There is a newfound air of nationalism among our people these days! Prepare to imbibe it in your home with an upcoming coffee table book that showcases the struggles and victory of Cebu in our country’s last war. The University of San Carlos (USC) Press is set to publish a 240-page book this month! News as to the date of the official release of the upcoming book, “The War in Cebu” is yet to be heard. For now, here’s a list of books that are also great tools to travel back in time and relive crucial moments in our history.
1.) “My Moments of War to Remember By” written by Jovito Abellana
This year’s release won’t be the first of its kind launched by USC Press. Jovit Abellana unapologetically wrote, “Those who I mentioned as hostile, cruel and violent can never accuse me of defaming them,” citing that they were listed as enemies by the Cebu Guerrilla Forces, Counter-Intelligence Corps (CIC), the People’s Court, and the War Crimes Commission. See World War II through the eyes of raw emotion of a survivor. Buy a copy at your local bookstore.
2.) “Cushing’s Coup: The True Story of How Lt. Col. James Cushing and His Filipino Guerrillas Captured a Japan Plan Z and Changed the Course of the Pacific War” by Dirk Jan Barreveld
An unforeseen event changed the fate of the world. Barreveld, a former professor from the University of San Carlos, narrates the events that led to the turning point of the World War II and turned the tide in the favor of the Allied Forces on this side of the globe. Get your heart-pumping with these life-changing historic events. Get your own copy from Amazon!
3.) “Tabunan: The Untold Story of the Famed Cebu Guerrillas of World War II” by Manuel F. Segura
The author, Manuel F. Segura, used information from different sources, including interviews with veterans he knew personally, to put together what is considered a record that is so complete than most. The Filipinas Heritage Library describes it has having “specifics not available elsewhere: personalities [from leaders to individual soldiers], battles, triumphs, losses, and the liberation of Cebu in 1945.” The book also includes maps and documents. This book covers the entire war from the beginning of the Japanese invasion to the guerilla warfare and reclaiming our freedom. Get to know our beloved Cebu inside out during the war. Visit your local library or the nearest bookstore.
4.) “Koga Papers: Stories of World War II in Cebu, Philippines” by Manuel F. Segura
In his second book, former Colonel Manuel Segura did not cite sources but as an officer during this period in history, provides “the Filipino perspective of the capture of the important Japanese Navy documents from the crash site” as the Filipinas Heritage Library describes. Experience the change of the tide of war from a frontliner. Ask your the local library or the nearest bookstore.
5.) “Surviving Hell: Surrender on Cebu” by Lieutenant Colonel William Miner
While Lt. Col. William Miner is not a Cebuano local, his personal account of the war deserves as much attention. Miner also shares his experience of being “taken prisoner for 39 months…losing every friend in his unit and suffering from torture and deprivation.” He also described his personal experiences with the locals and life here in Cebu.
One netizen, who reports that he’s a local Cebuano in his review, wrote that the book mentioned “many of the characters that Lt. Col. Miner mentions, many of whom I know or have known… It was a great (and pleasing) surprise to me to read the author describing and encounter in 1941 with my mother while on leave in the island of Cebu `a beautiful Spanish girl named Romana (Ramona) Corominas…The book also gives an `on the ground’ feel for life in pre-war Cebu.” The netizen claims to have never heard of the author prior to reading his book. It’s an amazing proof of how two worlds can cross at some point and share something personal without even realizing it. Get your copy of this memoir at Amazon.
Photo credits: Filipinas Heritage Library
