Unveiling of War of Our Fathers Exhibit (L-R): AFP Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner, PVAO Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Veterans Bank President Renato Claravall     BAGUIO CITY – This year’s Victory Day celebration was made more meaningful as Philippine Veterans Bank unveiled its traveling World War II exhibit entitled “War of Our Fathers: A Brotherhood of Heroes” at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center in Baguio City.   Launched in commemoration of the 78th Anniversary of the Surrender of the Japanese Forces led by Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita in Baguio City that also marked the end of World War II in the Philippines, the exhibit is a heartfelt tribute to the valor and sacrifices of World War II veterans. Additionally, with the launch of the exhibit on Victory Day, Veterans Bank hopes that this national holiday will receive the same amount of reverence and attention like that of that Day of Valor celebrated every April 9th and the Leyte Landing every October 20th.    Veterans Bank President Renato A. Claravall led the formal opening of the traveling exhibit along with the event’s guest of honor, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson. They were joined by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu.   A recipient of the prestigious Anvil and Gold Quill Awards, the War of Our Fathers exhibit features a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and stories that vividly recount the challenges and triumphs of the war era. Since 2006, the Veterans Bank Traveling Exhibit has been displayed in schools, museums, malls and other areas in over 40 cities and municipalities in the country and was also put on display at the Nanjing Museum in China in 2009. This year’s exhibit in Baguio City included specially-dedicated panels showcasing Baguio historical accounts that led to the end of World War II in the Philippines.   Additionally, a panel called A Brotherhood of Heroes, advocates that our modern veterans – men and women who have fought in other wars both here and abroad, who have helped citizens of other countries, and who have fought local enemies of freedom share common values with our WWII veterans – that of bravery, patriotism, and determination – hence, a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie despite the decades that separate both groups of heroes.   Visitors to the exhibit will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history that has shaped the nation.   The War of Our Fathers Exhibit will be open for viewing from September 3 to 12 at the lobby of the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.

Baguio City will witness a momentous event that blends history and sportsmanship. The inaugural Victory Day Ride spearheaded by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) slated on September 3, will take cycling enthusiasts and history aficionados on a journey to honor the sacrifices of World War II veterans and raise awareness about Baguio Victory Day.   Mike Villa-Real, PVB first vice president for marketing and communications, said “the enactment of R.A. 11216 in 2018, marks September 3rd of each year as a special working holiday, marking Yamashita’s surrender and Victory Day in the Philippines. This day in 1945 is clearly a significant historical event marking the success and along with it, the toil and sacrifices, of the soldiers of both the United States and the Philippines. However, it is not as well-known as the “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) commemorated April 9 each year.” Baguio City’s Congressional Representative Mark Go was the principal author of R.A. 11216.   Organized in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), City Government of Baguio, Wartime Heritage Guild Philippines (WHG), Without Limits, Salgado PR, this ride aims to foster a deeper understanding of the city's significant role during WWII while encouraging active participation in the sport of cyclists of all ages and backgrounds.   Inspired by the annual Ride for Valor that retraces the infamous Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride takes a different route, focusing on the historical sites and landmarks associated with Baguio City's role in World War II. Cyclists and participants will embark on a 44.5 kilometer route that meanders through the city's picturesque landscapes and historical spots, providing a unique opportunity to relive the past and honor the heroes who fought valiantly for freedom.   While the Ride for Valor primarily focuses on the Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride aims to balance the narrative by shedding light on the broader scope of World War II history in the Philippines. The Victory Day Bike Ride seeks to increase awareness about Baguio City's role during the war and give due recognition to the countless Filipino and American soldiers who fought for the country’s liberation.   PVB invites sports and cycling enthusiasts to join the Ride for Victory Day, a bike-for-a-cause event that aims to raise funds for the maintenance of the country’s historical markers and other World War 2 heritage sites.   The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes. Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace, and will also implement a "No Helmet, No Ride" policy to ensure the safety of the participants.   Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties, while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders' progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.   The non-competitive bike ride will have 5 pitstops: start at Baguio City Hall, First Stop, Camp Allen, Second Stop, USAFIP-NL Marker, Third Stop, Sablan View Deck, Fourth Stop, Fort Del Pilr (Philippine Military Academy), Fifth and Final Stop, US Embassy in Camp John Hay. Interested individuals may register online at https://bit.ly/victorydayride-regform while groups may email rideforvalor@gmail.com until September 1. Participants will receive an official event shirt, a race bib and passport, a loot bag, post-ride meal, and commemorative medal.   PVB is a private, commercial bank owned by World War 2 veterans and their families. With its new Charter signed into law, the Bank's ownership now includes Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees.                                      For more information about the event, follow Victory Day Ride on Facebook.