By Precious Chyll Cabigan & Rae Margarette Sablaon | The Paulinian
Photos by Sofia Mari Lopez & Alvey Tyler Rabaya | The Paulinian
MANILA, Philippines — On February 3, 2026, a commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Battle of Manila was held in front of St. Paul University Manila’s Chapel of the Crucified Christ, marking its significance to the 1945 tragedy.
Built in 1927 and designed by Architect Andres Luna de San Pedro, the Chapel served as a refuge for civilians but was later destroyed during the war, leaving only the crucifix’s charred image standing amid the ruins. It was reconstructed in 1948 while retaining its original facade.
The event commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony to honor those who sacrificed their lives during the 1945 Battle of Manila. Representatives and dignitaries, including those from the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, St. Paul University Manila and the City Government of Manila, joined ambassadors from Canada, Japan, Australia, Spain, the United States of America, People’s Republic of China, New Zealand, and United States of Mexico to pay their respects and commemorate the fallen.
The wreath ceremony was followed by a short prayer led by Sr. Flordeliza Deza SPC, Head of the Paulinian Center for Culture and Heritage and Curator of the University Museum and Archives. She invoked the memory of those who suffered during the atrocities of war and emphasized the importance of historical consciousness among the community.
Welcome Remarks from Sr. Ma. Evangeline Anastacio SPC, University President, followed. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of remembering our past and honoring the lives sacrificed for freedom and dignity. “In an academic community such as ours, remembrance carries a deeper responsibility: to educate, to form conscience, and to ensure that history is not forgotten but transformed into wisdom for future generations,” she stated.
Shortly after, the St. Paul University Chorale serenaded the audience with “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” and “Alab ng Puso,” an original piece from their moderator and conductor, Prof. Oliver Rodriguez.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno followed with a speech, which he started with applauding the University Chorale’s excellent performance and acknowledging the ambassadors and dignitaries whose presence added depth to the commemoration. During his address, he reflected on the city’s darkest days during the war:
“… we gather today, not only to remember a date in history but to stand on sacred ground. A place that sheltered civilians during the darkest days of the Battle of Manila. 81 years ago, the city was devastated but also liberated. The cost was unimaginable, lives lost. Families were broken. A city reduced into rubble, and yet, from those ruins, Manila rose again.”
Resilience is not about forgetting the pain; it is choosing to rebuild despite the pain. We remember today, not to open wounds, but to learn to heal, and to choose peace…”
A reminder that commemorating the 81st Battle of Manila is not about opening wounds, but rather honoring the lives lost during the battle and how the city was able to rise back from its darkest time.
The 81st Anniversary of the Battle of Manila commemorates more than a historical event; it honors the enduring spirit of a people, who, despite chaos and destruction, continue to heal and rebuild.
SEE ALSO: The Paulinian’s recap on February 3, 2026, for the 81stCommemoration of the Battle of Manila, along with an exclusive interview of Manila mayor, Francisco “Isko” Domagoso | https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FzJGTruAY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
