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.

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 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.