pcc HOSTS PHOTO EXHIBIT MARKING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF WWII

The ceremony began with the singing of the Philippine and Chinese national anthems.

Mrs. Niu Siok Bee, Vice Chairwoman of the PCC Board of Directors, welcomed guests, teachers, and students, highlighting the importance of understanding World War II history by honoring the significant sacrifices of the Chinese nation in times of invasion. She hoped that PCCians would cherish the current peace and contribute to maintaining global peace in the future. In her speech, she underscored the heroic deeds of the revolutionary martyrs who deserved to be memorialized and remembered by Chinese-Filipinos. The photo exhibition was  not only a display of harsh lived experiences during the war, but the spirit and sacrifice of the Philippine and Chinese nations in the face of aggression. Mrs. Niu encouraged PCCians to learn from the past and cherish peace for the future.

Mr. Mariano Chua, President of the Philippine Amity Club, explained that the exhibition’s carefully selected historical images were chosen for the younger generations to witness the cruelties of war and, thus, understand the importance of peace. He stressed historical tragedies as foundations for a peaceful future. The exhibit covered the outbreak of war, support from Chinese-Filipinos, national unity, and post-war reconstruction. He asserted that only by remembering the past could tragedies be avoided and by respecting the past could peace be solidified.

   Mr. Victor Lee, President of the Wha Chi Descendants Association, reflected that this year marked three important events: the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist Victory, China’s 14-year Anti-Japanese War, and the Philippines’ three-year resistance against Japanese occupation. Mr. Lee reminisced how the Chinese community and its youth courageously fought alongside Filipino allies against the Japanese occupation eight decades ago. He added that the exhibition honored the heroes who sacrificed themselves to attain global peace. As descendants of the “Chinese-Filipino Guerillas,” Mr. Lee committed to continue what their forefathers did: to contribute to progress, prosperity, peace, and friendship between Chinese and Filipino people. 

   The formal ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Mr. Mariano Chua, President of the Philippine Amity Club; Mr. Wu Zhongzhen, Permanent Honorary Chairman of the Philippine Amity Club; Mr. Victor Lee, President of the Wha Chi Descendants Association; Mrs. Niu Siok Bee, Vice Chairwoman of the PCC Board of Trustees; and Dr. Sining Marcos Kotah, Vice President of PCC-Manila. Afterwards, PCCians entered the venue to view the exhibits.

   The three-day exhibition narrated not only the devastating effects of war, but more importantly how Chinese-Filipinos united for peace. The pictures served as powerful testaments to shared culture, ancestry, and experiences of the forefathers who fought to pass down the Chinese-Filipino identity to their descendants.