for being wrongfully accused by someone. The same prison was used to detain the bellas composed of Bubbles Paraiso, Bianca King, Maureen Larrazabal, Sheena Halili, Paloma, and Shiela Marie.

There was also one outdoor scene featuring Richard and Robert Villar seated inside a horse carriage while Antonio Aquitania served as the driver of the carriage.

Since some of the old houses in the Acuzar compound have dark histories, it’s not surprising to learn that there are spirits that occupy these old houses. For instance, there is one structure that used to be a morgue in Malolos while another is famous for being a house where a family was massacred in the past.

Bubbles Paraiso recalled one incident wherein they were shooting a scene in the plaza when she noticed that a lonely figure was watching over them from above one of the balconies of the houses. The young actress then admitted that she has always been able to see these spirits but she finally accepted the fact that she had a third eye only three years ago. She also revealed that her mother has the same gift while her brother, actor Paolo Paraiso, is able feel their presence but he cannot see the ghosts. In Zorro, Bubbles plays Magda, one of the bellas who will seduce Silverio (Elvis Gutierrez).

For her part, Michelle Madrigal revealed that the cast members bond with each other by taking turns riding Richard’s jet ski. Apparently, the actor traded in one of his motorcycles to buy this personal watercraft, which he sometimes uses to get to the location from the Montemar resort where they are billeted. Michelle even pointed out that Eddie Gutierrez, who plays Governor Luis Aragon, had so much fun riding the jet ski as well.

Direk Dominic excitedly told PEP that viewers have a lot to look forward to in Zorro in the coming days. They were already building the festive area for two circuses that will add color to the town of Angeles (the fictional town where the story of Zorro is set) and a pirate ship that will actually be built by the production staff.

Zorro airs weeknights on GMA-7 Telebabad right after 24 Oras.

Popularity: 87% [?]

“Welcome to our Universal Studios!” ang bati ni Richard Gutierrez sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at iba pang entertainment press sa set ng Zorro sa Acuzar Compound sa Bagac, Bataan noong March 26. Naging posible ang pagdalaw na iyon sa location—na may three-hour drive from Quezon City to Bagac, Bataan—sa imbitasyon ng ina ni Richard na si Annabelle Rama.

Wala pa si Richard nang dumating ang grupo sa Acuzar Compound dahil 5 a.m. na raw that day natapos ang taping nila sa second location nila sa San Miguel, Bulacan. Kaya si direktor Dominic Zapata muna ang naging “tour guide” ng mga press.

ACUZAR COMPOUND. Sinabi ni Direk Dom kung anu-ano ang mga bahay na nakatayo sa 400-hectare na Acuzar Compound ang binili—kasama ang bundok sa east side nito at ang ilog sa west side—sa nilulubugan ng araw para masiguro ng may-ari na walang magtatayo ng bahay o building at magkakabit ng mga kawad ng kuryente.

Gusto raw kasi ng developer nito na si Mr. Jimmy Acuzar na ma-preserve ang 1900s look na wala pang kuryente. Generator lang ang ginagamit ng production para magkaroon ng kuryente at tubig habang nagte-taping sila roon. Kahit si Mr. Acuzar at ang pamilya nito ay generator lang daw ang ginagamit nila kapag dumadalaw sila roon kung weekend.

Kuwento ni Direk Dom, “Ang ginagawa ni Mr. Acuzar, kapag may nabalitaan siyang matandang bahay sa iba-ibang lugar ng bansa, na naitayo noong 1900 na pwedeng bilhin, binibili niya. Isa-isa itong dini-dismantle, dadalhin dito at saka bubuuin.

“Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, may 26 houses na ang nakatayo rito at may mga ipinatatayo pa siya. Itong pinaka-plaza na napapanood ninyo sa Zorro, hahanga kayo kung paano ito naitayo at ang bilis ng mga manggagawa nila rito. Kapag naayos na ni Mr. Acuzar lahat ito, magiging isang community na raw ito. Ang huli niyang ipapatayo, isang simbahan na made of corals.”

Maya-maya ay dumating na rin si Richard, na naka-costume na bilang Zorro minus the cape nang makausap siya ng PEP.

Paano nila nakuha ang Acuzar Compound, na kapag napanood ang Zorro ay akala mo talagang bumalik ang Spanish era?

“May nakakita na ng lugar kaya lang ayaw pumayag si Mr. Acuzar na ipagamit ito sa taping,” banggit ni Richard. “Kaya ako ang personal na nakipag-usap sa kanya. Sabi niya sa akin, ‘Richard, yung lugar, ipinatayo ko ‘yon hindi for business, it’s passion for me.’”

Patuloy niya, “Every weekend, nandito raw siya with his family. At peace siya rito kasi nga tahimik, malakas ang hangin, at ang isang napakaganda rito, ang sunset. At passion nga raw niyang ibalik yung 1900, gusto niyang buhayin ang Pilipinas ng mga taong iyon, ang culture nito. Kaya nang una raw niyang mapanood ang Zorro, proud na proud siya nang makita niya ang kagandahan ng pinagpapaguran niya rito. Kaya ang Zorro pa lang ang unang nakagamit nitong Acuzar Compound.

“Kay Mr. Acuzar ko rin nalaman na may historical significance pala itong Bagac. Noon daw World War II, ito lang yung place dito sa Bataan na hindi napasok ng Japanese forces. Dito nag-ipun-ipon ang mga Filipino at naka-survive sila rito. Kaya ‘yon, lalong nagkaroon ng interest si Mr. Acuzar na buhayin muli ang panahong ‘yon.”

NOT FAR FROM HOME. Totoo bang halos hindi na umuuwi ng Manila si Richard at doon na lang siya sa Bataan namamalagi?

“Hindi na halos ako umuuwi ng Manila,” pagkumpirma ni Richard. “Kapag may araw na libre, pero kinabukasan ay babalik ulit kami, hindi na ako umaalis dito. Hinihintay ko na lang ang pagbalik nila rito. Nandoon lang ako sa Montemar Hotel, doon kasi naka-billet ang buong cast.

“Pag nandito kasi ako, parang nalilimutan kong nasa modern times na tayo, dahil very peaceful dito. Sariwa ang isda at gulay dito, malamig ang hangin mula sa dagat. Saka may time din namang nakapaglalaro kami rito. Dinala ko rito ang jet ski ko, ang mga toys ko [miniature cars] at ang portable gym ko.

“Malapit lang kasi ang Montemar Beach dito, kaya pumapasyal ako dito tapos babalik din ako doon. Kapag nasa set naman kami at break sa taping, nangangabayo kami around. Mababait yung mga kabayo naming gamit dito. Si Buhawi ang kabayo ko, si Pleasant Dream naman ang kabayo ni Rhian,” lahad ng young actor.

** Alfie Lorenzo:
I have marveled and wrote at it before na yong BAGAC, BATAAN na location ay nagawang mas maganda pa kesa kung nagpunta pa sa Mexico, City ang buong tropa to shoot.Mistulang blessing nga ‘yung matagpuan ang buong subdivision na yon na isang pamilya lang ang nakatira as if sadyang inihanda ‘yun para sa location shooting ng ZORRO…..

Popularity: 86% [?]

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

Popularity: 88% [?]

I’m calling this place a “CIUDAD REAL DE BATAAN”

This place is a “PRIVATE PROPERTY” since my daughter’s friend is related to the owner of this place, we had an access to enter, view and my daughter even stayed here overnight with their friends and classmate, so we had a privileged to saw what’s new inside these historic houses they’re building. It was like a small village/ community, it was an amazing experience for us to explore and viewed one-by-one all the old houses they’d bought in other provinces and re-built it again. The restoration is superb and they’d bring back to its old self; you can see here how talented the Filipinos’ workmanship really is. The mano-mano (handmade) crafting is… awesome! The hard work, superb lay-out and researching of houses history by only one Architect. You’re the best and very talented man! Advance Congratulations! Great work!

They’d told us, this will be going to be an exclusive beach resort in time it’s open to the public but rather open to selected members, friends, family and associates. In my own opinion, it’s going to be an expensive rate. In coming days, I wish they will have day tour for tourist, balikbayan and other people who love to explore and love historic memorabilia. Maybe because it’s worth millions and millions of pesos to do the work, the construction, restoration, buying, transport and rebuilding of all the houses in one place. Did you get what I mean? This place maybe open in couple of years since they’d have plenty of works to put up here and such a big work ahead them, but as you can see little by little they’d accomplish big already. I fall in love to this place! I will never get tired coming back and looking one-by-one to all the houses. Every time I visited this place they’d always have new interesting houses for us to explore.

I love this place! And I love old houses, I love antiques, I love the beach… it’s all in one place. If only I could have one of my own… I would like to live in this kind of old and historic houses… but sad to say my mother-in-law hates old houses, it gave her a scare… and she love modern stuff…what can I do?!

I just want to share, what I’ve seen and how beautiful this place now and then but in the future when they’d completed all the constructions…I wish I could still visit this place for completion of my travel story page…. this place is like Vigan Houses in Ilocos Sur, Northern Luzon of my country. Some of Spanish old houses that was built 16th century and was still untouched and become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the said town.

I do hope you enjoyed reading and checking all the pictures I put in this travel page. I just want to share with you what we have had experience and how beautiful it can be when it’s finished. We don’t know if we can come back here when it opens… I just wish they will still let us explore the place again. Just check out all my pictures. Have fun!

ALL HISTORICAL STORIES ABOUT FEATURED HOUSES ARE COPIED FROM “THE REAL BANK (the thrift bank)” CALENDAR 2008 ISSUE.

Popularity: 44% [?]

The great attraction of Montear Beach Club is its accessibility from Manila. Without taking a plane or even your own car, you can reach it in two hours by ferryboat and then by van.

Montemar is a good place for relaxation. It is set in a rocky, wooded cove with a long beautiful beach surrounded by a garden of bougainville, flame tree, travelers’ trees and coconut palms. The resort was completely renovated in 1996.

The rooms are in long, white, two-story buildings with red tile roofs. Curved balconies enclosed by railings, overflowing with flowers, pleasantly break the monotomy of the facade.

The deluxe rooms are spacious and bright due to a large bay windows. These open onto a private balcony with red flooring and a garden drawing room, some of which have direct access to the swimming pool. The gallery rooms in the building near the reception area are ideal for families as there is a lotf accessible by staircase. There rooms also have a balcony.

There is a relaxing, cozy atmosphere in every room. Everything is in soft, pastel tones, including the walls and the floral bedcovers. Bamboo furniture and handmade lamps make you feel at home. In the evenings, wooden shutters secure you in a snug cocoon.There is also a beautifully tiled bathroom with marble sinks in every room.

The two restaurant have pleasant settings although catering is not a strong point at Montemar. El Meson is the house restaurant on a paved terrace in the garden near the sea. Its white arcades, curved wooden windows, pretty red floors and bamboo furniture give it a warm, Spanish ambiance. The tables are set outdoor, under a large tree lit by little bulbs. It is pleasant to dine here in the evenings and enjoy the sea breeze. The other restaurant, El Patio, is also good for outdoor dining. Both restaurants offer Filipino and international cuisine.

The clear sand beach of Montemar is attractive, deck chairs and parasols are made available. The resort also has two swimming pools – the Garden poolfor day-use guests, surrounded by coconut, bougainvillea and palm trees quite far from the rooms, and the Blue-Tiled pool with its circular bar the the surface of the water for the in-house guests.

While Montemar, you can drive up to the summit of Mount Samat located near the resort. The area does not have any special attractions, but it does offer a scenic view of the Bataan Peninsula.

How to get there

By land (3 hours), 154 km from Manila. Take North Expressway at Balintawak and get off at San Fernando Exit 66. Take the Gapan-San Fernando-Olongapo road passing through Bacolor, Guagua and Lubao. After the “Welcome to Dinalupihan” sign turn left at the junction (you will see statues of the soldiers). After kilometer 22 sign, turn right following the “Junction to Mt. Samat 3 kilometers” sign. From there, follow the signages of Montemar Beach Resort.

By sea and land (2 hours). One hour by Mt. Samat airconditioned ferry from the PTA Bay Cruise Terminal, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd. to Orion, Bataan. Thirty-five minutes by van from Orion pier to the resort.

Popularity: 21% [?]

Popularity: 15% [?]

The St.Catherine of Alexandria Church in Bagac is one of the oldest churches in Bataan. However, this the only remaining colonial feature of the L-shaped church is only seen at the walls along the left side. Buttressed adobe-walls and coral block are still visible. The right side wall is totally plastered and painted. The facade no longer shows a hint of being old. A new roof higher than the original is partly built. Protruding rebars suggest that further renovation projects is in order. That may soon totally change the appearance of this church.

Footnote: Bagac has similar patron saint as Pagbilao, Quezon and Dumaguete City. Fiesta is celebrated Nov. 25

Popularity: 10% [?]

Popularity: 6% [?]

When I was still with my company TPG, we went to Bagac, Bataan for our department’s outing courtesy of my former officemate in TPG. Bagac has so much to offer in terms of its tourist spots and aside from these the places we visited there, it’s also rich in history as this is the place where the famous Death March happened during the World War II. If you really wanted to combine history with some enjoyment like going to its white sand beaches, I recommend to you Bagac in Bataan.

Popularity: 5% [?]