KALAYAAN – A Battle Reenactment of the 1945 Liberation of Manila

Being a good student of History and Social Studies back in my primary and secondary years, I guess, there really nothing that reminded me of those fun years than seeing some wonderful reenactment of the things that happened in the past. May it be on television, movie or theater, it is always a delight for me to see some perspective of the things that surrounds our very colorful past.

And this coming March 24, live at the Old PC Cuartel on Sta. Lucia Street, Intramuros, Manila - a place so dear to me too, being a student of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila - BuhaynaKasaysayan (BNK), MD Juan Enterprises (MDJE), in cooperation with Intramuros Administration (IA), Department of Tourism (DOT) and HERO Foundation, Inc. will showcase a glorious yet oft-neglected period in Philippine history via the benefit activity fundraiser dubbed as “KALAYAAN – A Battle Reenactment of the 1945 Liberation of Manila.”

The very first of its kind to be held in Manila, KALAYAAN will bring us to the grim era of the Japanese occupation in the country where they leave in its wake ghastly images of once-proud City of Manila, which was reduced into ruins, and precious lives wasted.

Bask in the grandeur of the years immediately before and after World War II as 

On the said reenactment, authentic vintage military vehicles will be put on display, as well as simulated explosions and battle scenes will be up using pyrotechnics, while a recorded narration of the events is taking place for everyone to fully understand what's happening. Guests who are joining are encouraged to attend in full 1940s regalia and will then be treated to an exhibit featuring the gear used in the performance as music from that period engulfs the air. 

The entire proceeds from this event will go to the HERO Foundation, Inc. (HERO), a private organization established in 1988 by former President Corazon C. Aquino together with then AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Renato de Villa to provide educational assistance to children or dependent siblings of Filipino soldiers who are killed or completely incapacitated while in action. 

After 25 years and supporting 2,376 scholar orphans, HERO is now led by Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala as chairman together with several prominent business leaders of the country. HERO strongly believes in the time-tested mantra that education is the best weapon against poverty and tyranny. By helping the children and other dependents of war heroes obtain a college or university degree, or a certificate in a vocational course, future heroes can hopefully be produced. 

Again, “KALAYAAN – A Battle Reenactment of the 1945 Liberation of Manila” will be performed at the grounds of the Old PC Cuartel on Sta. Lucia Street, Intramuros, Manila  on March 24, 2013, Sunday at 4:30 p.m. 

For more details and/or confirmation, you may visit www.herofoundation.com.ph or you may contact HERO’s hotline at 0917-822HERO(4376). 

See you there!