PLAZA CUARTEL

After Baker's Hill, it was time to move on and we discovered quite a popular historical place, the Plaza Cuartel. This was a former site of Japanese military post where 143 American soldiers were mass executed during the World War II. The Japanese Imperial Army Kempei-Tai burned them alive in December 1944. All soldier's remains were brought and now lie at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.

Plaza Cuartel

Today, Plaza Cuartel serves as a memorial park in honor of local heroes, and American soldiers. At the center of the plaza, there's a bronze memorial marker for the 143 American POW. There are also 11 names of Survivors inscribed on the marker.

The Memorial Marker

The plaza is now a quiet and contemplative area, but after school hours it is frequented by school children. While I was taking photos of the surrounding, a little girl called me, "Ate, ate, gusto niya magpa-picture." (Sister, sister, he wants to have a picture), pointing to her male friend. The blushing boy said, "Hinde po totoo yan, ate." (That's not true, sister). Before I could speak, there was some little commotion and grumbling as to who was telling the truth. I called them all and told them to get ready to strike a pose. In the blink of an eye, the four of them consented and clumped together as if nothing happened. hahaha... that's what I like about children.

Here they are...

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AN ASIAN TRAVELER, Exploring Asia!