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Tag: Bataan Death March

  • 160-km Freedom March to Honor WWII Heroes Resumes in 2025

    160-km Freedom March to Honor WWII Heroes Resumes in 2025

    Interested participants are thrilled to join the 160-km Freedom March to Honor WWI Heroes.

    The legacy of valor and sacrifice continues as descendants of World War II Filipino and U.S. veterans, alongside military personnel, government officials, members of the diplomatic community, students, and families, take part in the annual Freedom March. This historic event commemorates the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Bataan and honors the heroic endurance of those who endured the infamous Bataan Death March.

    A marcher holds the picture of his relatives who are veterans of Bataan Death March.

    Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the Department of National Defense (DND), will once again lead this solemn tribute on March 1-2, 2025. The 160-kilometer commemorative walk traces the exact historical route of the Death March, starting from Mariveles, Bataan, and concluding in Capas, Tarlac.

    “The Freedom March is more than just a walk; it is a moving testament to the courage and sacrifice of our World War II heroes. As we retrace their steps, we ensure that their stories live on, inspiring future generations with their legacy of resilience and patriotism,” said Mike Villa-Real, PVB First Vice President for Marketing Communications and Consumer Protection.

    Civilian marchers who joined the 160-KM march from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac.

    The Freedom March mirrors the route taken by approximately 66,000 Filipino and 10,000 American prisoners of war. The path stretches from Mariveles and Saysain Point in Bagac, Bataan, to Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. This historic route connects us to the past, turning each step into a tribute to our brave WWII heroes that shape our national identity.

    To encourage wider participation, participants may choose to join specific segments of the march at their preferred starting points in any of the three provinces of Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac. This will allow individuals from different backgrounds to join in this act of remembrance.

    “Every step taken in the Freedom March is a step of remembrance, gratitude, and commitment to ensuring that our heroes’ sacrifices are never forgotten,” Villa-Real added.

    PH soldiers march with civilians in honor of WWII heroes

    The Freedom March extends an open invitation to all who wish to honor the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers. Interested participants may register at https://forms.gle/npJJggx3jxCoMLzS6. Registration is free.

    “This march is our pledge to keep their legacy alive, to remember their courage, and to ensure that their sacrifices continue to inspire generations to come,” concluded Villa-Real.

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

    Reference & Media Contact:

    Salgado PR

    #PhilippineVeteransBank #PVBFreedomMarch2025 #2025FreedomMarch #BDM2025 #SalgadoPR

  • Philippine Veterans Bank invites cyclists to join Ride for Valor 2023

    Philippine Veterans Bank invites cyclists to join Ride for Valor 2023

    The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) invites everyone to join the Ride for Valor, a bike-for-a-cause event on March 5, 2023 to raise funds for the maintenance of the Bataan Death March markers and other World War 2 heritage sites.

    Mike Villa-Real, PVB first vice president for marketing and communications, said the event, which is in partnership with the Department of National Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Provincial Government of Bataan and Wartime Heritage Guild-Philippines, aims to preserve the legacy of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during World War 2.

    The Bataan Death March is a somber reminder of the bravery and selflessness of Filipino veterans during the Second World War. It is an essential part of Philippine history and culture, and the Ride for Valor is an important way of honoring the veterans and preserving their legacy. Plus rider get to learn more about this

    historic event as they will be be traversing the actual route of the Death March; he said.

    The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes.

    Villa-Real said the event will start at 6 a.m. from the Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas National Shrine in Tarlac.

    The non-competitive bike ride will have four pitstops: Mt. Samat, Balanga Provincial Capitol’s The Bunker, San Fernando Train Station, and Angeles Museum. Giveaways will be given in selected pitstops.

    Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace, adding there will be a 12-hour cut-off during thee vent.

    He noted that the event will also implement a ;No Helmet, No Ride; policy to ensure the safety of the participants.

    Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties, while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders; progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.

    The registration fee for the Ride for Valor is P1,000, which includes an official event shirt, a race bib, at rucker cap, a loot bag, an e-certificate, and meals.

    Interested individuals may register online at bit.ly/rideforvalor2023 until March 1, while groups may email rideforvalor@gmail.com.

    Participants may also register onsite at RD Cycles Libis Branch and RD Cycles Timog Branch.

    Those who will join the bike ride must download the Traqs Philippines app to enter the event.

    Prior to the bike ride, we will be raffling off an overnight stay for lucky joiners, and on March 5, we will be

    giving two bikes as well as hotel gift checks and other exciting prizes to our raffle winners,; Villa-Real added.

    Organized by Without Limits PH – IGEM, Ride for Valor 2023 is co-presented by Traqs Philippines,

    OneLGC, AIR21, Panahon.TV, and the Integrated Waste Management Inc. Sponsors include Neo Zigma

    PH, Hotel Sogo, Booster C Energy Shot, and Fitbar.

    The Bataan Death March is one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history, where around 80,000 Filipino

    and American soldiers were forced to march more than 100 kilometers in grueling conditions by Japanese

    forces in 1942.

    Thousands of soldiers survived but many also died due to starvation, dehydration, diseases, and the

    brutality of Japanese captors. The markers serve as reminders of the tragedy and heroism that occurred

    during that period.

    PVB is a private, commercial bank owned by World War 2 veterans and their families. With Its new Charter

    signed into law, the Banks ownership now includes Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees.

    For more information about the event, follow Ride for Valor on Facebook at

    www.facebook.com/RideForValorPH.