Raja Sulayman, one of the local chieftains who resisted the Spanish conquest of Manila in the 16th century, is commemorated with a monument in a plaza facing the Manila Bay. Sculptor Eduardo Castrillo envisioned an indignant figure wielding a kris and a shield (not in photo). The monument was installed in 1976.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
Both disturbing and emancipating, Nana Rosa is a play about the elderly Rosa Henson (1927–1997) coming out after four decades of silence regarding her ordeals as a comfort woman during the Pacific War. The fight for acknowledgement of comfort women continues to this day in East and Southeast Asian countries. The play is written by Rody Vera and the premiere is directed by José Estrella for UP Playwrights’ Theatre.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
Working early in the morning, this vendor waits on the side hoping to sell quick food and water to motorists whenever the traffic light turns red.
Photo by I.R. Arenas
Visual Tales 