Capas National Shrine
Capas National Shrine
Capas National Shrine
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
50 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
19
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Vaniah D
Baguio, Philippines429 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
It is about 45mins-1hr drive from the main highway. There is a fee per head 20php for adults and 40php fee for the vehicle. The area is very wide. The shrine is amazing in structure and remarkable place for the Filipinos and American heroes of WWII. Might as well check the hanging bridge just behind the shrine. After the bridge they have developed a small park good for picnic.
Written 20 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate L
Luzon, Philippines1,411 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
The reason I rated it perfect was not the impressive structure, although it really is impressive, but it doesn't merit that since we didn't get to explore the inside or grounds since it was closed to the public, due to maintenance. The reason it was a perfect score was the lovely staff (manong guard who allowed us to take photos and manong maintenance who was patient to answer our queries even if he was really busy doing his job). Thank you for putting up with the disturbance instead of just telling us that it's close for the public. May they have people like that in public places, who are really people friendly not because it's just a job to them, salute!
Written 8 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil Explores
Quezon City, Philippines160 contributions
I had the privilege of visiting this attraction in Capas thanks to my friend who happens to be a teacher in that district.
The main attraction, the obelisk is a sight to behold. It stands high and tall and quite fitting to represent the struggles of the soldiers who died at Camp O' Donnell at the end of the Bataan death march.
Surrounding the Obelisk is the perimeter wall made of black marble. The names of the soldiers who died during the death march are all engraved on the wall.
I saw my family name from both my parents. Particularly that struck me were the names from my mother side. We heard stories about our then soldier relative who fought during the war and ended up being a prisoner of the Japanese soldiers. He never returned to his family. May his soul rest in peace.
Hearing stories about his torture, and reading actual accounts of the struggles of those soldiers can really send chills to the bones. The wall, the obelisk and the hectares of greenery are all part of this shrine. A fitting memorial to our heroes.
A visit here is a must, not just for war veterans or families of the soldiers lost in the death march, but for everyone who is experiencing freedom and independence now thanks to the soldiers, both Americans and Filipinos who fought and suffered the inevitable.
Entrance fee is minimal. I was't able to see the other attractions like the museums and the hanging bridge but I heard they are worth visiting. The place is about 30+ hectares so going around can be quite a challenge.
Bring flowers and offer some prayers to our heroes.
If you are going up Mt. Pinatubo, then you will probably pass by this shrine since the entrance to Mt. Pinatubo is in Capas. Even a short visit will do.
The main attraction, the obelisk is a sight to behold. It stands high and tall and quite fitting to represent the struggles of the soldiers who died at Camp O' Donnell at the end of the Bataan death march.
Surrounding the Obelisk is the perimeter wall made of black marble. The names of the soldiers who died during the death march are all engraved on the wall.
I saw my family name from both my parents. Particularly that struck me were the names from my mother side. We heard stories about our then soldier relative who fought during the war and ended up being a prisoner of the Japanese soldiers. He never returned to his family. May his soul rest in peace.
Hearing stories about his torture, and reading actual accounts of the struggles of those soldiers can really send chills to the bones. The wall, the obelisk and the hectares of greenery are all part of this shrine. A fitting memorial to our heroes.
A visit here is a must, not just for war veterans or families of the soldiers lost in the death march, but for everyone who is experiencing freedom and independence now thanks to the soldiers, both Americans and Filipinos who fought and suffered the inevitable.
Entrance fee is minimal. I was't able to see the other attractions like the museums and the hanging bridge but I heard they are worth visiting. The place is about 30+ hectares so going around can be quite a challenge.
Bring flowers and offer some prayers to our heroes.
If you are going up Mt. Pinatubo, then you will probably pass by this shrine since the entrance to Mt. Pinatubo is in Capas. Even a short visit will do.
Written 9 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mmp650
Martinez, CA65 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
My parents who were born around this area wanted to show us this historical site. Although it didn’t pique my interest, it was good to see it at least once.
Written 13 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheUglyDog
Orlando, FL297 contributions
Oct 2013 • Friends
You count off the Death March Markers, mile by mile, and wonder how anyone could have survived. As you crest the hill a few miles from Camp Odonnell you see it, that black spire pointing toward heaven. It's simple beauty and sinister look becons you to come closer.
There's a minimal entrance fee at the gate, come early and take in the peace and quiet that now surrounds you and hides the horror of the Concentration Camp that once stood here. As you enter notice the rows of trees, planted so neatly that they resemble a military assembly. There's one for each of those who died here. For anyone who is fascinated by military history this is a must see, for everyone this is an opportunity to honor those who were imprisoned here.
There's a minimal entrance fee at the gate, come early and take in the peace and quiet that now surrounds you and hides the horror of the Concentration Camp that once stood here. As you enter notice the rows of trees, planted so neatly that they resemble a military assembly. There's one for each of those who died here. For anyone who is fascinated by military history this is a must see, for everyone this is an opportunity to honor those who were imprisoned here.
Written 18 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thenavigator8
Manila, Philippines212 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
If you are interested about Philippine History, then, this is one of the places for you to visit. It is where the end of the so called Bataan death March. If you plan to stay here it is better to go wearly morning about 8 am or late afternoon around 3pm where you can play volleyball, badminton, freesbee, biking jogging and picnic. be sure to bring umbrella, food, drinks and mat to enjoy the place. there is no store there, it is open from 8-5pm. going there from capas market a tricycle ride P100 php, but, its better if you have rented a vehicle or your own car since there is no much public transportation there. the entrance fee is P10 per person even the driver :0
Written 2 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sleep00walker
Vienna, Austria122 contributions
Jul 2012 • Solo
That's the area where the Bataan Death March ended and it's just along the route to Mount Pinatubo. As I remembered the old movie I decided to stop and walk around. Minimal entrance fee of 20 Peso. A huge obelisk and a marble wall with names of the soldiers killed dominates the place. A small museum nearby and a boxcar used for transporting prisoners give additional information of what happened in 1942. The place was full of security as they were expecting the defence minister of East Timor paying a visit. Definitely worth a stop along your way to Mount Pinatubo.
Written 25 November 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Racq
Manila, Philippines160 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
The place pays homage to the Filipino heroes who joined the Death March during World War 2. Two of which are my father, Matias M. Agustin and his brother, Arcadio M. Agustin.
Filipino parents should bring.their children to this place to educate them of what happened during the war.
The place is clean. It has a small area with picnic tables & bench, a small sari sari store and a toilet not properly maintained.
Filipino parents should bring.their children to this place to educate them of what happened during the war.
The place is clean. It has a small area with picnic tables & bench, a small sari sari store and a toilet not properly maintained.
Written 28 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce H
Sydney, Australia33 contributions
Nov 2015 • Solo
A must visit place to pay ones respect to those who didn't survive - the victims of the cruel forced march. Take some time to read the verses on the black marble shrine. Maybe if everyone did this the world would be a better place for us and our children.
Written 8 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LegendHarry
Pasig, Philippines396 contributions
Jan 2016 • Solo
When the hostilities in Bataan Peninsula ceased on April 9, 1942, the worst nightmare had only just begun. Mentally and physically fatigued and famished, the surviving units of the USAFFE were forced to capitulate and then embarked into an ignominious and inhumane march. To what forsaken land, no one probably knew.
Those who did not perish in the Battle of Bataan will have to go through some hellish days. The day after the Fall of Bataan, USAFFE soldiers from Mariveles started the horrific ordeal called Bataan Death March. Those from Bagac followed the next day. Further exposed to scorching summer sun and cold night sky, the already tired and tattered soldiers staggered their feet. Then the Death March turned into Death Ride as train coaches were tightly packed by up to 160 prisoners of war. From San Fernando, Pampanga to Capas, Tarlac, the Death Ride further claimed more lives among the POWs as these poorly ventilated train boxcars were like ovens under the sweltering summer sun.
At Camp O’Donnel in Capas, Tarlac, the POWs continue to die at an alarming rate due to severe starvation, fatigue, and diseases. On April 13, 1942, the official count was pegged at 74,800 Filipinos and 11,786 Americans. Although it was hard to assess how many participants and fatalities of the Death March. So many were undocumented to have died and escaped. On July 25, 1942, it was estimated that 30,000 POWs died of sickness and malnutrition while under detention.
The centerpiece of the Capas National Shrine is the Memorial Monument. Stands for peace, the Obelisk is a 70-meter high needle-like tower consisting of three sections symbolizing the Filipino, American and Japanese people in this modern age of global peace, who have learned the lessons of war from the past. Regulatory signal beacon is installed atop the obelisk to symbolize the height of nationalistic aspiration of the Filipino people towards peace and freedom.
Those who did not perish in the Battle of Bataan will have to go through some hellish days. The day after the Fall of Bataan, USAFFE soldiers from Mariveles started the horrific ordeal called Bataan Death March. Those from Bagac followed the next day. Further exposed to scorching summer sun and cold night sky, the already tired and tattered soldiers staggered their feet. Then the Death March turned into Death Ride as train coaches were tightly packed by up to 160 prisoners of war. From San Fernando, Pampanga to Capas, Tarlac, the Death Ride further claimed more lives among the POWs as these poorly ventilated train boxcars were like ovens under the sweltering summer sun.
At Camp O’Donnel in Capas, Tarlac, the POWs continue to die at an alarming rate due to severe starvation, fatigue, and diseases. On April 13, 1942, the official count was pegged at 74,800 Filipinos and 11,786 Americans. Although it was hard to assess how many participants and fatalities of the Death March. So many were undocumented to have died and escaped. On July 25, 1942, it was estimated that 30,000 POWs died of sickness and malnutrition while under detention.
The centerpiece of the Capas National Shrine is the Memorial Monument. Stands for peace, the Obelisk is a 70-meter high needle-like tower consisting of three sections symbolizing the Filipino, American and Japanese people in this modern age of global peace, who have learned the lessons of war from the past. Regulatory signal beacon is installed atop the obelisk to symbolize the height of nationalistic aspiration of the Filipino people towards peace and freedom.
Written 28 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How far is it from the death march monument and what is the best way to get there?
Written 12 May 2019
How to get there from clark pampanga
Written 10 June 2018
wanderingone2017
Metro Manila, Philippines
Once at the Capas National Shrine location, how easy is this for 90+ ages to walk to from the parking area? Am concerned that it's a long walk. Thanks!
Written 3 January 2017
There's a parking lot right in front of the shrine.
Written 4 January 2017
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