The US Embassy in the Philippines and Ayala Foundation's Filipinas Heritage Library Mount an Immersive WWII Exhibit

As an extension of the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, this exhibition at the Ayala Museum celebrates this chapter in our history by illustrating the strength of the US-Philippine alliance and our country's road to recovery

Last month, the US Embassy in the Philippines and Ayala Foundation's Filipinas Heritage Library opened their much-awaited exhibition in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila. The exhibition illustrates the solidity of the joint American and Filipino forces in fighting against the invasive Japanese army during the three-year war here in the country during World War II and their efforts in rebuilding and recovering afterwards.

Then Chargé d'Affaires (CDA) ad interim Heather Variava joined Ayala Foundation's president Ruel Maranan, Ayala Museum's senior director Mariles Gustilo, as well as the exhibition's curator and distinguished historian Dr Ricardo Jose at the launch of the exhibition.

Above U.S. Embassy in the Philippines CDA Heather Variava (middle) joins Manila Bulletin brand and marketing manager Mark Dy, Ayala Museum's senior director Mariles Gustilo, Ayala Foundation's president Ruel Maranan, and Filipinas Heritage Library's senior manager John Labella at the ribbon cutting of the “Liberation: War and Hope” exhibit at the Ayala Museum

The exhibition was made possible through a grant extended by the US Embassy to the Filipinas Heritage Library in 2019. Originally scheduled to open in time for the momentous 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila but halted due to Ayala Museum's two-year renovation and the pandemic, the exhibition literally "walks the path" of the country during World War II by having walkthrough signages on the floor of the gallery hall that chronicle significant events of the period.

It captures "the Philippines' emergence from centuries of anticolonial struggle toward normalcy, independence, and hope". Using archival footage, photos, everyday objects, and documents, the exhibition lets a viewer have an immersive experience as if being one of those whose life has been changed by the war. It is divided into sections, showing a path in time that links the years before, during, and after the war.

"Peace and Emerging Patriotism (1935-1941) shows the bonds the Philippines formed with allies and the ideals they shared. Fight or Flight (1941-1942) recalls the shock of war. Struggle and Survival (1942-1945) illuminates the nation's fight to protect itself amid the rivalry between nations vying to recast the world order and the ordinary Filipinos' efforts to thrive in spite of turmoil. Hope and Rebirth (1945-1950) pays tribute to the Philippines' journey toward recovery, freedom, and the cultivation of its identity," Jose wrote in the exhibition's pamphlet.

Aside from the unforgettable events of WWII, the exhibition also highlights Nielson Field and the Filipinas Heritage Library. Nielson Field was the country's first modern and commercial airport, built in 1937. It was named after Laurie Reuben Nielson, a British national and aviation enthusiast who came to the Philippines to start the airport business.

The said airport, situated at the corner of present-day Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue, was turned into an airbase by the American forces. When Manila was declared an Open City, the Japanese forces turned it into one of their key military bases. In 1945, the American forces retook and repaired it, and had it reopened a year later. However, it ceased operations in 1948.

The structure has become the home of the Filipinas Heritage Library for 17 years until it was transferred to Ayala Museum. The library has become the repository of the Roderick Hall collection, which features thousands of resources on WWII in the Philippines. The Nielson Field could be seen as one of the dioramas in the exhibition.

Above Tranvia in Manila

Above Nielson Field

Another diorama in the exhibition highlights the Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company (MERALCO) by showing a tranvia. This defunct public vehicle had routes including Pasig, Manila, Caloocan, and Makati, making it one of Asia's most extensive tram lines from the 1920s to 1930s.

Another fun feature of the exhibition is a role-playing game (RPG) movie cutscene in a 360-degree camera view. It shows the University of Santo Tomas' Main Building and Plaza Mayor during the 1940s when it was used as an internment camp. It depicts Capt Manuel Colayco, a guerilla and faculty member of the university, when he guided the American forces in entering the campus on February 3, 1945. Colayco was mortally wounded by a Japanese grenade during the operation, but it was a pivotal moment which led to the saving of thousands of lives. The operation sparked the Liberation of Manila moments after.

In her remarks during the opening of the exhibition, CDA Variava highlighted the unbreakable bond formed between Filipinos and Americans during the war and reaffirmed the continued promise of the US-Philippine relationship as enduring friends, partners, and allies. (A week later, the US Embassy in the Philippines welcomed its new ambassador, MaryKay Loss Carlson. Variava remains as the Deputy Chief of Mission here in the country.)

This History Month, it is important for the public to see this exhibition and revisit the events that changed our nation as we know it and remind us of the resiliency of our people in such dire times. Up to this day, the task of rebuilding structures, homes, and documents is still being done as our country's history is important for us to move forward. Families can book a tour at the museum until August 31 and see the revamped permanent collections on Philippine Pre-Colonial Gold, Indigenous Textiles, and Southeast Asian Trade Ware Ceramics. Also still on view at the museum are exhibitions such as "Intertwined: Transpacific, Transcultural Philippines", "Landscape into Painting: Fernando Zobel Serie Blanca", "Dioramas of Philippine History", "Ayala Museum: In Microcosm", and the Globe Digital Gallery.

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The US Embassy in the Philippines and Ayala Foundation's Filipinas Heritage Library Mount an Immersive WWII Exhibit