PCC Screens "GlorIFying History" to commemorate chinese-filipino resistance in wwii

   The event was hosted by Rigel Kent Solomon (12B) and Wai Yin Grace Lim (12B). The program started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China.

   Mr. Victor Lee, President of the Wha Chi Veterans Descendants Association, Inc., underscored history as an instrument of respect and consolation to our forefathers who fought bravely in the war.  He noted that the film contained personal experiences of the anti-Japanese guerilla warfare, their allegiance with Filipino troops, and the nightmares of the eye-watching MAKAPILI (a group of Japanese spies).  

   Dr. Polly Wee Sy, President of PCC, said that the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines supported Chinese language and cultural education, and activities. Previously, PCC and Wha Chi Veterans Descendants Association, Inc. held a Photo-Essay Exhibit in the school about the atrocities of Japanese to Chinese during the second world war. 

   Consul General Wang Yue of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines thanked the Wha Chi Veterans Descendants Association Inc., PCC, and all who attended the film viewing. He started his speech with the history of the Sino-Japanese war in China. In December 1941, Chinese ancestors in the Philippines collaborated with the Filipinos to resist the invasion of the Japanese. He said, “The achievements forged with the lives and blood of our ancestors, the contributions made by overseas Chinese to this land beneath our feet - so many touching stories should never be forgotten.” Finally, 

Consul General Wang wished that PCCians contribute to the deep bond of Chinese and Filipinos and progressive bilateral relations of China and the Philippines.  

   The documentary shed light on the bravery and sacrifices of Wha Chi, a battalion composed of Chinese youth who fought alongside Filipino soldiers against the Japanese forces. Wha Chi battled not only the enemies, but also the mountainous terrains of Sierra Madre. Veteran survivors told the life-and-death experiences as if history was yesterday. The narrated tortures, bloodbath, and sufferings of Filipinos and Chinese in the Open-City Manila disgusted PCCians as they watched how their forefathers were massacred. These accounts only strengthened the need for us to appreciate history and learn from the experiences of our predecessors. As Dr. Kotah said in her previous speech at the 102nd school anniversary reiterated, “Only by looking at the past can we transcend into the future.” 

Philippine Cultural College (formerly Philippine Chinese High School), having witnessed World War 2, is a foundation and a sturdy home for both Chinese and Filipinos. The building is not only a testament of its long history, but a facade of historical partnership with the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of the Philippines.

To conclude, the film not only highlighted the impact of the war but also reminded PCCians that even differences in culture and language would never be a barrier to solidarity, justice, and peace.