Video 48

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): THE MANILA MASSACRE OF 1945--- THE NEAR-DEATH AND HORRIFIC EXPERIENCE OF CORAZON NOBLE/ UPDATED

Corazon Noble, a popular pre-war movie star almost got killed during the so-called "Manila Massacre" in 1945. She was mortally wounded, stabbed nine times with a bayonet from a Japanese marine. Her ten-month old baby brutally killed with three stab wounds. Here's her story---

At 10 o’clock in the morning of February 10, 1945, a Saturday, Corazon Noble, 26, Patrocino Abad in real life, arrived at the Red Cross headquarters on Isaac Peral street (now UN Avenue) in Ermita from her Makati residence. She had with her, her 10-month old baby girl, her two brothers and several cousins. At about 5 o’clock in the afternoon, Japanese marines with fixed bayonets approached the main entrance of the building. They were bent on killing everyone--- men, women, children, infants--- in their line of sight. Finding it locked, one of them fired through the wooden panel. A small girl who happened to be right behind the door inside fell, mortally wounded. The Japanese outside continued firing until the lock gave way.

When the Japanese crashed through the door, Noble was in the foyer by the main entrance, her baby in her arms. She stood rooted to the floor and watched in horror as a Japanese marine came in and aimed his rifle at her. She crept behind a nearby medicine cabinet, clutching her baby to her bosom. The medicine cabinet hid her body, but her right elbow stuck out. The Japanese fired, shattering Noble’s elbow. Leaning against the cabinet, she slid slowly to the floor.

The Japanese walked over to Noble, stabbed her nine times with the bayonet. She was hit in the chest, in the abdomen, in the back, a rib was shattered, her legs were slashed, and her arms were pierced. She tried to parry the thrusts, twisting here and there, screaming fearfully. She did not notice that her baby, stabbed three times, was dead in her arms.

Romano Abad, Noble’s brother, was in the backyard of the building when the shooting started. He clambered over the wall into a nearby property. Noble roused herself and crawled out into the backyard. Her brother saw her over the wall and came down to pick her up.
(Source: “Sword and Fire: The Destruction of Manila in World War II” by Alfonso Aluit)

Red Cross building circa 1945
(photo credit: John Tewell)

On November 12, 1945 in a powder blue ballroom of the partly ruined Manila residence once occupied by a US high commissioner, Major General R.B. Reynolds of the American Military Commission sat as the presiding judge to the trial of General Tomoyuki Yamashita --the so-called "Tiger of Malaya."

The first witness was a pretty, 26-year-old Filipina. In her testimony, she recalled that on February of 1945, in what was infamously known as the "Manila Massacre," she had taken refuge with her ten-month-old baby in a Red Cross Emergency Hospital.

At the confines of the hospice, four Japanese sailors had trapped her. One raised his rifle, fired, and wounded her in the elbow. Then, they bayoneted her.

"I was stabbed nine times," she said. "The baby was stabbed three times. When they were gone, I walked out the back door and gave her to my brother. I couldn't stand it any more."

"What happened to your infant child?" asked one of the five US generals in the commission. "She died," was all she said. Forty-two days later, on February 23, 1946 in Los Banos Prison Camp, Yamashita was hanged for his war crimes.

The valiant mother, who sought justice for the death of her child and some 50,000 Filipinos in the 30-day battle for Manila, was Corazon Noble, pre-war movie queen.

Corazon was Patrocinio Decano Abad in real life -- wife to actor Angel Esmeralda, elder sister to former actress Carmencita Abad, and mother to the late actor and heartthrob Jay Ilagan. She was a native of Gapan, Nueva Ecija. (by Gypsy Baldovino)

Sunday, January 18, 2026

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): CARMEN ROSALES, NORMA BLANCAFLOR, LIWAYWAY ARCEO, WITH FERNANDO POE, ELY RAMOS, JOSE PADILLA, JR., PRECIOSO PALMA, PEDRO FAUSTINO IN "TATLONG MARIA" (1944)

After the reported success of "The Dawn of Freedom," the Japanese decided it was time for Filipinos to produce an alternative cinema---other than that of Hollywood that has been the model for most Filipino films. Tsutumo Sawamura was tasked by the Japanese commission with uplifting the status of local movies. Sawamura wrote an adaptation of the Jose Esperanza Cruz novel, "Tatlong Maria." Gerardo de Leon was chosen to direct the film which starred Carmen Rosales, Norma Blancaflor, Liwayway Arceo, Fernando Poe, Sr., Ely Ramos and Jose Padilla, Jr. The movie extolled the virtues of living in the province and featured grand musical numbers staged at the Manila Hotel and the Jai Alai.

"Tatlong Maria" was shown simultaneously in five theaters on October 12, 1944. It was much ballyhooed all throughout its shooting. The New Philippines News, a newsreel team assembled by the Japanese, covered the shooting, showing three hundred girls preparing for musical numbers in the Winter Garden of the Jai-Alai and in the Manila Hotel. While it was successful, the film was released at a time when the Allies were moving to Manila. Martial law was declared and a curfew was imposed. Screening hours were shortened and evening shows were cancelled.

(Source: “War and its Aftermath in Philippine Cinema by Agustin Sotto)

"Tatlong Maria" (1944)

A Tatlong Maria Productions

Released thru Eiga Haikyusha

Release Date October 12, 1944/ Ideal, State, Times, Daitoa (formerly Capitol)

Direction Gerardo de Leon

Cast Carmen Rosales, Norma Blancaflor, Liwayway Arceo, with Fernando Poe, Ely Ramos, Jose Padilla, Jr., Precioso Palma, Pedro Faustino

The movie was advertised daily, for a week prior to the film's showing.

(The Tribune, October 7, 1944)

(The Tribune, October 8, 1944)

Synopsis--- The film centers on three sisters—Maria Fe, Maria Esperanza, and Maria Caridad—raised without favoritism despite having different mothers. On the eve of Maria Caridad’s wedding to Andres Diwa, her two elder sisters disrupt the ceremony over inheritance issues and lure her to Manila, where she resists an unwanted suitor. After returning to the province to fulfill her dying mother’s wish, Caridad marries Andres, but the couple later loses their home and struggles in Manila before drawing inspiration to rebuild their lives on a modest inheritance. Years later, the fortunes of the two elder sisters collapse, leading them into poverty. Moved by compassion, Andres rescues them and brings them back to the province, where the family is reunited in a joyful celebration

(The Tribune, October 10, 1944)

(The Tribune, October 11, 1944)

(The Tribune, October 12, 1944)

Friday, January 16, 2026

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, FERNANDO POE, ANGEL ESMERALDA, NORMA BLANCAFLOR, ROSA AGUIRRE IN "DAWN OF FREEDOM" (1944)

In December 1942, the Japanese centralized film production and distribution under Eiga Heikusa to control imported films and promote war propaganda. Its launch featured "Toyo no Gaika," a documentary showcasing Japanese military victories in the Philippines. Film became a key tool in advancing the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere by discrediting American influence, promoting Japan as Asia’s leader, and reshaping Filipino identity.

To further these aims, the Japanese produced a major propaganda film directed by Abe Yutaka, with Filipino filmmaker Gerardo de Leon as collaborator. Shot from March to August 1943 using Japanese actors and Filipino prisoners of war, the film dramatized the American withdrawal from Manila. Premiering in Tokyo in February 1944 under the title "Ano Hatte O Utte," it was later released in the Philippines as "The Dawn of Freedom" (Liwayway ng Kalayaan) and was officially premiered in March 1944 with prominent Philippine and Japanese officials in attendance.

"Dawn Of Freedom" (1944)

A Toho Super Production

Release Date March 8, 1944/ Lyric and Ideal Theatres

Direction Abe Yutaka

Cast Leopoldo Salcedo, Fernando Poe, Angel Esmeralda, Norma Blancaflor, Rosa Aguirre

Synopsis: The film begins with Manila being declared an open city. Three Filipino officers—Capt. Reyes (Leopoldo Salcedo), Capt. Gomez (Fernando Poe), and Lt. Garcia (Angel Esmeralda)—prepare to join the retreating American forces bound for Bataan. In emotional farewells, they part from their families. Before leaving, Lt. Garcia’s younger brother, Tony, asks for a keepsake: an enemy helmet.

As the Americans hastily abandon Manila in speeding vehicles, Tony is nearly run over while trying to snatch a Japanese leaflet. He is rescued by Ikejima, a Japanese soldier, who takes him to the hospital. Over time, a friendship grows between the two, leading Tony’s mother to develop trust in the Japanese.

At the front, Filipino soldiers suffer harsh treatment from their arrogant American superiors, causing unrest in the camp. Capt. Gomez eventually strays into a Japanese encampment and is struck by the compassion shown by those he had been taught to regard as invaders. Gradually, he becomes a vocal supporter of the Japanese.

The other two officers meet tragic fates. Lt. Garcia is sent on patrol and ambushed by his own suspicious American commanders. He dies clutching an American helmet, later recovered by Capt. Gomez. Capt. Reyes, meanwhile, is shot by retreating American soldiers who had taken refuge in a tunnel; as he lies dying, he manages to kill the treacherous commander.

In the final scene, after the Americans are successfully driven out, Capt. Gomez bids farewell to the Japanese soldier. He then presents Tony with the promised souvenir, bearing a note written by his late brother: “This is the helmet of the enemy.”

============================================

The movie was advertised daily for 2 weeks prior to the film's showing.

(The Tribune, February 22- 27, 1944)

(The Tribune, March 1, 1944)

(The Tribune, March 2, 1944)

(The Tribune, March 3, 1944)

(The Tribune, March 4, 1944)

(The Tribune, March 5, 1944)

Thursday, January 15, 2026

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ JANUARY, FEBRUARY 1944

By early 1944, Allied forces were intensifying preparations for a major invasion expected later in the year. Even amid such uncertainties, stage shows continued.

(The Tribune, January 15, 1944)

(The Tribune, January 29, 1944)

(The Tribune, February 12, 1944)

(The Tribune, February 29, 1944)

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

THE WAR YEARS (1942-1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 1943

Toward the end of 1943, despite prevailing hardships, stage shows remained active and resilient. Reports of air attacks were closely monitored, the public was instructed to follow precautionary measures, and air-raid drills were regularly conducted.

(The Tribune, November 10, 1943)

(The Tribune, November 30, 1943)

(The Tribune, December 18, 1943)

(The Tribune, December 31, 1943)

Sunday, January 11, 2026

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ AUGUST, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 1943

Stage shows continued to thrive and were still very much alive and vibrant during the latter part of 1943. As all theatres were fully booked with their series of shows, a new president, Jose P. Laurel was elected on September 26 under a new government, known as a second Philippine Republic, a "Japanese-run state," which was established on October 14.

(The Tribune, September 26, 1943 and October 14, 1943)

(The Tribune, August 7, 1943)

(The Tribune, August 13, 1943)

(The Tribune, August 21, 1943)

(The Tribune, August 28, 1943)

(The Tribune, September 8, 1943)

(The Tribune, September 21, 1943)

(The Tribune, September 28, 1943)

(The Tribune, October 2, 1943)

(The Tribune, October 13, 1943)

(The Tribune, October 26, 1943)

Friday, January 9, 2026

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ JUNE AND JULY 1943

The show must go on, even amid uncertainty. Despite the ongoing war, stage shows remained vibrant and full of life.

(The Tribune, June 10, 1943)

(The Tribune, June 24, 1943)

(The Tribune, June 29, 1943)

(The Tribune, July 3, 1943)

(The Tribune, July 24, 1943)

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, ESTER MAGALONA IN LAMBERTO AVELLANA'S "BUKANG LIWAYWAY" (1943)

Big name stars like Rogelio de la Rosa, Leopoldo Salcedo, Fernando Poe, Carmen Rosales, Norma Blancaflor, Elsa Oria, Angel Esmeralda, Rosario Moreno, Puguing and Tuguing, Gregorio Ticman, among others were appearing in big theaters. Fans would lined up at Life Theater to watch Rogelio dela Rosa, Carmen Rosales at Strand, Fernando Poe at State Theater or Leopoldo Salcedo at Avenue Theater.

Stage plays were performed mostly daily and acted on by Salcedo. Most were directed by Lamberto Avellana.

Trivia--- Avellana felt reassured in returning to his first love, the theater, and he was allowed to direct the Philippine Artists League, but with a Japanese monitor. One time he was ordered to stage a Japanese play called "Bukang Liwayway" as a propaganda piece. It starred Leopoldo Salcedo as a Filipino guerrilla who had been captured by the Japanese. However, during the dramatic scene of his interrogation, he elicited supportive catcalls from the audience, distressing the Japanese monitor who ordered Salcedo to be replaced. Yet even with a different actor, the audience had the same emotional response, prompting the Japanese to shut down the play for good.

(Source- An Exodus from Philippine Cinema to Live Theater/ Philippine Cinema (1897-2020) by Gabriel A. Vibal and Dennis S. Villegas)

(The Tribune, March 6 and 10, 1943)

Some of Leopoldo Salcedo's stage appearances

(The Tribune, 1942 and 1943)

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): LEOPOLDO SALCEDO, ESTER MAGALONA, CARLOS PADILLA, FRED CORTES, DEANNA PRIETO, GREGORIO TICMAN AND ANITA LINDA (IN HER FIRST SCREEN APPEARANCE) IN "TIA JUANA" (1943)

LVN Pictures’ Tia Juana, one of the few films completed or partially finished before the outbreak of the war, held its first public screening in 1943. Directed by Lamberto Avellana, the film starred Leopoldo Salcedo, Ester Magalona, Carlos Padilla, Fred Cortes, Deanna Prieto, and Gregorio Ticman. It also marked the screen debut of Anita Linda, then hailed as the “vibrant stage sensation.”

The movie was released and shown at Lyric Theater, May 27, 1943.

Monday, January 5, 2026

THE WAR YEARS (1942- 1945): "THE GOLDEN AGE OF PHILIPPINE THEATER"/ ROGELIO DE LA ROSA, NORMA BLANCAFLOR, WITH KATY DE LA CRUZ, TUGUING & PUGUING, BIMBO DANAO, JOSE CRIS SOTO, BAYANI CASIMIRO, REBECCA GONZALES AND AN ALL-STAR CAST IN "BULAG NA PAG-IBIG" (1943)

After their successful stage appearance in "Si, Si Señorita," Rogelio de la Rosa and Norma Blancaflor came back to the theater in "Bulag na Pag-ibig," marking their first dramatic roles onstage. Billed as a gripping drama of love and prejudice, the production was presented by Filipinas Revue and directed by Gregorio Fernandez. The cast also featured Katy de la Cruz, Puguing and Tuguing, Bimbo Danao, Jose Cris Soto, Bayani Casimiro, and others.

The stage play smashed all previous box-office records and was hailed as "their greatest dramatic triumph." It ran for 5 weeks at Life Theater, from May 4 to to June 24.

(The Tribune, May 4, 1943)

(The Tribune, May 22, 1943)

(The Tribune, May 29, 1943)

(The Tribune, June 24, 1943)