KALAYAAN - The Emancipation of Manila

It was 1945. The once glorious city of Manila, battered with the brutal savageries of the Pacific War, was in devastation but not the heart and spirit of the noble Filipinos. Together with the Allied forces, Filipino guerilla forces launched an offensive to free the capital city against the Japanese occupation. Then, in the words of General MacArthur, "Your capital city, cruelly punished though it be, has regained its rightful place - citadel of democracy in the East." Thus, the liberation of Manila in what the world would come to know as the Battle of Manila.


HERO Foundation Inc. in partnership with Buhay na Kasaysayan, MD Juan Enterprises, Intramuros Administration and the Department of Tourism sent us back in time to witness a proud period in Philippine history in a fundraising event dubbed as "KALAYAAN - A Battle Reenactment of the 1945 Liberation of Manila." Authentic World War II vintage military vehicles paraded the historic street of Intramuros and battle scenes, accompanied with explosions and a recorded narration of the campaign, are carried out to exhibit scenarios from the 1945 liberation of Manila.

The proceeds of this first of its kind event held in Manila will go to the HERO Foundation Inc. Established by former President Corazon Aquino together with then AFP Chief of Staff General Renato de Villa, HERO aims to provide educational assistance to children or dependent siblings of deceased Filipino soldiers or those who are completely incapacitated in the line of duty. Now led by Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala as chairman, HERO firmly believes that education is still the best weapon against poverty and tyranny. Hence, by assisting the children and other dependents of war heroes to obtain a tertiary degree, it is with high hopes that it will give rise to future heroes.

For  more information about HERO Foundation Inc.,  visit their website at   www.herofoundation.com.ph  or you may also contact them at +63917-822HERO (4376).