21/04/2025
[April 20, 2025] A Collaborative Memorial Service involving the descendants of Filipino war veterans (USAFIP-NL Baguio-Benguet, Inc.) and Japanese War Veterans (Philippine War Dead Kannon Statue Support Association) took place to mark the 80th Anniversary of the conclusion of WWII.
The first part of the activity was held at Veteran’s Park, Harrison Road, Baguio City. A memorial service remembering Japanese war veterans was headed by Mr. Kamei Wataru, followed by flower offering by everyone next to the names of the Filipino war heroes etched on marble tablets at the Veteran’s Park. Remarks were made by Ms. Teresa Pomar of the USAFIP-NL Baguio-Benguet, Mr. Kamei Wataru of the Philippine War Dead Kannon Statue Support Association, Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, and Mr. Ariel Querubin, a retired military officer and a Medal of Valor awardee, which is the highest military honor of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Other notable attendees present are war survivors, Ms. Flora Calsi, Japanese-Filipino descendant, and PFC. Ernesto Luis, 98, lone war veteran of the 66th Infantry, USAFIP-NL from Baguio who's still alive today.
The second part of the activity was held at the USAFIP-NL Headquarters in Camp Allen, Baguio City. A ceremonial Igorot ritual “Owek ni Baboy” (sacrificial pig) and “Tayaw tan Sarong” (traditional dance from Benguet) were performed. The activity also featured a film screening entitled “Nowhere Yet Everywhere”, a documentary about the 66th Infantry, USAFIP NL. Following this was a candle lighting service and a peace ceremony involving tapuey toasting and story exchanges. To conclude the program, a dinner was hosted to share the sacrificial pig from the earlier ritual.
The event was hosted by Prof. Jimmy Fong and Prof. Cristina Segnaken Aban. This activity was led by Mr. Koji Imaizumi, filmmaker and peace advocate.
Nowhere yet Everywhere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F18I5CQvVlA&t=16s
Peace Memorial Song - Open Hands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9VQVzlghGA
Documentary Film Soundtrack - Escape From Oblivion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtFhx1bVGA4
//GTMaximo