The US government, through the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), and the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) inaugurated an exhibition on 13 February to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila during World War II.
Titled Liberation of Manila: 80 Years of Remembrance through Art, the exhibit showcases works by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, Diosdado Lorenzo, Nena Saguil, and Galo Ocampo. These pieces reflect on the destruction and resilience of Manila during one of the most pivotal events in Philippine history.
The exhibition runs from 13-25 February at the Visitor Center of the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Christmas and New Year, the cemetery is the largest overseas American military cemetery. Admission is free, and guided tours are available, including for schools and large groups.
“Art has the power to transcend time, to give voice to the voiceless, to capture history not as cold facts but as lived experience. The four powerful works in this exhibit, created by some of the Philippines’ most celebrated national artists, serve as a visual testament to the past,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said. “They remind us of the shared sacrifices, lives lost, and profound stories that must never be forgotten.”
NMP Director-General Jeremy Barns remarked, “The works you see here now are historical visual accounts — some of them first-hand — of the battle that was... It is the honor of the National Museum of the Philippines to have such significant treasures in its collection, and it is our further honor to share them here at the Manila American Cemetery. Together, we bear the responsibility of commemorating the struggles and victory of those who valiantly fought for our great nation’s freedom and the continued brotherhood of the Philippines and the United States.”
The four featured artworks, loaned by the NMP from its Fine Arts Collection, are part of the series of events marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila on 22 February. Each painting provides a unique perspective on the city’s wartime devastation and eventual resurgence:
"Burning of Sto. Domingo Church" (1942) – Fernando Amorsolo
Captures the flames engulfing the centuries-old church, destroyed in 1941 by Japanese bombers. The church, originally in Intramuros, was later rebuilt in Quezon City.
"Ruins of the Legislative Building" (1945) – Galo Ocampo
Depicts the destruction of what was once a Japanese stronghold. The structure now stands as the National Museum of Fine Arts.
"Ruins of Sales Street, Quiapo" (1946) – Diosdado Lorenzo
Illustrates the devastation of the bustling district, known for its markets and the Quiapo Church, which still welcomes devotees today.
"Ruined Gate of Fort Santiago" (1949) – Nena Saguil
A stark reminder of the intense fighting in Intramuros, with Fort Santiago’s rebuilt gate standing today as a symbol of resilience.
