By Ronald Constantino
PERHAPS – This is just a thought, perhaps a wishful thinking.
Why not produce a movie or a television special, or even a TV series, on the Battle for Manila during World War II.
Surely, an expensive undertaking, but then the Battle for Manila is an important chapter in Philippine history.
Who can bankroll the project?
Don Nanding Ortigas and Señor Ed Rocha, who produced “Heneral Luna” and the upcoming “Goyo” (bio of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar). In cooperation with the City of Manila and the National Government (Malacañang). Perhaps, perhaps.
Right after World War II, many war movies were made. Some of their ads came out in Danny Dolor’s book, “The Golden Years.” They included one simply titled “Maynila,” produced by Sampaguita Pictures, written and directed by Lorenzo P. Tuells, and topbilled by Corazon Noble, Ely Ramos, and Tita Duran.
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PVB EXHIBIT – The movie on my mind flashed upon reading an item from the Philippine Veterans Bank, sent by colleague Remy Umerez through PVB executive Mike Villa-Real.
The exhibit (Aug. 10-12) features the historic Battle for Manila, one of the highlights of History Con at the World Trade Center.
Here’s PVB chairman Roberto F. de Ocampo speaking:
“The Battle for Manila claimed over 100,000 civilian lives, and an unquatifiable damage to beautiful buildings and homes. Manila was the second most devastated city in World War II, next only to Warsaw, Poland.
“As the bank owned by the families of Filipino World War veterans, we always made it our corporate responsibility to generate awareness about Philippine World War II history among the youth, instill national pride, and share the veterans’ bravery, sacrifice, and love of country. We must always remember that our peace and freedom came with a price.”
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FEEL OF – Mike V. added : “We want to give this year’s History Con visitors a feel of what happened in the Battle for Manila given that the many landmarks still stand today. The Battle raged from Feb. 3 to March 3, 1945. It was one of the hardest, bloodiest battles with Allied Forces retaking block by block from Japanese troops who were told to do as much damaged as possible as they retreated from the city.”