Liberation of Manila Exhibition Opens at Manila American Cemetery

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On Feb. 13, the U.S. government, through the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC), and the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) inaugurated an exhibition featuring works by renowned Filipino painters to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila during World War II.

The exhibition, “Liberation of Manila: 80 Years of Remembrance through Art,” invites audiences to reflect on the destruction and resilience experienced during one of the most pivotal moments in Philippine history. The artworks, created by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, Diosdado Lorenzo, Nena Saguil, and Galo Ocampo, offer a visual testament to the events of 1945.

The exhibition is open for viewing from Feb. 13 to 25 at the Visitor Center of the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

The cemetery, the largest overseas American military cemetery, is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is free, and guided tours are available for schools and large groups.

Honoring the Past Through Art

“Art has the power to transcend time, to give voice to the voiceless, to capture history not as cold facts but as lived experience,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson. “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.

“They remind us of the shared sacrifices, lives lost, and profound stories that must never be forgotten.”

NMP Director-General Jeremy Barns echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of historical art in preserving national memory.

“The works you see here now are historical visual accounts—some of them first-hand—of the battle that was,” Barns said. “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 paintings, loaned by the NMP to the ABMC, are part of a series of events marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Manila on Feb. 22.

A Reflection of War and Resilience

The artworks in “Liberation of Manila: 80 Years of Remembrance through Art” depict wartime devastation and the city’s postwar resurgence.

• “Burning of Sto. Domingo Church” (1942) by National Artist Fernando Amorsolo captures the inferno that engulfed the centuries-old church for three days in 1941. Built in 1588, Domingo Church was among the first structures destroyed by Japanese bombers during the Battle of Manila. After the war, it was relocated to Quezon City, where it stands today.
• “Ruins of the Legislative Building” (1945) by Galo Ocampo, a World War II veteran recognized for his artistic contributions and military service, illustrates the destruction of what was once a Japanese stronghold. Today, the Legislative Building houses the National Museum of Fine Arts.
• “Ruins of Sales Street, Quiapo” (1946) by Diosdado Lorenzo, a modernist painter, depicts the devastation of Quiapo, a district known then and now for its vibrant markets and heritage architecture. Despite the war’s destruction, Quiapo Church continues to stand as a place of worship for devotees.
• “Ruined Gate of Fort Santiago” (1949) by Simplicia “Nena” Saguil, a pioneer of abstract art, portrays the aftermath of intense fighting in Intramuros. The rebuilt Fort Santiago gate remains a symbol of Manila’s resilience and rebirth.

Through these works, the exhibition offers a powerful look into history, reminding visitors of the sacrifices made and the enduring strength of the Filipino spirit.