How to apply for an Australian Tourist Visa (Sub-Class 600)

I posed for a souvenir photo with American tourists during my visit at the Opera House in Sydney, Australia in November 2005.

Most of the times na ako ay nagkaroon ng opportunity na mag-travel, iyon ay official mission bilang parte ng aking trabaho sa Armed Forces of the Philippines. There are three examples na ako ay nasa official mission: 1. Ang pag-attend ng military courses; 2. Ang pagsali sa shooting competitions o Dragon Boat races; at, 3. Ang pag-inspect ng military equipment na binili ng AFP sa ibayong dagat. 

Ang privilege ng official mission ay halos hassle-free ang pag-proseso ng mga papeles lalo na sa pag-apply ng visa. Merong opisina at mga personnel na nag-aasikaso nito sa embassy ng bansang pupuntahan at ang kailangan lang naming gawin ay i-submit ang kumpletong requirements. May pagkakataon na mabilisan ang pag-proseso ng visa dahil na rin sa biglaang mga lakad. 

Sa una kong pagbisita sa Australia noong 2005, ako ay miyembro ng Philippine Army Shooting Team na lumahok sa Australian Army Skill-at-Arms Meeting (AASAM) na ginanap sa Singleton, New South Wales. Dahil official mission iyon, wala akong matandaang proseso sa pag-apply ng visa maliban sa pagpasa ng aming passports at pag-fill out ng application forms. 

I was the Team Leader of the Army Shooting Team when I first visited Australia in 2005. This photo was taken during the action-packed Squad Assault shooting match which was physically challenging but a rewarding experience for us. Seeing new places was only a bonus for us.

Ranger Cabunzky's Steps

I am aware that there are plenty of blogs out there that can be used as reference in applying for an Australian tourist visa. Sa mga nabasa ko, parating may kulang na impormasyon kaya hayaan nyong ipamahagi ko ang sarili kong experiences kamakailan lamang. Ayokong ituro sa inyo ang pang-techie na Online Processing ng visa dahil baka magkakamot ulo lang kayo sa pagkalikot ng computer sa pag-attach ng mga files na i-submit at sa pagbibigay ng Credit Card details ninyo para sa pagbayad. Dito na tayo sa less hassle na proseso. However, kung nasa malayong lugar kayo, konting cost and benefit analysis ang gagamitin para magdesisyon kung mag-online processing ka or mag-byahe ka ng oras-oras papuntang VFS Global office.

Isa-isahin ko sa inyo ang Ranger Cabunzky's steps sa pag-apply ng tourist visa:

1. Una, siguraduhin mo muna kung talagang pupunta ka ba sa Australia! Simple di ba? Bakit ka mag-apply kung di ka naman pupunta!

2. Alamin mo kung ano ba ang dahilan kung bakit ka pupunta doon? Mag-selfie ka lang ba sa mga kangaroo at Tasmanian Devil sa loob ng isang linggo? Inimbitahan kang mag-date ng iyong Australian girlfriend? Doon mo ba panoorin ang Heneral Luna? 

3. Paano mo suportahan ang iyong pagliliwaliw? May sarili ka bang business na kumikita? May pamana ka ba kay Bill Gates na nakaimbak sa iyong bank account? Ang sweldo mo ba ay sapat na pambayad ng air fares, pagkain at pang-hotel? May manlilibre sayo na tao, company o ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas?

4. Wala ka bang nakakahawang sakit? Wala ka bang naging kaugnayan sa ISIS o Abu Sayyaf o mga kilabot na kriminal? Pag YES ang sagot, ma-disapprove ka lang pre!

5. Bisitahin ang website ng Australian Embassy Manila para alamin ang mga basic requirements ng specific visa type na iyong aplayan. I-click ang 'Visas and Citizenship'. Halimbawa, ikaw magliliwaliw ng iilang araw sa Australia, ikaw ay mapapabilang sa temporary visitor na pwedeng mag-apply ng tourist visa. I-down load at i-fill-out ang Form 1419. Fill out mo ito gamit ang 'All caps' na pagkasulat. Bawal ang sulat na style na pang-doctor ha (Iyong tipong sya lang nakakabasa) kasi baka ma-disapproved ka lang. Kung may kasama sa byahe na anak na less than 18 years old, i-down load at fill-out ang Form 1229. Just in case na di magsasabay ng byahe, ang magulang na hindi kasama sa byahe ang mag-fill out at pipirma ng application forms ng bata.

6. I-down load ang Visitor Visa-Tourist Stream (Sub-class 600) checklist  at i-fill out ito. Magsisilbi itong guide paano kumpletuhin ang mga requirements kagaya ng:

    6.a. Personal documents

        

          6.a.1. NSO-certified birth certificate;

        6.a.2. Notarised photocopy of your passport (including bio page na kung saan makita ang iyong passport photo at details, visas na na-grant lalo na ng OECD countries, entry/exit stamps na nagpapatunay na bumabalik ka tuwing may travel abroad);

          6.a.3. Passport photo. Magsuot ka ng polo shirt o kaya manghiram ka ng coat sa kodaker na nasa kilalang photo studio. Actually, sabihin mo lang na para sa Australian visa, alam na nila iyon. Handa ka ng 2 photos.

    

    6.b. Financial documents

      6.b.1. Certificate of Employment mula as Personnel Department o G1/S1 sa military organization. Data nakabanggit magkano tinatanggap mong monthly salary. 

           6.b.2. Photo copy of your payslip sa loob ng 3 months.

      6.b.3. Pakuha ka ng Bank Statement at Bank Certificate ng sarili mong bank deposits. Di naman requirement na milyones ang  laman ng bangko ngunit mas maigi kung tipong sobra pa sa  pang-return  flight  air fare ang laman ng bangko mo. 

       6.b.4. Kung may sponsor ka na tao o business firm, magpagawa ka ng Certification na suportahan nya ang lahat ng gastos mo sa Australia. Maaaring hingan din ng Bank Certificate at Bank Statement ang iyong sponsor.

           6.b.5. BIR Form 2316 (Income Tax Return).

           

    6.c. Other supporting documents

          6.c.1. Invitation Letter from your contact in Australia. Halimbawa, kung competition ang pupuntahan, hingan mo ng Official Invitation ang organiser mismo. Kung individual ang nangimbita sayo, pasulatin mo sya ng invitation letter na inaanyayahan ka nya sa kanyang lugar para magliwaliw. Data may photo copy ka ng mga katibayan  sa kanyang pagkatao kagaya ng birth certificate, marriage certificate,  at government-issued ID card. Kung wala namang nangimbita sa iyo, syempre di mo na kailangan ito. Ang i-prove mo lang ay lab na lab mo lang talaga magliwaliw pero babalikan mo ang naiwang trabaho, pera sa bangko at ari-arian, at syempre ang mga mahal mo sa buhay!

     6.c.2. Kung competition ang pupuntahan, isang Certification na parte ka sa delegation para sa palaro na pupuntahan. Sa aming mga Dragon Boat Federation members, magagamit ang official ID's namin sa aming Club.
          6.c.3. Kung may kasama sa byahe na anak na less than 18 years old:
                 6.c.3.1. Sumulat ng International Travel Authority na pipirmahan ng non-accompanying parent, at ito ay ipa-notarize. 
          6.c.3.2. NSO-certified marriage certificate na magpapakita na kayo nga ang magulang ng bata. 

7. Tawagan mo ang VFS toll free hotline +632-790-4900 o subukang gamitin ang Price Estimator sa Australian Embassy website para sa Visa Fees na babayaran. As of October 9, 2015, ang bayarin para sa tourist visa (Sub-class 600) ay nasa P4,900.00 (depende ito sa exchange rate ng Aus Dollar). Kung ano ang sasabihing latest rate ng visa fee, ito ang bank checque na iyong ipahanda sa bangko, payable sa 'Australian Embassy'. Ilagay mo ang iyong full name at passport number sa likuran ng tseke.

Actual sample of the Manager's Check that I paid to VFS Global. You can get one from any bank near your location.

8. Kahit plano pa lang ang pagbisita, gumawa ka ng sample itinerary paano ka magbyahe papunta doon at pabalik. Ilagay syempre ang estimated time of departures (ETD) at estimated time of arrivals (ETA) at kung saan ang entry point/exit point. Kung meron ka nang round trip air tickets, astig ka tsong, probably ay aprubado ka na!

9. Gumawa ka ng Cover Letter addressed to Australian Embassy. Direct to the point lang ang sasabihin: Sino ka at saan ka nagtrabaho, bakit ka pupunta sa Australia, ano ang request mo na visa (single entry or multiple entry) at good for 3 months, 6 months o 12 months ba gusto mo. Wag mo nang pahabain ang letter at lagyan ng hi-fallutin words na tila ay si William Shakespeare ang may akda! Para sa anak na less than 18yrs old, ang magulang ang gumawa at pumirma sa cover letter.

10. I-arrange mong mabuti ang mga dokumento at ilagay sa folder. Wag kalimutang isama ang Manager's Check na pambayad sa processing fee. 

11. Ang mga papeles ay i-submit sa VFS Global sa Eco Plaza Building , Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City (mas malapit ito sa bandang Gate 3 ng Fort Bonifacio). Pwedeng ikaw mismo magdala o ang iyong authorized representative. Pwedeng walk-in o magpa-appointment sa VFS through their website.

       11.a. Kumuha ka ng number sa front desk bago ka pumasok sa processing center;

        11.b. Patayin ang cellphone. Bawal kumuha ng mga photos o gumamit ng telepono sa loob. Wag magpasaway;

            11.c. Antaying tawagin ang iyong numero sa TV screen at public address system;

     11.d. Kung gusto mo ng SMS advisory ng iyong application, bayad ka ng additional P730.00. I-indicate ang phone number for SMS at confirm email address for future correspondence. Ipadala through email ang balita kung approved o hindi ang application. 

12. Ang processing time ay more or less 15-20 minutes lamang kung organisado lang mga papeles na dala mo  Antayin ang resibo.

13. Antayin sa iyong email ang copy ng iyong Visa. I-print mo lang iyon, you are good to go na. Kung gusto mo na itatak ito sa iyong passport, additional na bayad iyon.

14. Magdasal ka na ma-approve ang application.

1. 
   

Following Gen Pershing's footsteps: My adventures in Bud Bagsak (Leadership Experience Part 23)

Kuha ang larawan sa tuktok ng Hill 509 na katabi ng Dua Bayhu at Bud Bagsak. Nasa aming likuran ang Mt Munggit, at sa bandang kaliwa naman dito ang Mt Tunggul at ang karugtong nitong Mt Gasam. Bitbit ko ang aking mga lucky charms na Barong at Pispis sa mga panahong ako naman ang nakipaglaban sa lugar na ito na pinamumugaran ng mga Abu Sayyaf na mga alipores ni Radulan Sahiron a.k.a. Commander Putol. (10SRC Photo)

Nasa assembly area kami sa Bgy Tiptipon na sakop ng Panglima Estino nang matanggap ko ang Warning Order tungkol sa combat operations sa kagubatan na sakop ng Patikul. 

Mula sa bahay ng aking bagong kaibigan na si Gasman, nakikita ko sa gawing timog ang mataas na bundok na natatabunan pa ng kagubatan. 

"Iyan ang tinatawag naming Bud Bagsak. Mga kaaway ng mga pamilya namin ang mga taong nakatira sa gawi dyan," sabi ni Gasman na sya ring Barangay Captain sa kanyang lugar. 

Pamilyar sa aking pandinig ang tinatawag na Bud Bagsak (Mt Bagsak). Mahilig akong maghalukay ng mga nakasulat sa kasaysayan lalo na kapag ito ay may kaugnayan sa militar at sa bansang Pilipinas. 

Noong June 1913, ito ang lugar na kung saan ay nakipaglaban hanggang sa huling hininga ang mga mandirigmang Tausug na pinamunuan ng magiting na si Datu Amil  sa mga sundalong Amerikano at mga Moro Scouts (Maguindanao at Maranao) na pinamunuan ni General John Pershing. 

Humigit kumulang na 500 na bata at mga babae ang kasama sa nasawi sa labanan dito bago nagapi ng tropa ng Amerikano ang mga Tausug sa humigit kumulang na apat na araw na pakikipaglaban. 

Parang kinikilabutan ako pag pumasok sa aking isipan ang sangkatutak na mga biktima ng karahasan sa labanan na iyon. Isa rin iyon sa dahilan kung bakit bukam-bibig ng mga mandirigmang Tausug ang Bud Bagsak. Merong iilan sa mga pamilya dito ang nagdadala ng kanilang mga sanggol sa tuktok nito para mag-alay ng panalangin bilang tradisyon. Ganoon kalaki ang pagrespeto nila sa makasaysayang lugar na ito. Para sa akin, ganon din ang respeto ko sa mga mandirigmang nalagas dito kagaya ni Datu Amil na kasamang nasawi nang tuluyang natalo sa labanan ang kanyang grupo. 

Hindi naman sa ni-nerbiyos ako ngunit kakaiba ang pakiramdam ko sa bago kong area of operations (AO). Hindi naman sa takot ako sa kagaya ni Radulan Sahiron ngunit hindi mawala ang pagrespeto ko sa kagalingan nya. Just imagine, kay dami na ng dinaanan nyang labanan, naka-survive pa rin sya! Lintik sya sa dulas at tila ay may agimat. Homegrown fighter sya kumbaga. Kahit pikitan nila, alam nila kung saan sumuot kung may sundalong lumusob sa lugar. 

Isang matinding challenge ang pumasok sa teritoryo nya. Dapat ay kasing tuso rin namin sya. Dapat maisip namin ano ang kanyang diskarte. Di ko alam ano ang kanyang hitsura dahil malabo yong picture na ipinakita sa amin sa Brigade Headquarters sa Busbus. 

"Basta, iisa lang kamay nyan. Matanda na yan at laging nakasakay sa kabayo. Humigit kumulang sa 50 ang mga kasamahan nya dyan sa lugar na iyan," sabi ng isang intel guy na nag-brief sa amin.

Actually, malabo pa sa maitim na alkitran ang impormasyon na ibinigay sa akin. Walang klaro sa tinatawag na Commander's Information Requirements (CIR). Kapag ganyang malabo ang available data, pinapairal namin ang diskarte ayon sa mga napag-aralan sa pakikidigma. Bottomline: Ang Rangers ay hunter at hindi ang syang nata-target ng kaaway. Biro nga ng mga patawa ngunit magigiting na old Rangers, "Mga hijo, sa pakikidigma, utak ang gamitin, huwag ut_n!". 

Sa nakikita ko, dalawa ang puntos ng tropa ni Radulan Sahiron kung ikumpara sa aking tauhang karamihan ay 'Baby Musangs' (Non-Rangers/SROC graduate). Una, ay ang battle experience. Ika nga ay may tahid na sila sa pakikipaglaban. Ang kagaya ni Radulan ay simula pa noong kapanahunan nya bilang MNLF fighter ay lumalaban na sya. Di na mabilang ang kanyang bakbakan na naranasan. Parang laro na lang sa kanya ang makipagbarilan. Pangalawa, lamang sila sa mastery of the terrain. Kahit walang mapa ay kaya nilang mag-navigate sa lugar. Kabisado nila ang bawat ambush site, water points at observation posts. Kung magpa-kaang-kaang ang sundalo, parang target paper lang silang binabaril. 

Samantala, hindi naman pahuhuli ang aking yunit. Ang aking Team Leaders ay mga batikan din sa bakbakan sa Surigao at sa Basilan. Namumuhunan ako sa combat leadership ng aking NCO-leaders at pati syempre sa aking sariling kakayahan na i-motivate silang ilaban. Then, maipagyayabang ko naman na nakakaangat kami sa basic soldiery skills. Inaral at ini-rehearse naming paulit-ulit ang kaalaman sa movement techniques/formations, tracking operations, survival techniques, patrol base operations at immediate action drills (IAD) kagaya ng scenario ng counter-ambush techniques. Marunong din kami sa observed fire procedures at close air support (CAS) operations kung ang mga ito ay kailangan sa panahon ng pitpitan. 

Karagdagan dyan, lamang din kami sa marksmanship skills. Ang common shooting skill level ng aking mga sundalo ay ang abilidad na makapagpatama sa layo na 250m. May pili akong mga sundalo na kayang magpatama ng head shot sa layo na 500 metro. Kaya rin ng aking tropa na makipagbarilan ng dikitan sa aming inaral na quick reaction fire. Higit sa lahat, kami ay may sweldo, free hospitalization at iba't-iba pang benepisyo na wala sa hanay ng mga bandido. 

Teka, meron din kaming isa pang kalamangan. Kami ang good guys na pinapanigan ng nag-iisang Diyos. Yes, parehas kami ng mga kaaway na nananalangin at humihingi ng gabay sa Diyos. Dahil pangkikidnap, rape at pamumugot ng ulo ng mga inosenteng biktima ang kanilang ginagawa, malamang si Satanas ang yayakap sa kanila. Doon, sigurado ay lamang kami. 

"Wag kayong matakot sa kanila. Nasa panig natin ang Poong Maykapal," paalala ko sa aking mga NCO nang kami ay nagtipon-tipon para sa aming mission planning. 

Napapansin ko kasi, seryoso na ang lahat tuwing itataya na naman namin ang aming buhay sa isang misyon. Andon na rin yong pagkadismaya ng iba kasi, di natupad ang sabi-sabing '2-week mission' lang kami sa Jolo!

Nababalitaan namin parati ang nakakarimarim na sinapit ng ibang sundalo sa mga katabing yunit na hindi pinalad sa mga bakbakan dahil sa samut-saring dahilan. 

Batid ko na ang dahilan ng pagkalagas ng buhay ng ibang sundalo ay ang pagkalimot o pagpapabaya sa combat SOPs. 

Kasama na doon sa violations ang Principle of Security sa Patrolling Missions na aming inaaaral.

"Tuwing may danger area (lugar na posibleng may kalaban), dapat manmanang mabuti ang paligid at maglatag parati ng overwatching elements."

Meron din akong matinding paalala sa kanila na huwag magpatalo sa nararamdamang pagod. 

"Kahit pagod at gutom na tayo, wag pabayaan ang ating security. Mas maganda na rin yong nakaramdam tayo ng pagod kasi ang ibig sabihin noon ay buhay tayo!"

"Sino sa inyo ang ayaw nang mapagod?"

Naka-smile ang iba at wala ni isang nagtaas ng kamay. Syempre naman. Patay lang yong di napapagod.

Dahil doon, tuwing sumusuong kami sa panganib kagaya ng low ground o creekline kailangang may nakabantay sa likuran. Palitan kami sa pagbabantay at pagtatyagaan na dumapa sa pwesto kahit mainit man o kaya may mga niknik o mga kung anu-anong insektong naninipsip ng dugo doon. 

Ang aking pagtahak sa Bud Bagsak

Madaling araw noon nang nilisan namin ang assembly area sa Tiptipon para sa tracking operations sa kagubatan ng Bud Bagsak. 

Madilim pa ang paligid nang kami ay nagsimulang maglakad at kinakailangang gamitan ng night vision goggles sa leading elements para mas maaninag ang paligid. 

Kapag sobrang madilim lalo na kapag masukal ang lugar, hinahawakan namin ang balikat ng nauna at may signal na kami kung kailangan ng short halt. 

Di naiiwasan minsang di magkakaintindihan kapag gumagamit ng local dialect yong iba sa pagpasa ng message. 

Sa isang pagkakataon, sinabi ng ungas kong tropa na Bisaya na "Pas da word, naay bangag!" (Pass the word, may butas!)

Syempre, di naintindihan ng Ilokano at panay bulong na "Anya? Ano? Bahag?"

Di kalaunan, lalong umingay ang movement kasi meron nang na-3 points sa butas. Pasok na pasok ang isang tropa at nakadamay pa ng isang nahawakan din nya sa uniporme. 

"Kinam!" 

"Apong!"

"Ay buang,nahulog sa butas si batching!"

Parang natatawa akong naiinis sa nangyari. Kailangan kong kontrolin ang sitwasyon kaya nilapitan ko sila pati yong mga usyosero na lumapit. 

"Mga boloy, recover! Hanggang bewang lang yan eh!"

Napurnada ang aming tactical movement. 

Me nabagsak sa Bud Bagsak!

(Ipagpatuloy)

Surviving the menace of Balangiga: Two stories about community leadership

I visited the coastal town of Balangiga in Eastern Samar to attend the turn-over ceremony of the first set of motorized fishing boats for 150 poor fishermen who lost their boats during the onslaught of super typhoon 'Haiyan' (local name Yolanda). Funded by Metrobank Foundation Inc., the project was implemented by TOPSOLDIERS and the Army's 801st Brigade. Behind me is the historic St. Anthony's Church and the tower where the renown Balangiga bells were once installed. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)

Ooops, the people of Balangiga did it again!  

Unlike the other communities in Samar and Leyte where thousands died during the onslaught of super-typhoon Haiyan, Balangiga suffered only 13 dead out of its 13,000 population. How come? What made the difference?

I would say that it was an extraordinary feat that could be accomplished by strong and respected leaders. I was impressed and began asking questions. What can be learned from them? 

I consider this as a repeat of a historical event that occurred in Samar island 112 years ago. Owing to the excellent leadership provided by the likes of Abanador, most of the Balangigan-ons (local term for residents of Balangiga) survived the gruesome massacre carried out by American forces. Sorry to General Jacob 'Howling' Smith, his real targets, the Balangigan-ons were nowhere to be found! 

Narrative accounts tell us that under the instructions of General Smith, an expedition of American soldiers scoured the different communities and killed everyone above 10 yrs old. It was a punitive expedition aimed to avenge the deaths of at least 46 U.S. Army soldiers at the hands of bolo-wielding Filipino warriors led by Valeriano Abanador in the public plaza of Balangiga. 

American writers put the tally of massacre victims at around 2,500; but, Filipino historians had a higher casualty count based on 'realistic' research. Well, only God knows which is true. What I am quite sure is that the Americans have kept three Balangiga Bells as war trophies up to this day.

The descendants

I had the chance to visit this town during the turnover of motorized fishing boats donated by Metrobank Foundation Inc. on May 22, 2014. 

I stopped for a souvenir photo at the San Juanico Bridge that links the provinces of Samar and Leyte. I was accompanied by Major Lemuel Baduya, the Project Coordinator of the boat project funded by Metrobank Foundation Inc. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)

I had read many stories about the Bells of Balangiga and the tales about the extraordinary courage displayed by our ancestors against the American colonizers.

There were discrepancies in the historical records, depending on who the author (Filipino or American) of the publication is. I decided to find out more untold stories by talking directly to the descendants themselves. 

"Please find me direct relatives of Police Capt Valeriano Abanador, the local hero of Balangiga. I want to have a chat with them about their great grandpa," I told Major Lemuel Baduya, the Coordinator of the 'Bangka ng Buhay, Bunga ng Bayanihan' boat project that I facilitated in Eastern Samar.

Thanks to Lemuel's resourcefulness, he was able to find two surviving relatives of Abanador named Rufina Abanador Nacionales, 74, and Milagros Abanador Cabales, 71. They were the  daughters of Juan Abanador, the nephew of Kapitan Bale (the popular name of Valeriano Abanador). 

They gladly met me upon my arrival in Balangiga town on May 21. Both of them have sharp memories about their uncle despite their old age. 

"My father was the favorite nephew of Kapitan Bale. He was running errands for him as a child and was told about the exploits and adventures of his uncle," revealed Cabales.

I met two of the grand nieces of Capt Valeriano Abanador, the leader of the Balangiga incident. Mrs Rufina Nacionales (left) was accompanied by her younger sister Milagros Cabales. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)


This is the narrative account about the attack on the American forces as told by Abanador's grand nieces: 

She said that only a few people from Balangiga fell victim to the punitive actions carried out by American forces a few days after their humiliating defeat at the hands of Capt Abanador and his men.

They survived the ordeals experienced by countless other Samarenos during the military operations that followed. Practically, the whole Samar island was turned into a 'howling wilderness' when American troops began killing people including children over 10 years old, pillaging and burning houses along the way. 

"The residents of the town were already evacuated hours before the planned attack on the American unit. Kapitan Bale ordered all women and young children to leave the town and stay in the designated areas in the forests," said Nacionales who has no idea if her husband is directly related to the lone female planner of the attack, Casiana "Geronima" Nacionales. 

This photo was taken from the 2nd floor of the town municipal hall. Behind me is the public plaza where most of the American troops were billeted. Farther behind is St. Lawrence the Martyr Church where some American officers stayed since their arrival in August 1901. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)

Balangiga Town Council Secretary Marciano Deladia Jr. said that only a few residents around the peripheries of the town were killed by the responding elements of Golf Company, 9th US Infantry led by Cpt Edwin Bookmiller, who came by boats from their base in Basey town about 40 kilometers away. 

"On September 29, 1901, American troops burned all houses here and stole all three  bells from St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in retaliation for the worst defeat that they experienced in their conquests during that time,"said Deladia.

Surviving Yolanda

Deladia said that the recent actions of the Balangigan-ons during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was comparable to their great escape in September 1901.

"We received warnings from the national government about the coming of a super typhoon in Samar island. Mayor Viscuso 'Viscoy' De Lira directed the Municipal Disaster Management Office to plan and coordinate the evacuation of people to designated areas where they can take shelter," he said. 

"As early as November 6, Wednesday, we had a 'bandillo' (mobile public announcements) using several vehicles including our ambulance. We roamed around town to remind people to pack their essential things and head towards safer places in the interior, away from the coastal communities."

Deladia said that the spirit of Bayanihan was alive in his town in the same manner that almost all families took part in attacking the American soldiers who committed abuses in their peaceful community over a century had passed.

"The people who hosted the evacuees actively helped in preparing food provisions for those who came to take shelter in their community. We are very proud about this practice during emergencies in our town," he said.

Ernesto Delantar, 43, was among the fishermen who followed the orders from the local authorities. He tied his boat on a tree at the back of his house and took the engine with him as he brought all 7 of his children towards an evacuation center a day before the typhoon arrived.

"We brought only a few clothes and kitchen utensils with us. I carried the boat engine because it might be stolen while I am away," said Delantar, a widower, whose main income source is fishing.

Arthur Sabadlab, 36, is also one of the fishermen who deserted their coastal community in Bgy Singko in order to escape from the howling winds and high waters. Like Delantar, he also carried his boat engine with him as he led his wife Precy, 25, and 4 young daughters towards an evacuation area. 

"I heard from our leaders that the wind brought by the typhoon was too strong and that our kubo (nipa hut) might be torn to pieces. Though we only had enough food to eat that day, I decided to leave with my whole family," said Sabadlab who left his boat that was bought out of his 2-year savings as a fisherman.

No one among the family members of both Delantar and Sabadlab were harmed when the typhoon struck in the morning on November 8, 2013. 

I met the survivors of super typhoon Haiyan, some of whom are relatives of the Balangigan-ons who survived the punitive expeditions carried out by American forces after their 'terrible defeat' at the hands of Filipinos. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)


Thirteen people who refused to leave their homes in danger areas along the coast lines, did not survive the strong winds that brought flying debris and surging waters.

Returning to their sea side community the following day, Delantar and Sabadlab found out that they had no houses to return to. Both of them also lost their boats which were carried by raging floodwater. 

"I felt like it was the end of the world for me. I had no idea how to feed my big family during that day,"said Delantar, one of the 50 beneficiaries of the boat project implemented by the TOPSOLDIERS and the Army's 801st Brigade. 

Healing session

Nacionales said that despite the clamor by Balangigan-ons for the return of the church bells, they had welcomed some descendants of the American soldiers who came to make friends with them. 

"It was in September 2001 when I received a visitor named Jean Wall, the daughter of Pvt Adolf Gamlin, a survivor of the Balangiga encounter," said Nacionales. 

"Ms. Wall said that Adolf Gamlin, her father, was having nightmares for many years. Her father revealed later his harrowing experience during the attack on his unit by the people of Balangiga during the Filipino-American war," said Nacionales.

Nacionales said that Gamlin was knocked unconscious by Kapitan Bale himself before the latter raised his 'baston' (cane) to signal the multi-pronged attack by hundreds of his followers. 

"Ms Wall was told that the hack wound suffered by his father was inflicted by a Filipino. She decided to visit Balangiga despite the negative remarks made by her friends and relatives," said Nacionales.

"She was told that the people in Balangiga are fearsome individuals who could not be trusted at all. She insisted to come and found out that even we, Kapitan Bale's descendants, were very warm and hospitable towards her," added Cabales. 

Both Cabales and Nacionales said that the visit was like a healing session for all of them. They said that Ms Wall returned a year later with his brother. 

"They were always excited to see Balangiga, the place where their grandfather once served. We don't have any bitter feelings towards the each other because of this event in the past," said Nacionales.

For the survivors of supertyphoon Yolanda, we had our own 'healing session' when I facilitated an exchange of experiences among them. 

All of them are ready to rise and face the upcoming challenges in life because they are the proud children of Balangiga. However, they have a simple wish that is still unfulfilled after more than a century of waiting:

"Return the Bells of Balangiga!" 

Photo collage of the 'Bells of Balangiga' that are put in display in two military camps in Wyoming, USA and South Korea. This framed photo is now hanging at the little museum in Balangiga town that is dedicated for the local heroes like Abanador. (Photo by Mikhail Harvey Cabunoc)

Honoring the battling bastards of Bataan: My short trip to the battlegrounds of World War II

For us in the military, the Holy Week is also a chance to spend time with the family. During this time, the AFP allows military personnel to take turns in spending short vacation.

While others took time fulfilling their religious obligations such as the traditional Visita Iglesia or participating in the Stations of the Cross, I decided to visit Bataan where a big cross was erected in honor of soldiers who defended our country.

Our precious destination is Mt. Samat, the site where the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) stands up to this day.

I tagged my son along in this trip. I wanted him to appreciate history and learn more about the essence of soldiery as a profession. As an absentee father, I am also fulfilling my duty of spending memorable bonding moments with my son.

I have a short list of tasks to accomplish: We will visit historical places. I will teach him how to hunt and to survive in the woods. I will let him taste the  local dishes. 

Travel plan

Since we are leaving my wife behind, we planned for a 2-day, 1 night trip to Bataan.

Travelling by car, we left Manila at around 8:00am on Maundy Thursday (April 18, 2014). 

I was told that the regular travel time by car is about 3 hours. When we were approaching the toll gate in Balintawak, I realized that we were heading towards a traffic jam. Bad timing!

Moving in a snail pace along NLEX, we had to endure about 3.5 hours until we reached SCTEX toll gate. The sight of lesser number of vehicles gave us some relief. 

I briefed Harvey about the lahar flow along Pasig-Potrero River in Porac town, Pampanga that destroyed communities downstream after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in June 1991, during the time when I was still a 2nd year PMA cadet. He enjoyed the sights as we traveled along 93.77 km Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the longest 4-lane e in expressway in the Philippines.

I showed him the beauty of Mt. Malasimbo in Dinalupihan town, Bataan. I told him that I once stayed on top of this mountain when I supervised the military operations of the Scout Rangers against NPA bandits in 2004. I told him the legend of Mt. Malasimbo as told by the local folks whom I met there: "If there is a cloud over Mt Malasimbo, a typhoon is coming!" 

The highway towards Mariveles was 'stress free' during that day. We appreciated the excellent scenery along the way.

I showed him the battlegrounds of World War II like the mountainous terrain in the background that can be found in the borders of Limay, Mariveles and Bagac towns. We were mesmerized by the captivating beauty of the countryside.

We spent our day treading the same paths followed by the Filipino warriors who fought against the Japanese in these grounds. He experienced the difficulties in navigating through thick vegetation, crossing creek lines, and foraging for food in the forest. 

I showed him the species of wild deer and boar that roam free in the hinterlands of Bataan. It was the first time that he personally saw these wild animals. Not the ordinary kambing or baboy ha?

Too exhausted and feasted on by gnats and tiny insects, we opted to stay in this hotel in Limay town for the night. Our deal was that the next time, we will set up camp in the forest to experience the life of a Scout Ranger and that of the Filipino guerillas of World War II.

The next day (Good Friday), I toured him around Limay town, the place where the first medical hospital for both American and Filipino forces was established. It is also the place where MGen Edward King surrendered his forces to the Japanese on April 9, 1942.

We headed to Pilar town to see the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) that can be found on top of Mt. Samat. I told him the story about the 'Battling bastards of Bataan' whose heroic actions are extraordinary and worthy of emulation.

Photo shows the landmarks that can used as reference in going to Mt. Samat. This is one of the Death March markers that can be found along Bataan Provincial Expressway up to San Fernando town in Pampanga which is more than a hundred kilometers away. I told Harvey the unthinkable hardships experienced by more or less 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers who walked towards San Fernando for at least 5 days without or with less water and food.

There is a motorcycle terminal near the direction marker. Those who are into serious 'penitensya' either jog or walk their way up to the revered shrine that was erected to honor the heroes of World War II.

Ohhhh, it was a Good Friday! Some of the die-hard Catholic devotees perform this religious ritual though it is not really encouraged by the Church. We saw these young boys along the road towards Mt. Samat.

We stopped at the site of the Final Battle of Bataan. We thought about the thousands of soldiers who died fighting for 4 months until they capitulated due to lack of food and critical war supplies on April 9, 1942. 

The gradual upward climb starts from this point located at the foot of the mountain. We spotted a lot of back packers who opted to lose some weight by inching their way up the summit on foot. 

For P25.00, you get a ticket to see the museum and use the public parking spaces inside the premises of the shrine.

The scenery below us was breath-taking. Harvey took this photo of me and my buddies Marlon and Jay.

The reward

For wholeheartedly joining this memorable trip, we treated ourselves to a simple meal here at Choco-Late de Batirol.

You can find this at the fuel station near the road intersection towards Mt Samat.

I was attracted here because I was reminded of the 'cocoa' that my mother Puring would personally prepare for us for our 'painit' every morning and even during merienda. 

I remembered that harvesting the 'cacao' fruits, drying them and grinding the roasted seeds, were among my chores during weekends. For that reason, I learned how to prepare 'espiso tsokolate' from scratch. 

I am very lucky to have enjoyed the 'food for the gods' according to the Mayan and Aztec traditions, during my younger years. As a child, I always thought it was the food for the poor because we could not probably afford to drink Nescafe during that time.

So, I urged Harvey to taste my childhood favorite drink. "Son, let's try the food for the gods!"

Our journey towards the battlefields of Bataan was a success. 

It was our bonding time and a quick review of our military history. 

It was our simple way of honoring our heroes, my fellow soldiers who fought for our country.