Benham (DD 796) - Naval Cruise Book

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Tomb of the Philippine Unknown Soldier Home of Philippine President Magsasay SUBIC BAY ! Deck apes having a brew CO. getting with it Olongapo

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Vi ' ' ■ Vv Common grave of 1200 Philippine Citizens massacred University of Manila MANILA We entered Manila after having been on patrol off Hainan Island and the morning sun shone on the harbor with its count- less sunken ships. Everyone was surprised to find that Manila hod been considerably reconstructed from the war. On the boulevard overlooking the bay there were numerous, excell- ent restaurants where we enjoyed delicious Filipino, Chinese, or American dishes. Downtown Manila boasted many, attrac- tive theaters and night clubs, but the prices were considerobly higher than in other ports we had visited in the For East. An excellent sight-seeing tour was arranged and the usual Camera bugs took every advantage of it. The first stop was the ancient, walled city where the Japanese held their last stand. Within the walls were seen the ancient barracks, tor- ture chambers and the tomb of the Philippine Unkown Soldier. A sight we will always remember was that of the mass grave containing the mutilated bodies of thousands of Filipinos. The tour then continued to Sa int Augustine ' s Church, the only church left standing undamoged from the war. Since it was built in 1689, it has withstood the destruction of many, and wars. up- igs The tour also stopped at San Tomas, an old Spanish-type school, and then proceeded to the country side and the Univer- sity of the Philippines, on outstanding institution. Last stop was the beautiful palace of President Ramon Magsosay. Vfe- i Liberty Recreation Only church remaining after Battle of Monila

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Its very name brings to mind the beautiful dreams of the myster- ious Eost. On our very first visit to the colony, the BENHAM spent her first tv o dovs riding out typhoon Ida . At the height of the typhoon thePonamonianfreighter SAN BLAS started dragging anchor and moving towards us and a collision looked inevitable. But, |ust when she was within on arms reach of us, her engines began working ond she was able to maneuver clear of us. Hong Kong offered buys which could not be equo lied anywhere else in the world-ivory, jode, tweeds, cashmeres and we took it all in. Whefh topped at Willie McGee ' s, George Zee ' s or the ?P qhty Original No Squeak Young ' s, the Yankee dollar was al But the city was far more than o shopping paradise. Tours were Available with stops at the Tiger Balm Gardens, Happy Vol ley, Aberdeen fishing village, the Peak Tram and many other fascinating sights. All of this was topped off at the beautiful Repulse Bay Hotel with a five course dinner. By night, Hong Kong was an array of beautiful, colored lights. And finally, for those who liked a spice of n ight I ife there were countless night clubs with beautiful, Chinese girls galore. Our stay in the Pearl of the Orient will long be remembere d. CHINA Coolies take ten k.. ' ' i U -.- - Hong Kong Harbor