Rare Glimpse of Philippine Chinese Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall within Manila Chinese Cemetery

The small group of about 10 friends went at the iconic Manila Chinese Cemetery. We spotted that the door of the Philippine Chinese Anti-Japanese War Memorial hall was  open.

Philippine Chinese Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall

According to the caretaker of the war memorial hall, They would only open the hall during November 1 or during important meeting of the association.

Consul General Clarence Young road corner Chun Chin road

We were quite lucky to have the rare chance of seeing the collection. Our group wrote  our names at the visitors log-book and took sometime exploring the museum.

Manila Chinese Cemetery south entrance ( Felix Huertas street) Santa Cruz, Manila

Wha Chi historical marker installed in 1994

Although i have been at the memorial hall several times before, have not brought any camera to document my visit. It is good that some of my friends brought some cameras.

NHCP historical marker installed in 2005

The memorial hall is neatly landscaped with blooming ixora ( santans), champagne palms and potted Adenium obesum ( Bangkok kalachuchi).

boy with native hat mannequin

Philippine Chinese Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall

staircase going to the second floor

The memorial hall is grouped into two parts, The first part consists of pre-Pacific war materials, when the Filipino- Chinese supported the war of resistance against Japanese aggression in China. The second part consists of materials after the Pacific war broke out.

That was the period when the Filipino-Chinese joined hands with the Filipino people and American forces to resist Japanese occupation. They organized their own guerilla groups and gallantly engaged the enemy in actual combat, and in so doing, made them indelible contribution to international war.

The materials on display includes historical photos,charts, books, paper money, flag, medals, uniform, map and paintings.

San Pablo, Laguna massacre of hundred of innocent civilians among which are Filipino-Chinese  (painting)

mimeograph machine

Although far from being complete, these at least represent the veins of that period in history.

bas relief

The group was also lucky and got a chance to visit the balcony area, We were able to view a big portion of the cemetery and surrounding skylines.

Manila Chinese cemetery and immediate surroundings

Aside from tombstones, historical personalities, bird watching activities, jogging and biking. Manila Chinese Cemetery can boast of its own unique nice flora.

Note: Special “Thanks” to Mr. Roland Roman Roldan for some of the photos with watermarks, He is an online friend  used to work as a photographer and cameraman in a reputable media entity.