Multimedia art event serves as a memorial to commemorate the Battle of Manila
AS THE COUNTRY finishes celebrating the 30th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, it is time to remember a darker chapter in Philippine history: the 71st anniverary of the Battle of Manila, when the people of what was then considered “The Pearl of the Orient” found themselves trapped in the city with bloodthirsty Japanese soldiers fighting to their last breath, and the approaching American Army which pounded the city to dust with artillery before finally entering to mop up what little was left. It has been estimated that 100,000 Filipino civilians were killed in a month — Feb. 3 to March 3, 1945 — marked by carnage and destruction. Manila’s historic core, the Walled City of Intramuros, was destroyed. The City of Manila was never the same again.
For the last seven years, the Intramuros Administration, #Vivamanila, and performance artist Carlos Celdran have been organizing MANILA TRANSITIO 1945 at the Gardens of Fort Santiago in Intramuros.
As a release explains: “TRANSITIO is an art event that aims to connect communities and inspire reflection. TRANSITIO puts no blame upon anyone for the destruction of 71 years ago. It is called TRANSITIO simply to address the transition of our capital from one state into another. TRANSITIO will celebrate the beautiful Manila that was and compel Filipinos to work for a beautiful new Manila that will be.”
TRANSITIO will be held on Feb. 27, Saturday, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. While the recommended entrance fee is P500, the organizers say “we will be happy with any amount. Pay what you can afford.”
This year there will be an art installation and an open-air big band concert of Spanish, Filipino and American music by the Executives, the jazz band founded by Senator Raul Manglapus.
This will be followed by a ritual/performance by Mr. Celdran in collaboration with Uela Basco, Toni Bernardo, and Butch Roxas at the gate of Fort Santiago. A video installation by Tad Ermitaño entitled Tiempo Real will be the central focus of the performance.
Finally, Ill Primitivo will spin Filipino disco, kundiman, and other music till the end of the night.
There will be food and drinks available by Cocina de Tita Moning, XO1946, EAT Cafe, Juan Brew, Ziazan Mezze, Juan Brew and Ralph’s wines, although participants can also bring picnic baskets.
To reserve, e-mail celdrantours@hotmail.com with the subject line: TRANSITIO 1945.
