2022
Baguio is a historic place and played and important role during the Second World War. According to historians the first city that was hit by the air raid of the Japanese soldiers was Baguio City. When Baguio was hit, it signaled the start of the Second World War in the Philippines. Baguio also is the site that ended the war. General Tomoyuki Yamashita, popularly known as the Tiger of Malaya, surrendered in Camp John Hay Baguio City. Baguio have different Japanese shrines most of them signifies Japans role as part of the builders of Baguio before the War.
This Japanese shrine however signifies a different thing, it is a war memorial to those who have fallen during the Second world war. I always pass by this place but always on-board a vehicle, you see, the shrine is at the middle of intersecting roads and cars are really going fast on either side of the street. It is rare to see someone go in this shrine because just crossing the road to get to this place is really dangerous. I mustered the courage though and tried to cross, true enough I almost got hit by a jeepney.
The shrine is gated but the gates were open so I just entered not really knowing if I am violating any rules, just as I was about to enter the gates a group of policemen was also about to exit, I asked them if it is open for the public and they said yes, great now I can go in. As I've told you, this place is not really popular to tourists so there were no people around except for an old man who tends to the garden.
Once I was inside it's like it is a whole different place! It's quiet even though cars are passing through the adjacent roads. It feels like you can just sit down, relax and forget about the busy world around you. It is an oasis in the middle of the city.
Upon reading the tablets this shrine is actually a war memorial dedicated to the soldiers who have fallen during the Second World War. A reminder and a symbol of friendship between the Philippines and Japan.
