The Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor), is a historical shrine located near the summit of Mt . Samat in Pilar, Bataan. It was built as a memorial to honor the gallantry of the Filipino and American soldiers who fought against the Japanese Imperial Army in World War II. I always knew of the shrine and its big cross but I what I didn't know until March last year, was that the cross is visible in some parts of Metro Manila. And more importantly, that on certain days of the year, you can see (and get a photo) of the setting sun behind the cross.
The first attempt (2021)
My first attempt was on March 9, 2021 with Homer Pialda, somewhere in Navotas. We arrived at the appointed time and this was my first shot of the Dambana from Metro Manila.
Mt. Samat as viewed from Navotas
Several minutes later, clouds engulfed the mountain and all I was able to take was this:
Later in the month, Ed Santos, told me that the cross with the sunset will be visible at different points along Roxas Blvd (from the Quirino Grandstand area all the way to MOA). But Mama was diagnosed with Covid on March 25 so our whole family had to go into self quarantine, and later, I also got sick, etc etc. On March 4 this year, Ed invited me to go to Navotas but work obligations did not allow me to do go with him. Then I had to go to Coron for more than three weeks and when I returned, Ed was still in Boracay and there was a storm. So we set Tuesday, April 12, as our day to go to MOA to shoot the Bataan Cross. However, an awesome photo taken on April 9 by Win Paler and Ed Gapal, prompted us to go to MOA on Sunday, April 10. This will be my first attempt for 2022.
2022 Day 1
We arrived around 4pm and waited at the sea wall. Our group consisted of Ed Santos, Homer Pialda, and myself.
The sight that greeted us gave us hope. Though it was cloudy, both the mountain and the cross was visible. Although at the back of my mind, recalling my experience the year before, I knew that this was not guaranteed.
Mt. Samat as viewed from the MOA Sea wall
We had almost an hour of waiting before sunset so we did what photographers do when bored... shoot anything interesting in sight...
A photo that became viral in WBPP circles :-)
Before long, the sun was setting... and unfortunately, so did most of the clouds...
In our birding parlance, this is a docu shot, you saw the bird, was able to photograph it but it is not the shot that you wanted. Pwede na pero hindi ka ganap na masaya.
True to our nature, (of greedy bird photographers), we all vowed to come back the following day.
2022 Day 2
Our group had swelled and already included Alex Loinaz and Capt Floyd Bermejo.
Ed, myself, Homer, and Floyd. Alex was somewhere further down.
It was cloudier than the day before but we patiently waited and when sunset came, we could barely see the mountain.
This was our best view for the day, a super docu shot, to continue with the birding analogy.
As if to make up for its non-appearance, we were treated to a spectacular sunset afterwards...
Sunset at MOA, April 11, 2022
We will always be birders...
Once again we went home crying because we failed to get our target. (sa wikang pambansa, muli kaming umuwi na luhaan). And once again, we vowed to comeback the following day.
2022 Day 3
News and photos of our (mis)adventures at MOA have been flooding our newsfeeds and this may have attracted other birder friends. For April 12, our group consisted of Ed Santos, Homer Pialda, Alex Loinaz, Ven Rojas, Win Paler, Ruwen Verdaguer, and myself (hope I did not forget anyone).
Ed, Ven, myself, Homer
Wins, Ed, myself, Ven, Ruwen
Ed, Alex, Ven, myself, and Homer
Me, holding the Z9 of Alex (libre naman mangarap)
Unfortunately, it was even cloudier. In the previous two days, we could at least see the outline of Mt Samat, on this day, the whole mountain was not even visible. Some of the day's images...
Little Egret
A dredging ship, I think.
Another Little Egret
The sunset on April 12
I went home somewhat dejected. And not at all sure if I will go back the following day. But perseverance won out and I decided to go for one last shot at the Bataan Cross.
2022 Day 4 - the final attempt
For this day, our group consisted of Ed, Ven, Alex, and myself.
Our vantage point was already 200-300 meters from the Ferris Wheel. So Ed and I counted our paces and stopped at we thought was a little over 200m but with the knowledge that we will run either way if our position was wrong.
Our initial view at 5:33pm gave us much hope.
5:47, still looking good...
5:50pm...
5:55pm...
5:57pm, really looking good, but there are clouds near the mountain...
5:58pm, the sun goes behind a cloud !!!%$@&
6:01pm... and mercifully re-emerges a few agonizing minutes later. But the cross is off center and covered by a cloud. Gears were quickly scooped and we all ran several meters to the left (except Alex who stayed glued to his spot).
6:02pm, sun halfway down, cross still off center but is free of the clouds! I will gladly and gratefully take this shot! Success!!!
One frame later, cropped closer...
And afterwards, the celebratory beer and sisig courtesy of birthday boy Ven Rojas...
Thank you Lord for allowing us to capture the beauty of your creation! A Blessed Triduum to everyone!
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