Thank you Barredo Bans for sending these links, "War Crimes of Manila". It's an illuminating look into the horrors of The Japanese Imperial Army and the loyalty of the Philippines to the United States in the mid 20th century.
Not to mention, the price we paid for that loyalty.
Not for the faint of heart. Tragic. Heartbreaking for anyone who loves Manila.
Even more heartbreaking on a personal level is America's lack of acknowledgement of this loyalty, and the systematic denial of Japanese society of their horrific war record.
A big ol' "Thank you" to Sidney Snoeck for the great feature on his photoblog "My Sari-Sari Store". Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You made the evening look amazing. And best of all, you didn't make me look fat.
Last February 27 was a night for remembering the Manila that was and looking forward to the Manila that will be. This video says it all. ThanksTourism Paradise Philippines for recording this.
Hope to see you all at Fort Santiago again on February 26, 2011 to remember the destruction of Intramuros during the Battle of Manila in 1945.
Actually, when my friend Ana of www.sexandsensibilities.com called me and offered to support Manila Transitio 1945, I immediately said, "Hellz Yeah" but then suddenly took pause. Wait a minute, handing out FRENZY condoms and commemorating the loss of Intramuros? Hmmm. It seemed like an odd pairing.
And then we came up with the idea of having the FRENZY Lick ladies forego their usual sexy smocks and don traditional 19th century Baro't Sayas. And if we must say so ourselves, it was a stroke of genius. empowered Maria Claras giving out condoms as we commemorate the city of our affections. It's the best of the genteel Manila that was and a glimpse into the progressive Manila that will be.
Meanwhile, log onto Ana's www.sexandsensibilities.com website. It's a very enlightening read. Read up on straight, gay, and even bisexual issues. Don't stay stupid about sex. Click on the site here.
TOUR 6:30PM- MEET at the MANILA CATHEDRAL MANILA TRANSITIO 1945 ART EVENT 8:30PM- FORT SANTIAGO
In February of 1945, the City of Manila was completely destroyed in a battle between the United States Armed Forces and the Japanese Imperial Army. An estimated 120,000 people were lost and our beloved City of Manila was never the same again.
This February 27th, To mark the 65th Anniversary of the Battle of Manila,Intramuros Administration and Carlos Celdran, will present the 2nd TRANSITIO MANILA 1945. This art event hopes to become an annual commemoration/memorial where we as Manilenos may reflect upon the passing of this event in our history. The evening will start with a sunset fundraiser tour of Intramuros at 6:30. Art installations and performances will follow at the Fort Santiago at 8:30pm. The evening will be highlighted by the release of spirit balloons by the gates of Fort Santiago. A reasonably priced buffet and refreshment will be available. Picnic baskets are allowed.
EVENINGS ACTIVITIES AND COSTS:
TOUR 6:30PM I will be holding a SPECIAL sunset tour of Intramuros. It will be a bigger show than the usual. The tour will be followed by a special party at Fort Santiago. Ticket holders to the tour will enter the party/picnic for free and recieve a free glass of VUQO. Tour starts at 6:30PM - Please arrive earlier than that. Tour ends at 8:30PM Php1,000.00.
Assembly point is Plaza Roma in front of Manila Cathedral. Proceeds will go towards the procurement of scooter bikes for the Intramuros Kabayan Security Force (An NGO).
Hope to see you there!
MANILA TRANSITIO 1945 ART EVENT 8:30PM Gates open by 7:30PM The evening will start with music by Junjie Lerma, Caliph8, and P.G. in the gardens fronting the moat. It will be followed by Flamenco music and dance by Yerbaguena Centro Flamenco.
The evening will be highlighted by the release of spirit balloons at the gates of Fort Santiago (video above).
The evening will be capped by readings about the Liberation of Manila curated by Mabi David. Works will be read by Oliver Ortega, Erwin Lareza, Lawrence Bernabe, and Mesandel Virtusio Arguelles. There will also be a collaborative performance by Donna Miranda and Angelo Suarez.
Around the Fort Santiago grounds and Intramuros will be an exhibition of art installations by Denis Lagdameo, Reg Yuson, Tad Ermitano & Team Manila. Current artists in residence at the Living Room Vince Galvez and Alex Felipe of Kapisanan Toronto will also present a video work specially made for the evening.
Feel free to pack your own picnic basket and set up a blanket in the grass to watch the performances. A reasonably priced buffet (Php450.00) by Ilustrado Restaurant will be available for those who do not bring their own food.
Vuqo Vodka will be available free of charge and wines from PREMIER wines and spirits will be for sale.
Etrance to this event only is Php250.00 with a free drink.
*Please stay posted for updates on participation of more artists.
Text 920 9092021 to make reservations (Lesley) or email celdrantours@hotmail.com
Please indicate on text whether you are reserving for TOUR alone or TOUR/PARTY or PARTY only.
