Manila Transitio: The Battle of Manila commemorated in music and art
NOW on its 8th year, the Manila Transition Festival recalls the Battle of Manila in music and art. This year the festival will be held on Feb. 26, 3 p.m.-11 p.m., at the Baluarte San Diego, Santa Lucia corner Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila.
In February of 1945, at the close of the World War II, the month-long Battle of Manila devastated the capital city. Caught in a clash between the armed forces of the United States and Japan, Manila, once known for it’s architectural beauty and gracious citizens, had been battered and brought to her knees, collateral damage in a war not of her own making.
By March, the districts from Caloocan to Malate lay in ruins; the 300-year-old walled city of Intramuros was reduced to rubble, and over 100,000 of the city’s civilians lay dead.
But the worst loss of all would happen after the war. In the decades that passed, the people of Manila chose to forget The Battle of Manila. Instead of rebuilding the city’s grand churches and monuments, the survivors chose to remove themselves. By the 1980s, the city of Manila, once called the Pearl of The Orient, had become mess of uninspired commercial developments, parochial gated communities, and indigent informal settlements. Manila’s heritage sites fell into neglect and her history dropped from consciousness. A huge gap was blown into the collective national memory.
Until today, 72 years later, there is still no national holiday nor monument dedicated to The Battle of Manila nor the 100,000 souls who perished.
For the last eight years, the Intramuros Administration, #vivamanila, and artist Carlos Celdran have hosted a gathering called Manila Transitio as a way of remembering the Battle of Manila. This yearly commemoration is defined by a public picnic, an art exhibition, a community ritual, and an open-air concert held inside one of the many gardens of Intramuros. This event hopes to remind Manila’s residents that they once lived in a proud, beautiful city and that the memory of the 100,000 civilians who died in the battle should be honored.
Ultimately. Manila Transitio is really all about recognizing the city’s changes; Manila’s transitions from what it was, to what is, and to what it can possibly become in the future.
The theme for this year’s memorial is “Folk Art. Folk Traditions. Folk Music.” Work by artists Russ Ligtas, Mitch Garcia, Ian Madrigal, Martin Lorenzo de Mesa, Mars Bugaoan, Jodee Aguillon and Hataw, Leeroy New, Derek Tumala, GA Fallarme, Denis Lagdameo, Rosa Mirasol Esguerra Melencio, and Tad Ermitaño will be set all around the gardens.
In line with this year’s theme, the main stage will spotlight the Tres Marias, a trio consisting of Bayang Barrios, Cookie Chua, and Lolita Carbon, three powerful women considered to be the country’s foremost voices in rock, folk, soul and protest music.
Paolo Garcia (Parallel Uno) will DJ music between sets.
As a highlight, there will be a surprise community ritual as a symbolic gesture.
Guests can bring their own blankets, picnic baskets, dogs, friends and family. There is no dress code; cosplay is encouraged. Filipiniana is recommended. Food and drink will be available from vendors on-site. Quiapo candle ladies will also on site to grant wishes and add a spiritual element to the evening.
There is no entrance fee but donations are welcome.