The Soul of Japan

  Preface: This is not a piece on WW2 history though some references will be made on that period. This is purely an observational analysis of the people, cuisine, and travel.  Japan owes a tremendous war debt to the Philippine nation for the lives that were decimated during WW2.  500,000 to be exact!  The Japanese occupied the Philippine Commonwealth from 1942 to 1945 and were later liberated by the Allied Forces.   Flying over Manila Bay on a downward slope preparing to land, our plane flew right over the old battle siege site of Corregidor Island the most heavily fortified island battery in military history once commanded by the late General Douglas MacArthur.  Upon landing, just as the wheels touched down, you could see a billboard reading I Love the Philippines in brilliant colors.   The nervous anticipation is palpable.  A land of history and soul.  We are in Manila taxing to our canvas tunnel to deplane I am suddenly reminded of Eleanor Kastner the first Philippina momma from my