Six survivors of the liberation of Manila in February 1945 recounted how they made it through the heavy fighting which took place in every corner of the city in a documentary film.

The film entitled "Children of the War" directed by Mike Alcazaren was produced by the Memorare Manila 1945, Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation, Far Eastern University (FEU), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), CreatePH and Unitel Productions Inc.

It featured the experiences of Lourdes Reyes Montinola, Fely Zafra Reyes, Leopoldo de Guzman, Terry Suarez Sison, Nando Vasquez Frada and Ching Africa Caluag during the Battle of Manila 1945 as young children.

The youngest was Frada who was around five years old.

Frada was staying at De La Salle Taft where his parents and two brothers were also killed.

"When you see your mother and father being killed in front of your eyes that is something they don't tell you about. War is the worst thing that was invented", Frada said.

Montinola said: ''We would see them (Japanese) bring the men out and then burn the house or else take the men.''

''My father (Nicanor Reyes Sr., who headed Far Eastern University and did not survive) told us to be brave because the Japanese were there to kill us,'' she added.

Around 100,000 civilians were killed during the battle which partially destroyed the city.

Memorare Manila President Ma. Cristina Aboitiz said in a speech that "our role is to remember and to keep these memories alive so this never happens again".

"We hope you leave the theater with a greater understanding of the tragic consequences of war. Those consequences are real (and) not just something you see on the screen", Aboitiz added. Marie Manalili/DMS