Visiting Palawan, particularly the City of Puerto
Princesa, is discovering its rich history from cradle of civilization up to
what it is now, that made it the world’s best island in the world. The City
itself houses three museum that can give you enough information about its
ethnography up to its war success story.
The Palawan Special Battalion World War II Museum is a
special one visit, if you’re looking for vast collections of Japanese-American
war memorabilia, this museum give you glimpse of the past, how the City was
destroyed and how many lives have gone by.
This war museum is not that hi-tech equip yet, mostly it
gives photos of the past that hung in the wall, war ornamentals from bullets to
guns, to flag, to guerilla costumes and some indigenous warfare is being
showcase here. Obviously it’s more of collectors’ items in display by the
owner, a descendant of Dr.Higinio Mendoza, the provincial hero who fought with
Americans against Japanese invasion.
What strange here is the display of a red shoes, own by
former first Lady Imelda Marcos that maybe could interest some visitors, but logically
not related to the artifacts shown in theme of war. According to the curators,
most of the items are not original remnants of war in Palawan, rather it is
collected from different places in the world, and I salute that passion of
collecting this valuable things.
But one thing I like in this Museum is they give space
for unsung heroes of Palawan, the research and facts are true enough and need
to be honored, actually out of three museum in the City, they are the only one
who did this kind of thing.
There are around three vehicles in display inside and
outside the venue, two American military jeep and one vintage car and it’s all
in good condition, again these vehicles are exceptional due to its role during
the war period but not in Palawan soil.
There are four chamber room inside the museum, take note
that it is not an air-condition place so better be ready in wiping your sweat. Opening
chamber is a gallery of photos, of brave American soldiers of World War II
assign in Palawan, their stories are all accounted in this area. Next one is
the dedication place for the late Provincial hero while opposite is the
Japanese chambers containing memorabilia of Japanese soldiers.
I must say the experience is a good one, you can finish
the whole tour in 15minutes or less than since the place didn’t offer much like
souvenirs or refreshment or coffees for instance, before when the airport was
in the same area, people use to drop by before their flight or if their flight
is delay.
Entrance fee to the museum is P50, they are open from 8am
to 5 in the afternoon daily, you can contact them thru mobile number
0917-849-5343 (globe). Address is at
Rizal Avenue extension, Brgy. Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa City.
Comments