Buhay na Kasaysayan (BNK), MD Juan
Enterprises (MDJE), in cooperation with Intramuros Administration (IA),
Department of Tourism (DOT), and HERO Foundation, Inc. turn the spotlight on 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.”
It was, by all accounts, a grim era
with the Japanese occupation at its tail end and leaving in its wake ghastly
images of precious lives wasted and the once-proud city of Manila reduced into
ruins. But then again, only in reliving that fateful moment will the lessons
borne out of the horrors of war be perpetuated for future generations to learn and
draw inspiration from.
The very first of its kind to be held
in Manila, “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 PM.
Bask in the grandeur of the years immediately
before and after World War II as authentic vintage military vehicles are put on
display and simulated explosions and battle scenes using pyrotechnics and a
recorded narration of the events taking place are carried out. Media and guests
who are encouraged to attend in full 1940s regalia will then be treated to an
exhibit featuring the gear used in the performance as music from that period
engulfs the air.
Proceeds from the event will go
entirely 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.