THE Oriental Hotels and Resorts, in cooperation with the Municipality of Mariveles, recently held a commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of the Bataan Death March during World War 2 at the Km 0 Park. The infamous Death March began in Mariveles on April 10, 1942, after the surrender of over 70,000 Filipino and American troops to the Japanese Imperial Army a day earlier in Balanga, the capital town of Bataan. The surrenderees marched to San Fernando, Pampanga, then loaded onto boxcars en route to the train station in Capas, Tarlac, and were forced to march again to Camp O'Donnell where they were imprisoned until their liberation in 1945.

According to The Oriental Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Marie Abigail Lee, the initiative is part of the hotel chain's corporate social responsibility in promoting the rich historical and cultural heritage of the communities where they operate. She said that the hotel group aims to take part in similar events in areas where they are located to help rekindle people's appreciation of the Filipino soul.