Freedom March Rekindles the Spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ as it Commemorates Fallen heroes of Bataan

In the early hours of March 16, 2024, hundreds of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), civic group representatives, descendants of World War II veterans, and various community members, gathered at the historic Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan, to embark on the poignant 160-km Freedom March. 

This momentous event, organized by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) in collaboration with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Department of National Defense (DND), is a profound act of remembrance and honor, marking the 82nd anniversary of the Fall of Bataan.

The Freedom March, resuming after a hiatus, traces the actual route of the infamous Bataan Death March in 1942 and culminates at the Capas National Shrine in Tarlac. It commemorates the courage and sacrifice of World War II's Filipino and American heroes and serves as a solemn tribute to their enduring spirit. 

"Eighty-two years later, we return to these hallowed grounds, not as witnesses to the sorrow and pain, but as bearers of remembrance and respect. Those WWII veterans went beyond the call of duty defending or country despite their vintage weapons and limited ammunition. They fought starvation, sickness and a well armed enemy. As they marched, they still did not think of their own, but thought about their comrades. Our presence here today honors those heores. We walk this path to relive history, not to reopen old wounds, but to ensure that their example lives on and is passed on to the next generation." said Mike Villa-Real, PVB first vice president for marketing and communications.

Participants, spanning generations and backgrounds, are offered a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of heroes, engaging in a powerful educational experience that deeply connects them with this pivotal moment in history. 

The Freedom March covers the route taken by approximately 76,000 POWs, transforming each step into a personal encounter with the past, and reinforcing the narratives of endurance and resilience that are foundational to our heritage.

The 2024 Freedom March extends an open invitation to the public, encouraging everyone— students, families, and local communities—to join in this moving tribute. The arduous walk can be made lighter with offerings of food, water, and encouragement from passersby. 

Decades ago, residents risked their own safety by throwing food and water to the starving soldiers passing by their houses.  

This display not only shows the kindness of Filipinos towards strangers but also illustrates how humanity can shine even in the darkest times. Walking under the heat of the sun is no mean feat, yet this reenactment serves as a small, symbolic sacrifice compared to the unimaginable horrors our fallen heroes endured. 

Through these acts of communal support, participants and onlookers alike breathe life into the timeless spirit of ‘bayanihan,’ demonstrating a collective memory and unwavering respect for the past. 

As we come together to retrace these historic steps, we reaffirm our commitment to remembering the lessons of history, ensuring that the bravery, suffering, and ultimate sacrifice of those who came before us are never forgotten but honored and learned from, generation after generation.

At each Freedom March, we do more than remember; we pledge to uphold the values, courage, and spirit of those who walked before us, ensuring their legacy endures for generations to come.

For more information about the event, follow https://www.facebook.com/veteransbankmarch.

Why Investing in a Memorial Lot Now is the Best and Most Responsible Financial Decision You Can Make

Manila, Philippines — The word “death” is often euphemized in sentences, with people instead using the terms “no longer with us” or “passed away” to lighten the impact of loss. The COVID-19 pandemic has also raised anxiety surrounding death as the general public struggled to cope with grief.

But it is also a known fact that death is inevitable, and that early end-of-life planning remains crucial not only for an individual but for their loved ones as well. It is also a responsible move you can make today that will spare your family of stress and burden in the future. 

Memorial service solutions you may be surprised to know about 

This is why Forest Lake, the Philippines’ largest total death care provider, makes it a point to ease the pain of loss by providing diverse memorial service solutions that cater to different needs and preferences. 

Libing Anywhere is a flexible memorial solution that adapts to changing circumstances by allowing you to use your lot in any Forest Lake park in the country. 

Libre Burol, on the other hand, gives Forest Lake lot owners complimentary body retrieval, embalming, casketing, and chapel viewing services as cost-effective solutions for dignified burials.

Financial and emotional benefits of investing in memorial lots now 

But before you and your family can benefit from these vital end-of-life services, the first step is to invest in a memorial lot. 

Here’s why it’s the best financial decision you can make:

1. Memorial lot values tend to appreciate steadily over time, allowing more financial stability. The earlier you invest in a memorial lot, the higher are your chances of gaining large profit over the years, as the value of this type of asset does not easily depreciate.

2. If you’re a beginner investor, memorial lots can diversify your investment portfolio. This way, you can limit your risks, which are often associated with having only a single type of asset to your name, while ensuring investment returns.

3. Purchasing power also tends to decrease over time due to inflation. But with the historically steady appreciation of real estate prices—including memorial lots—it can act as a hedge against inflation.

4. This kind of investment is also a way of legacy planning. A memorial lot is a valuable financial asset to your name that can help future generations in need.

5. Apart from financial gains, memorial lot investments also provide high emotional value. Coping with loss sometimes includes having to search for an available lot with limited time. But if you have already invested in your own memorial lot early on, this gives peace of mind and a sense of belongingness to your loved ones left behind.

“Interment service providers such as Forest Lake do more than just offer coffins. We are an important after-death partner because we put a high premium on the legacy that an individual builds for themselves both in life and in death,” shares Forest Lake president Alfred Xerez-Burgos, Jr.

For more information on how you can start end-of-life planning, you may visit the Forest Lake website.