BAGUIO CITY – A photo and multimedia exhibit of World War II and present-day photographs of the Summer Capital was opened to the public at the Lower Basement of SM City Baguio on April 21, 2025.
The exhibit titled “80 & Still Free” celebrates the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Baguio City from Japanese occupation.
Local photographers, scale model creators from the International Plastic Modelers Society – Baguio, and researchers collaborated to showcase historical information about the city during the war through models, relic displays, and edited photographs that show a comparison of it’s past and present.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony were the exhibit contributors, Executive Assistant IV of the City Mayor’s Office Benjamin A. Macadangdang, PMA Assistant Superintendent Brigadier General Paulo C Teodoro PAF, and SM City Baguio Mall Manager Michael Jason N. Pena.
Project leader Atty. Samuel Gallardo of the Department of Trade and Industry said the exhibit was conceptualized as a way of teaching future generations about World War II and its effect on the country.
“We also have very important lessons to learn when it comes to standing up for freedom, justice, and equality among nations,” he said.
Macadangdang said in his opening message: “This exhibit is a reminder of our city’s enduring spirit. How Baguio, once caught in horrors of war, rose from ashes to become a beautiful, resilient, and enjoyed city by people all over the world. We are reminded of how history lives all around us.”
The Baguio photographers who collaborated for the project include Manuel Afable, Christine Constantino, Monch David, Atty. Joel Dizon, Jayson Jaylo, Christopher Panapan, Julian Okubo, Ric Maniquis, Conrad Rotor, Mika Salazar, Carl Taawan, and Art Tibaldo and Neil Clark Ongchangco of the city’s public information office.
The exhibit is open to the public from April 21 to May 5, this year. – Katrina Garcia/PIO Baguio Intern/gk
