Around the World Cruise 2018: Corrigedor Island, Philippines

Corregidor is an island located at the entrance of Manila Bay in the southwestern part of Luzon Island in the Philippines. Corrigedor comes the Spanish word "corregir", meaning "to correct". The name may be associated with the Spanish system wherein ships entering Manila Bay were required to stop and have their documents checked and corrected. Spain colonized the Philippines and controlled the island from 1521 until 1898.

Due to its location, Corregidor (also known as Fort Mills or "the Rock") has historically been used to defend Manila from attacks. After the defeat of the Spanish forces by the United States in 1898, the island was designated a U.S. military reservation and an army post was established. Concrete barracks, artillery emplacements and amenities like tennis courts and a cinema were constructed and roads were laid out on the island. A small fishing village with a lush jungle topography was transformed into a fortress and site of one of the most heroic battles of World War II.

Big guns were placed on the island and used in support of the Filipino and American military. Corregidor was invaded by the Japanese during World War II and American forces under the direction of General Douglas MacArthur surrendered the island on May 6, 1942. MacArthur told the Filipino people, "I will return." In 1945, Americans retook the island after a bloody battle. Over 2500 Japanese soldiers blew themselves up inside the Malinta tunnel on the island rather than be taken prisoner.

Corregidor Island was the second most bombed island during WWII, after Malta. Today the island contains the ruins of barracks, battery stations, and the Malinta tunnel, which housed a hospital and supply stores. There is a Japanese garden, Pacific War Memorial Museum and lighthouse on the island. A ferry ride from Manila takes about 1.75 hours to reach Corrigidor Island.