Post by labrador on Mar 25, 2013 5:44:49 GMT -5
Hello everyone!
I'd like to share with you a few photos and a short AAR of our reenactment for the benefit of the hero foundation. The concept for the battle of Manila reenactment first took seed at a meeting with MD Juan owner, Rommel Juan (who sponsored our first Abucay reenactment 2 years ago), artist, reenactor and WW2 airsoft enthusiast Toym Imao, myself and Hero Foundation representative Michelle Chan over a few beers at Fred's Revolucion Bar in Cubao. We felt that having a beneficiary for one of the reenactments would add so much more meaning to what we do and Hero Foundation would be the perfect one. Hero Foundation was started in the late 80's by Corazon Aquino and Jaime Zobel de Ayala to help fund education programs for orphans of AFP soldiers who were killed in action. Hero also helps rehabilitate soldiers wounded in action. So with this in mind, the next months were spent finding the appropriate theme and venue for a reenactment. In stepped the intramuros administration, offering us the old PC Cuartel site on Sta Elena Street and the concept was born. A reenactment showcasing the vicious street fighting during the destruction of Manila, highlighting the suffering of the civilian victims of that battle.
The election gun ban was a huge obstacle to the reenactment but we moved foreward with Toym's generous contribution of 30 Resin molded weapons all capable of firing electric squibbs. Toym and his crew worked many sleepless nights to come up with a passable armory for the battle.
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/528813_10151586444544739_197196793_n.jpg
by the time it was completed, Toym's armory included 2 Japanese heavy machine guns! We made up the difference with a few airsoft guns approved by the Comelec.
Jojo Nicolas and Larry Ronquillo worked on replica japanese bicycles, reverse engineering japanese postal bikes to fit the role:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/401373_10151586445554739_95759088_n.jpg
this was the biggest reenactment we have ever tried, pitting 24 Japanese against an equal number of american troops and 7 guerillas:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/480045_10151586444989739_1849572237_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/601317_10151586438774739_1772580675_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/482339_10151586444869739_1703244422_n.jpg
Directions had to be timed precisely to a pre recorded script since the sound effects and pyro had to be pre-cued. Each unit had a pre designated head that would handle questions, concerns and objections.
Perry Javier of BNK gave a rousing speech introducing the reenactors:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/157047_10151586447529739_921114920_n.jpg[/IMG]
The reenactment started with a tableux of Manila under japanese occupation:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/300132_10151586442059739_1843453029_n.jpg[/IMG]
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/551948_10151586442214739_1621626115_n.jpg
These included a guerilla assasination, arms grab and a kempeitai security sweep. The civilians were graciously provided by MD Juan reinforced with an experienced theatre actress:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/549806_10151586443004739_1652885995_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/164205_10151586441439739_1233407829_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/579532_10151586441604739_239319172_n.jpg
the action began with General Griswold delivering his ultimatum to the Japanese and a Pyro bolstered bombardment of the site. the Americans entered demonstrating a textbook bunker clearing operation using satchel charges. the blockhouse destroyed they advanced to close quarters with the japanese defenders:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/1882_10151586439944739_1062076712_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/317707_10151586443064739_401515072_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/544230_10151586443259739_1758990799_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/576563_10151586443669739_155931742_n.jpg
At one point the attack is at a stalemate as the Japanese use "knee" mortars to thwart the american assault. A jeep (manned by the PSHS's Philip Garcia) and bazooka are brought in to deal with the impasse:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/72304_10151586443409739_643648218_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/392630_10151586443279739_1800577727_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/292220_10151586443504739_2032940221_n.jpg
As the Japanese fall back, a knot of civilians run screaming from the Japanese lines. Most are brutally gunned down except for a girl who is snatched by a japanese infantryman, there is confusion among the americans and the guerillas as the girl screams for her life. A sniper is brought up and the Japanese Soldier's head is shot through with a single shot:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/8270_10151586443719739_96575133_n.jpg
the battle reaches a climax as the Japanese make a desperate charge against the American assault. Amid explosions and raining debris the Japanese are felled and a flamethrower brought up against the last Japanese hiding out in the ruins. the battle ends in smoke and debris as the dazed civilians head out and walk meekly to the allied lines. The victorious americans cheer and try to console the hapless civilians with hershey bars...but to no avail. The City has become a grave for 100,000 civilians.
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/576665_10151586443964739_304215580_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/535789_10151586439389739_325588902_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/526600_10151586447644739_43761567_n.jpg
The look on the veterans and soldiers faces was priceless as they gave their applause. As if to add atmosphere to the scene as the area was cleared, a light rain fell as the smoke slowly blew away.
Among the guests were:
Primitivo Cuenca of the 57th infantry PS, Jaime Guerrero of the 88th FA PS, Ed Nolasco of the 2nd regular division PC, Ishmael Rodrigo of the hunters ROTC guerillas, and Ambassador Rocha of Memorare Manila, Historian Rico Jose was also present as well.
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/5941_10151586446609739_1078070609_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/536552_10151586446359739_1266707705_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/5318_10151586446284739_35241676_n.jpg
Hopefully, this will be the shape of things to come for Philippine reenactment! for those who wish to see the other photos, please see the facebook album on the event at this URL:
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151586437214739.1073741829.650644738&type=1
thanks!
MOD EDIT:
Hi Albert, I changed the images to links for now. Photobucket recently made some assinine changes to their system that did nothing but make things harder for their users. I'll straighten them out later. Thanks for taking the time to post
I'd like to share with you a few photos and a short AAR of our reenactment for the benefit of the hero foundation. The concept for the battle of Manila reenactment first took seed at a meeting with MD Juan owner, Rommel Juan (who sponsored our first Abucay reenactment 2 years ago), artist, reenactor and WW2 airsoft enthusiast Toym Imao, myself and Hero Foundation representative Michelle Chan over a few beers at Fred's Revolucion Bar in Cubao. We felt that having a beneficiary for one of the reenactments would add so much more meaning to what we do and Hero Foundation would be the perfect one. Hero Foundation was started in the late 80's by Corazon Aquino and Jaime Zobel de Ayala to help fund education programs for orphans of AFP soldiers who were killed in action. Hero also helps rehabilitate soldiers wounded in action. So with this in mind, the next months were spent finding the appropriate theme and venue for a reenactment. In stepped the intramuros administration, offering us the old PC Cuartel site on Sta Elena Street and the concept was born. A reenactment showcasing the vicious street fighting during the destruction of Manila, highlighting the suffering of the civilian victims of that battle.
The election gun ban was a huge obstacle to the reenactment but we moved foreward with Toym's generous contribution of 30 Resin molded weapons all capable of firing electric squibbs. Toym and his crew worked many sleepless nights to come up with a passable armory for the battle.
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/528813_10151586444544739_197196793_n.jpg
by the time it was completed, Toym's armory included 2 Japanese heavy machine guns! We made up the difference with a few airsoft guns approved by the Comelec.
Jojo Nicolas and Larry Ronquillo worked on replica japanese bicycles, reverse engineering japanese postal bikes to fit the role:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/401373_10151586445554739_95759088_n.jpg
this was the biggest reenactment we have ever tried, pitting 24 Japanese against an equal number of american troops and 7 guerillas:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/480045_10151586444989739_1849572237_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/601317_10151586438774739_1772580675_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/482339_10151586444869739_1703244422_n.jpg
Directions had to be timed precisely to a pre recorded script since the sound effects and pyro had to be pre-cued. Each unit had a pre designated head that would handle questions, concerns and objections.
Perry Javier of BNK gave a rousing speech introducing the reenactors:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/157047_10151586447529739_921114920_n.jpg[/IMG]
The reenactment started with a tableux of Manila under japanese occupation:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/300132_10151586442059739_1843453029_n.jpg[/IMG]
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/551948_10151586442214739_1621626115_n.jpg
These included a guerilla assasination, arms grab and a kempeitai security sweep. The civilians were graciously provided by MD Juan reinforced with an experienced theatre actress:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/549806_10151586443004739_1652885995_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/164205_10151586441439739_1233407829_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/579532_10151586441604739_239319172_n.jpg
the action began with General Griswold delivering his ultimatum to the Japanese and a Pyro bolstered bombardment of the site. the Americans entered demonstrating a textbook bunker clearing operation using satchel charges. the blockhouse destroyed they advanced to close quarters with the japanese defenders:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/1882_10151586439944739_1062076712_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/317707_10151586443064739_401515072_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/544230_10151586443259739_1758990799_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/576563_10151586443669739_155931742_n.jpg
At one point the attack is at a stalemate as the Japanese use "knee" mortars to thwart the american assault. A jeep (manned by the PSHS's Philip Garcia) and bazooka are brought in to deal with the impasse:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/72304_10151586443409739_643648218_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/392630_10151586443279739_1800577727_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/292220_10151586443504739_2032940221_n.jpg
As the Japanese fall back, a knot of civilians run screaming from the Japanese lines. Most are brutally gunned down except for a girl who is snatched by a japanese infantryman, there is confusion among the americans and the guerillas as the girl screams for her life. A sniper is brought up and the Japanese Soldier's head is shot through with a single shot:
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/8270_10151586443719739_96575133_n.jpg
the battle reaches a climax as the Japanese make a desperate charge against the American assault. Amid explosions and raining debris the Japanese are felled and a flamethrower brought up against the last Japanese hiding out in the ruins. the battle ends in smoke and debris as the dazed civilians head out and walk meekly to the allied lines. The victorious americans cheer and try to console the hapless civilians with hershey bars...but to no avail. The City has become a grave for 100,000 civilians.
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/576665_10151586443964739_304215580_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/535789_10151586439389739_325588902_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/526600_10151586447644739_43761567_n.jpg
The look on the veterans and soldiers faces was priceless as they gave their applause. As if to add atmosphere to the scene as the area was cleared, a light rain fell as the smoke slowly blew away.
Among the guests were:
Primitivo Cuenca of the 57th infantry PS, Jaime Guerrero of the 88th FA PS, Ed Nolasco of the 2nd regular division PC, Ishmael Rodrigo of the hunters ROTC guerillas, and Ambassador Rocha of Memorare Manila, Historian Rico Jose was also present as well.
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/5941_10151586446609739_1078070609_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/536552_10151586446359739_1266707705_n.jpg
i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii154/alabrador/Facebook/Pictures%20from%20a%20Battle/5318_10151586446284739_35241676_n.jpg
Hopefully, this will be the shape of things to come for Philippine reenactment! for those who wish to see the other photos, please see the facebook album on the event at this URL:
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151586437214739.1073741829.650644738&type=1
thanks!
MOD EDIT:
Hi Albert, I changed the images to links for now. Photobucket recently made some assinine changes to their system that did nothing but make things harder for their users. I'll straighten them out later. Thanks for taking the time to post