Phil-Japan Friendship / Araw ng Kagitingan

On April 9, 1942, the commanders of the Luzon Forces in Bataan raised the white flag and surrendered about 76,000 Filipino and American troops. Bataan was the last province to surrender to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, and thus marked one of the lowest points in World War II. The surrender was followed by the infamous death march from Marivales, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac. Approximately 22,000 Filipino and American troops perished during a torturous week.

Officially named “The Araw ng Kagitingan” to commemorate both Bataan and Corregidor, what was before called the “Day of Valor” is celebrated in the Philippines every 9th of April as a national memorial holiday, paying respect and tribute to all those who served the cause of freedom in the war. The day usually begins with moments of silence and prayer to recognize the courage and heroism of those who served. Sometimes it ends in celebrations of the freedom and friendships that have evolved after the war. That is exactly what happened last April 9 in Maribal, Bataan, in a great field across from the government center.

The ever humble and generous Rotarian Kenji Mori from Rotary Club of Kuzaha, Osaka, District 2660, promised and delivered the Grandest Pyromusical Exhibition ever, in a grand day and evening of contests and entertainment. Because it was also Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, not many of our members were able to join the invitations that were distributed by our Viber feeds. Starting at about 11 am, PAT Muhammad Aslam hosted a scrumptious buffet at his acclaimed Pakistani restaurant along Jupiter Street, “Kebab & Curry.” Joining Aslam were DGN Rudy Bediones, Lady Sharon, PD Oscar Del Rosario, Star Rtn. Ric Ramos, and myself. You might recognize another one or two of his happy customers in this photo!

After lunch, we caravanned to Bataan, where we enjoyed meriendas in the impressive home of PDG Connie Beltran. We then checked into our hotel rooms at the Plaza, generously provided by Rtn Kenji, and headed off to the performance venue. By then, we had missed the Drum & Lyre competitions, but are still able to view video on Kenji's Facebook page. We were surprised to be welcomed as special guests and ushered to front row seats, beside the American Vice Consul and other dignitaries, and most of us were later recognized to stand and be acknowledged by the crowd of more than 130,000 people, with video projected on the huge screens!

As the program began, one of the highlights was to be an inspirational message by the host of the grand affair, Mr. Fuji Mori. Since our own RCM “World Famous Chorale” had not been able to muster enough participants to sing the national anthem, much to the crowd's surprise and delight, Kenji Mori himself led the assembly in belting out the “Lupang Hinirang.” The show continued with concerts by local school groups, demonstrating that famous Filipino passion for song and dance that results in talented performance, even starting in elementary school, and continuing through high school. Videos of all are on Kenji's Facebook page.

Next was presentation of the winners of the poster contest by elementary students. Again, we witnessed astounding capacity by very young minds expressed through their hands. The winning posters are on the bottom of the event poster pictured earlier and also among the photos and posts on Kenji's FB pages. Mori-san also generously awarded so many prizes in so many categories that we concluded it must have filled an entire semi-tractor trailer to bring them to the site. Of course, the winners and their schools are all delighted with the sound systems and other educationally oriented prizes and gifts.

Naturally, the highlight of the evening was what most of us found to be the most spectacular fireworks display ever witnessed, choreographed to ten musical numbers. It featured more than 75,000 fireworks, dazzling us for more than twenty-seven minutes, all performed by the Philippines' pride, Dragon Fireworks. Take time to watch the videos that Dragon produced, also on Kenji's FB pages.

After the event, we were again welcomed to PDG Connie Beltran's home for a late supper. Ever the gracious host, Connie outdid her famous hospitality with excellent food and drink to cap a perfect celebration. Of course, we though the event was over, but we were surprised the next morning on check out to be given passalubong's by both Mori-san, who gave us Matcha Cream Puffs, and PDG Connie, who gave us boxes of those famous, ultra-crisp, Maribal Otap. It was a true pleasure to be part of such a wonderful commemoration and celebration. We extend our heartfelt thanks first to Rtn. Kenji Mori, who truly demonstrated a heart full of love for Filipinos and especially for children, and for all others who worked so hard and gave so much to remember those who 75 years before, gave so much, too.