The books, written by 2 Filipinas with Hawaii ties, contribute new information to the story of the Pacific War. “Cadet, Soldier, Guerrilla Fighter: Remembering Bataan and Corregidor”, by Ms. Pepi Nieva, and “The Battle of Ising: the Untold Story of the 130th Infantry Regiment in the Liberation of Mindanao in the Philippines” by Ms. Marie Silva Vallejo, were launched at the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu on 29 November 2016. These books were based on the stories of the authors’ fathers, Antonio Nieva and Saturnino Silva, who were veterans during World War II. Both Nieva and Silva were awarded Bronze Stars for their service on behalf of the United States Armed Forces. Silva also a recipient of the Order of Purple Heart.

In her welcome remarks, Consul General Jamoralin conveyed that the two books are a welcome addition to the literature on Filipino veterans of World War II. She also recounted the story of her grandfather, who was in the Bataan Death March and later succumbed in Fort Santiago under the Japanese occupation. The Consul General said that she is currently trying to find more details on her grandfather's years in the Philippine military and his involvement in the war.

A Q&A, moderated by Dr. Patricio Abinales, Director of the CPS, and a book-signing, followed Ms. Nieva’s and Ms. Vallejo’s respective presentations on their books. Ms. Salome Calderon, member of the Hunter's ROTC Guerrilla, Intelligence Unit during the war, also addressed the audience and described how she searched for and submitted intelligence on the Japanese for US General Douglas McArthur.

The activity was attended by State Representative Romy Cachola, Filipino veterans, university students, and members of the Filipino community. (END).