“Kalayaan: A Battle Reenactment of the 1945 Liberation of Manila” was the first World War II re-enactment staged in the walled city of Intramuros.
The 20-minute outdoor theatrical presentation was held on March 24 at the former site of the Philippine Constabulary barracks. The highly dramatic and violent depiction of the Filipinos’ struggle for freedom from the Japanese forces was a true period piece. It was complete with mock-up wagons and military vehicles, booming sound effects and pyrotechnics.
The fundraiser was organized by Buhay na Kasaysayan (BNK), a group of airsoft gun enthusiasts, and MD Juan Enterprises, a company that reproduces vintage WWII jeeps.
Inquirer News reported that the show was able to generate PHP 1 million from ticket sales. This will be donated to the Hero Foundation – an organization that gives out scholarship funds to children of modern day Filipino soldiers who died in battle or were injured while serving their country.
