Hidden Treasures in the Philippines
Is it true that caches of treasures–notably, Yamashita treasures– are buried in secret places in the Philippines? How did they get there in the first place? Treasure hunting in the country is accompanied by numerous Philippine myths or tales on them—from word of mouth and some even from the news.
Treasure hunting takes place in the country now and then, more so for the Yamashita treasures. Lots were illegal. Philippine legends say treasures are said to come from two sources—the Second World War and the unseen supernatural world.
According to a Philippine myth, Hitler tied up with Italy and Japan, worrying the Allied Forces about Vatican treasures that might fall in The Fuehrer’s hands. They were said to have secretly smuggled out some treasures and kept in England. But Hitler was gaining more ground faster than expected. So they were shipped out to Hongkong. But the Japanese intercepted it and diverted it to Australia.
But a super typhoon destroyed the Japanese fleet and the treasures ended up somewhere between the Visayas and Mindanao. That’s how it came to the Philippines, says a Philippine legend.
The treasures were gradually transported to Manila, says the myth, and portions were stashed away in remote mountains, caves, old churches, old monuments, old trees, or underground.
Then Americans came to free Manila forcing General Yamashita to divide his forces, each carrying enormous amounts of treasures. Some headed north, some to provinces around Manila. Filipino slaves were said to have carried the bulk of the treasures and did lots of the digging, says Philippine legends about them.
The Filipinos were later killed, along with scores of Japanese soldiers, to ensure the treasures’ secrecy. Later, According to the Philippine myth, ranking Japanese soldiers reportedly returned to the country as tourists after the war and recovered a lot of the treasure—again with the help of Filipinos.
Souls of those killed in the course of treasure hiding are said to be guarding them. So ghost stories accompany tales of the Yamashita treasures. They say, where ghosts of Japanese soldiers abound; there a treasure might be hidden. Tales of white ladies are also connected to treasures, more of the Yamashita treasures, according to Philippine myths-—they were rape victims of Japanese soldiers.
The local version of fairy tales has its own story. Local, flat-nosed nymphs, fairies, leprechauns, gnomes, and the like are said to be spirit guardians of unimaginable hoards of wealth—fact is, the tales say, Filipinos are sitting on a mountain of gold. And these are not just natural resources; they are literally treasures of gold.
Philippine myths or legends of treasures never die. They’re taken seriously even by respectable people. And who knows? They might indeed be real, and those of us who laugh at these tales might one day discover too late that the joke was on us.
Tags: White Beach, Snorkeling, Baguio, asia travel, Mindanao, Scuba, Diving
on December 29th, 2007 at 10:41 am
many trues are meant to be denied because of some allegations whis is not true. yamashita treasure is possibly true it depends to the people who loves to enjoy things with to wings. if somebody will ask me to go with them to hunt that yamashita treasure I will definitely say SURE.
on January 2nd, 2008 at 9:53 pm
i think it is true
because it’s over 100 yrs.
when japanese colonise filipino
so that it can be true
but philippine government
has program to raise
funds
so that they can:
explore/find/dig the treasure
on January 2nd, 2008 at 9:54 pm
the first one i said is wrong
i think it is true
because it’s over 100 yrs.
when japanese colonise filipino
so that it can be true
but philippine government
has NO program to raise
funds
so that they can:
explore/find/dig the treasure
on January 23rd, 2008 at 10:50 am
Gentlemen,
Of course, Yamashita treasure is true…all you have to do is research here in the internet and you will see lots of proof.
Ex: Marcos Secret Gold Treaty
Marcos Chronology report
Yamashita treasure forum
We have documented more than 100+ suspected Yamashita treasure sites all over the Philippines thru extensive research, exploration and actual operation thru these years….These treasure sites do exist…the only problem for us filipinos is…we don’t have the budget, hi-tech eqpt to recover it.
on February 18th, 2008 at 2:03 am
Hi, the legend is true because I have seen pictures of some of the treasure. A Filppina reporter has the photos and a video of the contains with one of three caves full of gold,Golden Buddhas, and diamonds. She and her friends are selling the gold and other contents. Many of the Japan’s secret advanced inventions were hidden in caves and bunkers.
on March 15th, 2008 at 3:37 am
been hearing this so-called “treasure of yamashita” since my dad was still wearing short pants! come on guys. show me the money. all blah-blah nothing blah!
on April 8th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
hidden treasure is true thats why the government has a ruling for treasure hunting all you need is to contact us
on May 11th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Although Yamashita was a factual person, the fabrication of untold wealth buried in the Philippines is just not true. The proponents of this swindle claim to be “treasure hunters”, when in fact, they are just seeking out gullible individuals to “finance” them.
Not the first plausible bit of evidence has ever been supplied to the existence of Yamashita’s Legend. However, the solicitation of funding is plentiful.
on May 23rd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
I believe in Yamashita Treasure’s but many tresure hunters who manage to get the treasures kept it a secret because it will possibly cause trouble for them once it forecast to all.
on May 23rd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
maybe i believe because i’ve seen several signs of yamashita treasures based from the book i’ve read from japanse and Korean embassy and all the signs i’ve seen is exactly the same signs at the different location i’ve been through
on June 29th, 2008 at 12:23 am
I think it is true especially at my place. There is an old church out there. The underground had a long tunnel and its exit passage is already near the port of the sea. It is located beside the river. Some news spreads out that one of the priest recovered gold bars from the tunnel and believe to have more treasures that are yet unseen. I don’t have the gadgets and tools or budget to look for them. But I am interested, It is adventure.
on July 3rd, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Gentlemen,
As beach comber/coin hunter in Florida, of course I FIRMLY BELIEVE THE EXISTENCE OF YAMASHITA TREASURES !!! there are lots of write ups and websites have been written about these topic…in fact some of my florida based treasure hUnter friends are quite successful with it like Steve Morgan…who had gone to the Philippines to treasure hunt, succeeded to recover several treasure sites(with help of congressman in Albay) and came back to Florida a successful salvor and shipwrecK treasure hunter…am very2 much envius of those yamashita treasure hunters, i wish someday i will be at their level (cache hunter)….