Manila: A multimedia exhibit highlighting Baguio's resilience during World War II and its liberation from Japanese forces is set to inspire even the younger generation. 'We see the importance of the World War II stories for the next generation, the stories we grew up in from our parents, (and) grandparents who witnessed the war. We were lucky that we were able to hear from them their actual stories, their lives, (and) how they lived. But as time passes, the eye witnesses will no longer be here to tell the same stories to the next generation and I am afraid that will happen,' stated lawyer Samuel Gallardo, who leads the '80 and still free' photo and multimedia exhibit at SM City Baguio mall.
According to Philippines News Agency, the exhibit opened to the public on Monday and will run until May 5, just days after Baguio's liberation day on April 27. The historical context of the exhibit is underscored by the fact that Baguio was heavily bombed during the war, a period that concluded when Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita signed surrender documents at Camp John Hay on September 3, 1945.
Gallardo, who also serves as the assistant regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and is an enthusiast of military history, emphasized the significance of sharing Baguio's WWII narrative. Motivated by the upcoming 80th anniversary of Baguio's liberation, he rallied his family's support to fund the project. The exhibit showcases the remnants of the war and the current beauty of Baguio, a testament to the sacrifices made by people in the 1940s.
Gallardo recounted how soldiers of the 37th Infantry Division traversed Naguilian and Kennon Roads between February and April 1945, stories passed down from his father. He expressed the importance of continuing these narratives as a way of honoring the past, saying that without these stories, "we have nothing to say for the things we enjoy."
The exhibit features photographs with QR codes that geo-tag and pinpoint the exact locations where they were taken, accompanied by brief captions. Additionally, scale models and artifacts from the war are displayed, offering visitors tangible evidence of the events depicted.
SM City-Baguio assistant mall manager Jason Pena emphasized the role of photography in connecting the past with the present, stating, 'As we retrace the landmarks, photography allows us to portray the spirit at that time, from the past to the vibrant city it is today. May these photographs give connection to the city we all love.'
B/Gen. Paulo Teodoro, assistant superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), highlighted the importance of preserving these stories. 'It is significant to keep these stories in mind forever, deepening the immersive experience, (and) chronicling the timeline since they allow us to understand better the complexity of conflict and the humanity,' he remarked during the event.
