'Sonata for Our Heroes' to honor Fil-Am vets of WWII

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Consulate General in New York will present “Sonata for Our Heroes: Unsung Filipino WW II Veterans,” a unique photographic exhibit by top Filipino photographers from New York, New Jersey, California and Manila, from June 7 to 19 at the Philippine Center in Manhattan.

This event is a tribute to the veterans and the families of the deceased veterans, and to celebrate this year’s signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 by President Barack Obama that included among its provisions the long-overdue recognition of the Filipino veterans’ invaluable service to the US military during World War II.

Photographs were submitted from members of SINAG/The American Society of Philippine Photographers, the host organization based in New York and New Jersey; Camera Club of the Philippines, Manila; and FotoSeven, in southern California, along with Rick Rocamora of San Francisco and Jeryc Garcia from Manila.

 “‘Sonata for Our Heroes’ is the Philippine Consulate’s Independence Month showcase event, a photographic tribute to our veterans for their selfless fight for freedom,” notes Consul General Cecilia Rebong. “It is timely as well that it will run through June 19, the birth anniversary of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.”

“We are showcasing about 40 photographs, so this is a modest but united attempt by photographers of various locations to honor our Filipino heroes, whether they reside in America or the Philippines,” says Rene Ner of SINAG, the proponent of the exhibit. “The photographs may be serious, sad or lighthearted, but at heart the spirit is to celebrate our WW II veterans.”

Several veterans and their families are attending the exhibit opening, along with various diplomats and Fil-Am community leaders.

As part of the Independence Month celebration, the Consulate will also host a book launching on the Bataan Death March, on June 16, and kick off its Summer Cinema Festival of notable Filipino films or those set in the Philippines, such as “The Great Raid” starring Benjamin Bratt, James Franco, Joseph Fiennes and Cesar Montano. – Edmund Silvestre