Rains fail to spoil "Talisay Landing"

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the rains, thousands still witnessed yesterday morning’s reenactment of the historic landing of the American and Filipino soldiers in the beach of Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City.

First district Rep. Eduardo R. Gullas, Mayor Socrates Fernandez and city officials were also there along with World War II veterans.

It has been 66 years since the Americans landed in Talisay to liberate Cebu from the Japanese during World War II.

Jun Lariosa said this year’s presentation was worth watching despite the fact that he went home soaked.

“Mas nindot ni ron kay murag tinuod, naa pay mga Hapon nga sundawo. Mura gyud og tinuod nga gubat,” said Lariosa.

That was the first time that Japanese characters were added to the drama. 

In the past presentations, only American and Filipino soldiers were seen planting bombs in the shore. They were also shooting at imaginary enemies.

City administrator Richel Bacaltos thanked Talisay City College cadets who played the Japanese soldiers and Filipinos who became casualties of the war.

The city government also took time to decorate the beach with nipa huts and banana trees to make the scene realistic.

The audience was also thrilled by three Philippine Air Force helicopters, a Huey and two assault choppers, that dropped “bombs” on the Japanese.

Members of the Naval Forces Central Command and the AFP played the American and Filipino soldiers.

The Philippine Army Explosive Ordnance Division was in charge of setting off explosives to add action to the reenactment.

Gullas said his House Bill. No. 529 or an Act Declaring March 26 of every year as a special non-working holiday in Cebu has already been made into law.

City Hall spokesman Arturo Bas said the city residents did not enjoy that privilege this year, however, as yesterday was a Saturday. — Liv G. Campo/BRP (THE FREEMAN)