Page 92 - Mastheads Jan-June 1945

PAGES THE MASTHEAD, SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1945 ---------------------------------------

Manila ... The Pearl of the Orient Before the Japanese Looted It and Set It Afire

MANILA PAID a terrific
price for her freedom, but
after three years-the Japs
occupied the capital early in
1942-she is at last freed
from enemy tyranny. As a
last resort, the Japs set Ma-
nila afire as the Yanks moved
in, reducing many part"s to
rubble and leaving a great
many people homeless. ( 1)
Manila's principal retail shop-
ping street is the Escolta,
lined with business houses
with half a dozen nationali-
ties. Trade closely follows
American patterns in the ·
Philippines, particularly in
the capital. American cars
are used almost exclusively.
Note that traffic passes to the left rather than
to the right. (2) An aerial view of the city, show•
ing points of interest. Notice how the Pasig river
almost cuts the city in half. (3) Cathedral of the
Immaculate Conception, dedicated December 21,
1581. Four times razed by quake and typhoon,
it is considered one of the most magnificent Cath-
ol ic edifices in the world. Note the intricate stone
carving around the entrances and the perfect
simplicity of the architecture. ( 4 ) This is a pho•
tograph of the historic Malacan Palace, executive
mansion of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, ( 5) These are the flame-swept, gutted buildings in the heart
which was reported seized by American troops of Manila's business district, set ablaze by Japs who put them
three years, one month, and three days after the to the torch as they fell back under merciless onslaught of
Japs occupied the capital on January 2, 1942. victor ious American troops.

(6) This Japanese propaganda poster furnishes some free amusement for th is
Luzon guerilla fighter, Sgt. Ramon Abres, a veteran of Bataan. Clothing is scarce
in the Philippines, as evidenced by the fighter's ragged coverings. (7 ) An Ameri-
can artillery battery scores a° direct hit on the wall barrier which surrounds " ln-
tramuros" or the older walled. section of Mani la. Japs took refuge here as Yanks
drove through M anila.