General Douglas MacArthur was a celebrated World War II hero that played a significant part in Philippine history as he led the American troops against the Japanese army. I read about General MacArthur in the pages of history books but I haven’t so much paid attention to his life in the Philippine soil. But through my travels around the country, I have come to encounter the shadows of General MacArthur, tracing his footsteps as General MacArthur left an indomitable mark in these places.
General MacArthur in Corregidor Island
I have visited Corregidor Island three times, yet every tour around this tadpole-shaped island always reveals a new interesting facet of this island-fortress. It was during my second visit when I caught sight of a large statue of the general near the Lorcha Dock.
There he stood at the Gen. MacArthur Park, named after him, his hand outstretched as if waving to incoming visitors and bidding farewell to departing guests. Beside his statue was inscribed his famous line “I Shall Return.”
MacArthur made Corregidor as the headquarters of the Allied Forces where he set up office inside the Malinta Tunnel before he set off to Cagayan de Oro and eventually flew to Australia where he uttered his quotable line. A light and sound show reveal certain events that took place inside the tunnel, including that of MacArthur leading his army during the war.
General MacArthur room in the Manila Hotel
Never have I thought that a suite is named after General MacArthur at the over 100-year old Manila Hotel. The hotel itself speaks volumes of stories as it bore witness to the changing landscape of Manila.
Yet, when I have come to work in this prestigious hotel, I was also ushered into the doors of the luxurious MacArthur Suite. For six years (1935-1941), MacArthur and his family made the penthouse atop Manila Hotel’s fifth floor as its home. A trivia in the hotel’s website revealed that: To handle the cost of MacArthur’s suite, he was given the honorary title of “General Manager”. He attended the monthly meetings. He, however, ignored the figurehead status and instead took control of hotel management. MacArthur’s favorite food at the hotel was lapu-lapu, a grouper fish native to the Philippines, wrapped in banana leaves.
To date, the suite holds the many memorabilia of Gen. MacArthur, including one of his military caps and replica of his medals. MacArthur suite has a master bedroom with a dressing room; one guest room; two baths and one powder room; a study room; formal dining room overlooking the bay; well-equipped kitchen; and a balcony with a stunning view of the Manila Bay. Famous personalities, such as former US President Bill Clinton, stayed in this suite.
General MacArthur’s shrine in Palo, Leyte
Finally, I was able to step on the very ground where MacArthur landed upon his return to the Philippines. It was unfortunate though that it was raining at that time, which afforded us with very limited time to enjoy the place. We were there for a Volunteer Vacation so we didn’t miss the opportunity to visit this historic landmark.
Larger-than-life bronze statues of MacArthur and six of his men behind, stood at the Red Beach of Candahug, Palo. It marked the historic October 20, 1944 landing of the Allied Forces.
The bronze statues also felt the wrath of super typhoon Yolanda as one of them fell. The monument was restored and MacArthur and his men once again stood tall at Leyte’s beach.
There are other areas in the Philippines where MacArthur has set foot on throughout his years in the country. I may be able to visit them someday or I may chance upon MacArthur’s trail in places where I have never been before.
Pretty cool! I like the idea of following around a hero like that.
SO much appreciated… thanks for the sharing your best views. all are so much nice…
I will visit corregidor soon. And i cant wait to see and learn our history
Corregidor is a beautiful place to visit and explore.
Such scenic and historic place! Corregidor was actually one of the place I wanted to visit because of it’s historic importance.
It’s a nice place to revisit.
I admire this man, strong to his word.
I’ve read about him and watched documentaries on his life but when I was there in his room in Manila Hotel, I could picture the man himself living there. He’s such a formidable man.
He’s an awesome historical figure, to be honest. I enjoyed learning about him. I didn’t know he has a lot of statues and references in different places!
He stayed in the Philippines for so many years.
I’ve forgotten the story about Gen. MacArthur. Will there be a movie featuring him next time (just like Hen. Luna and Bonifacio)?
That’s a good idea. I hope someone from the movie industry will think of this soon.
Beautiful place with rich history. I was still a kid when I visited there but I do have a pretty clear memory of that place. I would love to visit again soon. I’m definitely going to make that a goal. Great post Claire. Keep it up! 🙂
It is. Corregidor, and even Manila Hotel and Leyte,is a great place to visit every now and then.
i haven’t heard of this place before! but i’ll love to visit if possible. it’s always good to visit such places to learn about the country’s history when travelling.
It’s amazing how three places could be intertwined by history. 🙂
Loved the eye-soothing pics. Also, this place has a history. Wish I could visit this one day.
I hope you can!
This is another side of Gen. MacArthur that’s new to me – being the hotel GM that is. Of course the other stuff that I know about him were from school text books and learnings from Carlos Celdran’s tour. I wonder how or what it was like having him as General Manager of the hotel.
He lived there for six years, so even if he was the titular head of the hotel, I’m sure he also involved in the operations. 🙂
Wow Corregidor is a beautiful and relaxing place. I was amazed by the Gen. MacArthur Suite at Manila Hotel. It was so lavishly decorated.
Heads of states stay in this suite, too. 🙂
Love it when there is a history behind each place and especially if it’s within the hotel grounds like this, don’t have to travel so far for a history lesson 😛
That is true.
Places in history are always worth to visit. I would love to visit this one soon. The tunnel looks cool. Can we pass through it?
Yes, the Malinta Tunnel is open to the public. There’s a guided tour inside the tunnel.
Thanks for sharing this tale. It’s something the world needs to know!
Thank you for your kind words.
This place so beautiful and specially your first photo is gorgeous. Thanks I didn’t even know such place exist and good that it is ope to public where we can explore and know more about this place.
Thank you so much!
I have also been to Corregidor, and I do like where they put their MacArthur statue near the sea. Very picturesque. I do wish I can get the opportunity to visit Tacloban though. Their MacArthur monument looks so good in photos.
It has been slightly damaged during the typhoon but it has been fixed already.
corregidor is a great place to visit and would love to visit it sometime.Thanks a llot for thiis wonderful share,truly appreciated.
You’re welcome! I hope you get to visit Corregidor.
I was curious to know howit is a memorial of a fulfilled promise. Thank god you had it clear, even though it wasn’t easy reading the font!
It was MacArthur’s famous line that rang throughout Philippine history. “I shall return” is a phrase many Filipinos never forgot.
Wow. The world wars had taken a toll all across the world indeed. I was recently exploring the world war memorials in London, the post is coming up.
101 year old hotel? That’s a heritage by itself!
I look forward to your war memorial post! 🙂
I was lucky enough to visit Corregidor and Leyte to appreciate Mc Arthur’s part in history. It’s really great to look back to those times and learn history.
It’s great to know you have visited these places, too! Isn’t amazing how they are connected?
A refreshing post about Philippine history. I’m glad to know that the statues in Palo, Leyte is complete again after the onslaught of Yolanda.
Some of the statues there fell during the super typhoon but the locals and some volunteers fixed the damages.