Archive for the ‘Visayas’ Category

World War II Museum Holds Many Memorabilia of the War

WORLD WAR II MUSEUM

Photo from: https://dumagueteinfo.com/attractions/listing/cata-al-world-war-ii-museum/

The World War II Museum is lined up of massive World War II antiques. Huge bombs from American and Japanese fleets scattered around. Heavy artillery, ammunitions, grenades, pistols, knives, military accessories including a full-battle uniform. Remains of Japanese officers to include bones, teeth, etc., were being displayed.

Collection includes antique military compass, water containers, fuel containers, soldier’s radio communication, old coins, antique plates, old typewriters, petromax, cases of coke and pepsi in the 1930’s and 1940’s era.

Porforio Cata-al, the father is part of the guerilla movement during the World War II, wherein US Forces and Filipino guerillas fight against Japanese in 1945. It was after the second world war that Porforio started collecting artifacts.

His son, Felix Cata-al, who was 5 years old then, shared the same passion with his father.

They go exploring in the area of Mt. Talinis, digging tunnels, caves and undergrounds for Mt. Talinis region is known to be the last holdout of the Japanese military, and believing that some Japanese officers brought part of the Yamashita treasure. Much of the loot has never been found and many believe the treasure is still hidden in the area. Read More: https://dumagueteinfo.com/attractions/listing/cata-al-world-war-ii-museum/

Photo from: https://www.inspirock.com/philippines/valencia/world-war-ii-museum-a1251990731

I visited Cata-al World War II Museum in Valencia, Negros Oriental last time. The Museum displays old and vintage collections of World War II artifacts. It was the late Porferio Cata-al, Sr. who started collecting these priceless memorabilia. He was a private of the Filipino guerrilla movement when the Japanese took over Valencia, Negros Oriental. It was during his funeral wake last November, 2012 when I discovered that Cata-al WW II Museum existed in Valencia, Negros Oriental. Read More: http://phioxeetravel.blogspot.com/2013/08/valencia-negros-oriental-cata-al-world.html

Photo from: http://tourismvalencianegor.com/world-war-2-museum/

The World War II Museum is not advertised well. It is located by the main road, but you may not notice a small sign directing you to private property. I wouldn’t notice that if not my beloved, sitting at the back seat of the motorbike and observing the road. We followed the sign, feeling like we entered the private house. At the very beginning I spotted old Jeep clearly during renewal process. There were also two huge garages filled with showcases and old ammunition. My first thought was if the owner really collected all these items himself. There were mass of things starting from uniforms to the smallest bullets, canteens and also first aid sets from he time of the war. Everything beautifully separated: Japanese Army, US Army, other soldiers who took part in WW II hostilities etc. Read More: https://siquijor-island.com/the-world-war-ii-museum-valencia-negros-oriental/