PHILIPPINES—More than 140 Philadelphia Church of God members from four congregations in the Philippines toured and camped on Dec. 31, 2017 at Corregidor Island.

The pcg explorers drove two buses and five cars to the town of Mariveles, 3 miles north of Corregidor. Two boats transported them to the island, taking two trips to ferry the members through the northeast monsoon-affected sea.

“I was scared of the big waves,” La Union member Loida Fernandez said. “I knew God’s protection is promised, but the laboring of the boat to ride over the waves was really frightening.”

Most of the group pitched tents at the seaside camping area. Some opted to stay at a nearby hostel and inn. Strong winds later collapsed some of the tents in the middle of the night, but no one was adversely affected.

Known as “The Rock,” the island fortress was the last bastion to fall to the Japanese during World War ii. It was at Corregidor that United States General Douglas MacArthur made the famous “I shall return” promise to the Filipinos before departing in 1942 and returning in 1944.

During the island tour, members saw the remains of bombed-out military barracks, battery gun emplacements, a Spanish-age lighthouse, a war museum, a Japanese monument and a plaza depicting Filipino struggles against invaders from 1521 up to World War ii. They walked through 283 feet of the Malinta Tunnel, a bomb-proof bunker, as the simulated sounds of air raids added a sense of realism. The members also played Frisbee, shared a campfire singalong and went hiking.

Member Esther Velasquez said, “We enjoyed the relaxed surrounding and opportunity for bonding with the family.”