LAST FILM FOOTAGE OF MANILA, PHILIPPINES BEFORE U.S. INVASION IN WWII PASIG RIVER 46904

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Released in 1946, this black & white educational film from "Library Films" purports to show some of the last footage of Manila prior to the outbreak of WWII. In 1945, as U.S. forces under MacArthur worked their way towards Manila from Leyte, the city became a battleground. As the notes at the beginning of the movie make clear, most of the beautiful buildings shown in the film were completely destroyed during the siege.
Opening titles: Library Films Inc presents Manila (followed by a crawl that explains why Manila is in shambles after WW2) (:06-:50). Pan Am Airlines seaplane comes in for a landing at Cavite. Manila is built along the Pasig River. Bridges span the river. Buildings. Busy streets are filled with native taxicabs. 1572 was when the old city of Manila was founded. A great wall was built around the old city (:51-2:33). Legislative building. University of the Philippines. People walk through a park. Well dressed maidens with men. People take canoes down a river. Three people maneuver a boat through dangerous river rapids (2:34-4:18). Rapids continue and the boat makes its way down river. Water becomes calmer and boat slows as the men reach Pagsanjan Falls. The falls of Pagsanjan Falls. Mountains of Northern Luzon (4:19-5:32). Rice terraces. Sides of mountains. The Banaue rice terraces are a system of irrigated rice terraces in the mountains of north-central Luzon, that were created more than 2,000 years ago by the Ifugao people. Little villages of stone houses. Natives in the mountains, the Igorot people. A native plays an instrument with his nose. Men and boys of the tribe (5:33-7:28). Women harvest rice. Men carry the rice on long poles, the women continually turn the bunches to dry in the sun. The women have tattoos on their arms. Hand looms are used to make clothing. A feud between tribes has resulted in one tribe capturing a head from another. The tribe dances around the head as a signal of victory. The 'head dance' is performed (7:29-9:22). The tribe reenact how the head came in to their possession (9:23-9:45). End credits (9:46-9:55).
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit www.PeriscopeFilm.com

[@jeraldine_JhieOicer]

Im glad that you have and uploaded this old film of manila and some other parts of the Philippines. Many Filipino youngsters nowadays didnt know some of Philippine History. This old film is so educational ❤😊👌

[@emmanuellasam3064]

It was sad that after the war, Manila's glory was not restored.

[@IvanDmitriev1]

There's another movie here from the same time period, I helped process, of a shopping street - it's still the same in 2020 as it was in 1945 (and probably 1930ies when the street was built-up). I'd say that whatever was built in the aftermath, in Manila, is good.

[@cashewnuttel9054]

Because flips are incompetent, that's why.

[@solus2074]

It was because the Americans focused their rebuilding operation on Japan instead of the Philippines.

[@cashewnuttel9054]

@@solus2074 You did want "independence" after all. Part of being independent is to build up your home, on your own.

[@nathanj1474]

@@cashewnuttel9054 well part of independence also meant foreign government not intervening in elections even when a candidate advicates for less dependence on said foreign government.

[@josephleonard6695]

A Manila we might never see again 😭😭😭 I would have loved to see Manila restored, but I can't blame Quezon too for building another city.

[@melancholy9236]

still blaming him

[@johnrackham8429]

blame sanji iwabuchi and yamashita

[@yanduro3434]

panahong di pa sinasakot ng mga dayuhang bisaya at mindanao ang maynila 🤣

[@bulbulitobayagbagan9633]

This is the reason why we are a broken country, we might look "united" but our roots, traditions and culture are gone, we are supposed to have a "tribal" root and not Spaniards or Americans. I get it, we are just a victim of colonization but think about it. And this is the reason why lots of youth today, look at different rich cultures such as South Koreans, Japanese, and Americans. I may be guilty about that, but I can't imagine if we can just have our own traditional style, I mean look at the Japanese, their craftsmanship, arts, music, and everything is as fine as wine. We are in the modern world but you can still see their styles and culture modernizing too. I wish we could have something like that, that is pronounced and bold. But sadly, I think this is it now, we can't do anything about this. Even our ancestors are not being respected nowadays, most Badjaos try to blend in the city ending up becoming homeless, Aetas losing their lands because of these rich people who are not even from our country, and other tribal groups are vanishing. Imagine having a country that is culturally rich but modernized. It's gonna be amazing. But it is lost.

[@cooljeffrox]

Blame the Americans, they bombarded the City to stray away the Japanese..

[@beboyhallarces1054]

4:09 - 4:18 I can hear kuya saying "Putang Ina" as he smack the water with his paddle. HAHAHHAHAHAA

[@johnlucas6683]

HAHAHAHAHA Had to comment the same. Napahiya eh!

[@IvanDmitriev1]

Great piece of historical footage!

[@scottytv1]

Great footage and history. Wow the narrator even pronounced Cavite properly.

[@MikaelaCelestineAnneMarc-oy8hw]

The Filipino-American war of 1899-1902 is often overshadowed by the Japanese occupation. So its important to know that both occured because of imperialistic interests.

[@purplemango8859]

Really sad to see the past. There will always be a constant wonder of what could have been.

[@Shiroya_Rumika]

Ang linis Ng Pilipinas noon

[@frediejovellano8666]

Manila the fresh moments from the past are very Inspirational to remember!!

[@IvanDmitriev1]

3:32 PiNa cloth and bamboo cloth are actually in high demand for sustainably manufactured breathable and natural clothing .

[@mayhelenpaner574]

great you have uploaded the real manila before WW 11

[@aaron1983]

We were always so happy and friendly. Let's make our country beautiful again!

[@Brad-ih5zh]

All the Filipinos should do is never to put another Duterte in Malacanang

[@strawberrysunburst6113]

I doubt this country will ever face another chance of international recognition, not that we need it, but it definitely makes a lot for identity. No country has a perfect ruler, nor a perfect nation, only a better quality of life that usually varies from one person to another. All these dreams will remain as stupendous daydreams. Nothing will change unless someone is fierce and crazy enough to oppose a disfunctional yet united by greed government. The only reason why our ancestors managed to survive the oppression was because of their courage to seek the change. Not sought them, but to enforce them. But all that was lost when Filipinos started fighting and betraying each other because of their different visions for the country, or maybe, for their selfish agendas. It would be nice to hear the old title of our contry, no, "Tiger of Asia". Good times, but no point seeking something that can no longer be regained in the present. You can keep your prayers and words, but none will change. Real change comes from the most difficult and dehumanizing decision, and most importantly, action. Don't get me wrong, I would love to see this country again as a great nation it once was. But we should stop convincing ourselves with lies that this country is growing when in fact it never grew forward. You only need to visit the slums once to see my point.

[@tristan_840]

​@@Brad-ih5zhbut vvm is now in position

[@blackfootindian8258]

@@strawberrysunburst6113 Maybe you're right that this country is having difficulty in the means of substantially moving forward as a whole nation. But all we need is a nationalistic view pertaining to this nation and a few likeminded men to alter the course of our history for forever. We have been living a lie and the people should see for what we really are. Uneducated voters, Political families, and useless intergovernmental drama and much more. All of this the cause of bureaucracy within the flaws of democracy. I aspire one day that we can all work as a collective and take back what was rightfully ours. We mustn't be ignorant towards the heaviest challenges we're facing nowadays, but we must harness the pent up rage and anger rightly so. For we must destroy the rotting foundation of this governance and rebuild a new one. Everything is only too hard without the probable support and acceptance of the majority. And even then, the truth will never be hidden. It's always infront of us.

[@AG-xp2ql]

Malabo yan, sa dami ng BOBOTANTE sa pinas.

[@juanchofrancois5369]

My family mansion in Ermita is one of the last surviving heritage mansions in the Philippines. We did our very best to restore it back to its original grandeur with all integrity to perfection. The modern generation today no longer appreciates the surviving 20th to 17th century filipino heritage. Most of them now aspire to inferior modernist ideals that lack quality - from houses to clothing - reflects their declining morals and decadence.

[@ApriFoat]

What’s the exact location

[@davemejia]

Where is it? My wife and I just love old houses. My father's family's ancestral house in San Juan was built pre war. Unfortunately it is currently being relocated.

[@mariacuachon3906]

Thank you 😊

[@elleni4499]

Wow,thank you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@oliviolanza1933]

The "real" Manila is gone, destroyed by war.

[@ediatmelb]

So heartbreaking......lost so much because of foreign invasions

[@kimarnina]

Agree. We are taken advantage of. Other exploited and war torn countries took that as an opportunity to rebuild their better version though. In the case of the Philippines, we went downhill from there. Even decades after liberation... just look at the PH especially when compared to our neighboring countries as a benchmark. It’s on us now. Everyone’s responsible. We should start with discipline which a lot of Pinoys lack.

[@mingtala8467]

Tama....At yung tumulong sa atin kuno ay sya pang nangb0mba sa ating bansa.

[@marigirlmiranda1885]

Restore the glory of manila..

[@carloa.portugal7859]

Wow 😲.😳 Amazing

[@silverado7269]

Manila is most beautiful during the spanish period and i would always remember her that way

[@donniebrasco99]

Intramuros was the Spanish Manila. All the other buildings and infrastructure were built by the Americans.

[@buggiemara4902]

Wow you were already alive back then to remember?

[@ytchannel6569]

Are you 150 years old?

[@nowhererealm]

I prefer my life in 1520s Cebu but thats just me. Either way, big ups to my fellow immortal!

[@Realhistoryforkids]

If we are under US colony for 20 more years after the WW2 we might be very powerful country today Philippines have big budget during that time

[@lachlanbird9688]

Interesting...!

[@OmegaSupreme711]

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas

[@taurusguy9305]

Mga ganitong kaalaman dapat ang pinapanood ng mga kabataan ngayon para mas maka relate sila sa kasaysayan natin.

[@itsmelyriccccc239]

Wow the pasig river was so beautiful that time 😮❤❤

[@seanedwards8406]

When the Pasig didnt look like a sewer

[@Shadowcu123]

Shows the resilience between the American and Filipino people forever old allies!! 🇺🇸🤝🇵🇭

[@cosmoray9750]

What allies. Which part of " rules-based order " did you not understand. USA makes the rules and the Philippines carry out the order. I don't see Filipino's military bases in the America's but I do see over 5 American military bases in the Philippines. The Spanish came and colonized what we known as the Philippines. Then the American came and the Filipino thought American came to liberate the people from the Spaniard but they turned out to be the new colonial masters. Finally with reluctance the American granted the Philippines autonomy. However the Philippines today is a vassal of the USA and majority of the people has Stockholm syndrome. The End.

[@moviehouse8883]

is order attainable without rules? How does that work?@@cosmoray9750

[@kyleblankiv7589]

The Philippines doesn't have an army capable of overseas bases...

[@ZombieWindex]

@@cosmoray9750traitor

[@4strings707]

@@cosmoray9750 Why would there be a Philippine base in America. Their military is nothing compared to the US. The PI should've just remained attached to the US like PR or USVI. Their "independence" has been her downfall.

[@johnlucas6683]

4:11 Full of thrills alright! Ramdam na ramdam ko na malutong na mura kasunod nang happenings kay ginoong sir. Hahahaha

[@frediejovellano8666]

If you remember the past you know your real Families roots!!!

[@fides249]

Notice the flow of traffic. It is on the left side of the road similar to British roads including Hongkong and Singapore

[@adamlook798]

I have a milatary American freiend and he kept calling Philippines "P.I." instead of PH until i realized they abbreviated Philippine Islands

[@bulletsupremo1676]

Is he confusing UST w/ UP? But anyways, this is a treasure. I hope they keep this video, keep remastering it, make lots of copies.

[@melelona7678]

I think what he said was UP was the oldest under US colonial rule.

[@fernangervi1478]

Amazing Philippines!!!

[@joeverywhere6927]

I love it how we filipinos always blame foreign invaders for what happened to Philippines, how is it other countries are able to rebuild??? I blame us pinoys for what has happend and is continuing to happen to us, we pinoys are to blame

[@arnonaliemersola8095]

Ang Ganda pla ng tubig s pasig nun linaw. Kakalungkot ngaun sobrang labo n at wla ng mga mggndang boat na passenger dahil cgUrO s dumadami Ang population ng pilipinas kaya kung Saan² nlng tumitera kaya apektado Ang pasig rever

[@709sheep.master]

Most expensive fabric in the world, the philipine dress or national dress dur to its refine and authetic hand made. Hope we can still produce that clothes. You see the manila is very rich a first class society. But because of leftist they destrol the philippines, sad reality.

[@nikolairomanoff6969]

When corruption and nepotism in the government is nonexistent

[@kamotetops1572]

"When corruption and nepotism in the government is nonexistent" - 🤣

[@truth-12345.]

So Pasig River was once clean back in the day?

[@nicolasbradley5838]

Love you.

[@r2rx2fer]

When was this?

[@alleycat931]

@4:14 bangkero on rage

[@robbydad4321]

Ok that was in the past. It will never come back. What do we do now to improve the country?

[@mellcabs8017]

Parang Europe Ang Pinas Nung Time Na Yan😮😮😮

[@Oneandonly629]

I live from cavite

[@firmans4435]

rizal montalban

[@saintjames4944]

How about in color? What would manila/philippined pre ww2 look like in color?

[@cooljeffrox]

Piña cloth is developped by filipinos not by latin america...

[@espedidosgs]

Only the first half of the video is about Manila, the rest are already outside Manila. Just saying because it's not aligned with the title of the video.

[@treblac9168]

Tama ka! Pero pag sinabing Manila tumutukoy siya sa kabuuan ng isang bansa kaya ang ipinakita ay ang buong bansa.

[@mingtala8467]

Igorot man were the head hunters?? WRONG! Criminal Spanish and the British were and are the head hunters, NOT the Igorot.

[@user-dg2jz1gi5s]

Moron! Idioto! Igorot is known for headhunting! It is part of their culture and tradition!

[@leonardwaga]

true, the footage was also released on 1946, not before the US Invasion that the title claims

[@mingtala8467]

Tama.

[@SuperBajafresh]

The Head Dance, duh...mmm.

[@steigerph]

It was the time where driving in the left side of the road

[@justinnamuco9096]

American description of almost the exact same Filipino customs: During Philippine-American war, i.e., before American rule: *slander galore* During American rule: *majestic glorification*

[@joshuam.6027]

while still calling indigenous tribes as "exotic savages"

[@najgarcia410]

@@joshuam.6027 ..pansin ko rin.

[@Justin_isslpng]

Philippines is literally the best country for commerce back then as it is in between two major seas...

[@MajorTomPhil]

Did he say "1605" for UP?

[@KakueiAraral]

1611 UST 1908 UP

[@Brad-ih5zh]

I think the title is misleading

[@elizaldeeva2672]

Pilipino ang matapang sa buong mundo

[@MrCoreNumber]

Lol, hindi nga maka palag sa china. Matapang ba yan.

[@rosemynnepatris7565]

🙂

[@johnchristiancruz1413]

So that was the original agawan buko.

[@dealpha3698]

Panahong Paris nang asia pa tayo 😄

[@ramsari3811]

When American came The story has changed

[@NotReallyAHiro]

Manila got that Violet Evergarden aesthetic

[@Kaede-rh2zy]

nah

[@emelindaferrer4455]

1898*

[@kikimbrown]

The US already invaded the Philippines even before WWII, thus you can see American style buildings and cars. It was the Japanese who invaded it during WWII

[@dellcruz2818]

at time time RACIAL DISCRIMINATION against filipinos in USA is at its height.. read AMERICA IS IN THE HEART by carlos bulosan

[@davehconner]

After the war, Japan paid $500K to the Philippines as reparations. That's one dollar for each Filipino who died as a direct result of the Japanese occupation. That would be a joke if it was not such an insult.

[@waltertodd4479]

Lots of angst in the comments here from all groups. Whats that all about?

[@will-i-am-not]

Sadly the prospect of making a beautiful city again never happened, and the film is not about manila, its more like a tourist video in the 40s

[@ytando2131]

Tartarian buildings in ph

[@clerami23]

Kung makahampas si kuya sa tubig haha

[@bbshrimps]

I wonder what the air smelled like back then...now it smells like piss and shit and stinky sewers and air pollution. How depressing.

[@avalanchebuilders]

What happened to all the parks? LOL

[@monkeyman6038]

First vloger of manila?

[@CanoManuelGonzaga]

Who destroyed Manila?

[@bmona7550]

The US and Japan in WWII. The Americans also gave early independence. They mostly did that so they don't have to fully pay to restore Manila (2nd most bombed, very expensive to restore).

[@CanoManuelGonzaga]

@@bmona7550 Tell me of any country that the US "liberated" and built again? I'm not being a racist, but give me facts.

[@mcea3852]

@@SanTropez680Can you elaborate??? So, is the Japanese invasion and the historical fact stating that Manila was the 2nd most devastated city in the world after Warsaw a hoax? Please enlighten us. ☺️🙄

[@royrendon1726]

BEFORE U.S. INVASION OR JAPANESE INVASION ?

[@Me-fm9zk]

Beautiful Pasig river!🤣

[@brendanlow4042]

Philippines could've been a Europe Japanese country

[@leonardwaga]

description says it was released in 1946. how is this footage before the US invasion lol.

[@alcohkid]

What if the Philippines was proclaimed the 51st US state? sad😊

[@joaoantonio1279]

they even use a fake music on the Igorot dance..

[@antivaushistischeaktion4690]

Pasig river... more like Plastic river.

[@wanderingbufoon]

Invasion? Taking their own territory is invasion?

[@user-cr6vl4zi6t]

this is america in asia!

[@almorabe4033]

mali caption mo, boy. dapat pinas before Japanese invasion during WW2. dang it

[@mingtala8467]

Igorot men were the head hunters?? WRONG! Criminal Spanish and British were and are the head hunters, NOT the Igorot men.

[@user-dg2jz1gi5s]

Moron! Idioto! Igorot is known for headhunting! It is part of their culture and tradition!

[@johnlucas6683]

Si Apo Whang-Od kilala mo? Ang tinatattoo nya alupihan. Mas maraming alupihan pag mas maraming napugutan. There were Igorot headhunters. Sila lang atang mga mandirigma na taga bundok ng Norte ang di napasok ng mga mananakop sa Pinas.

[@pebrero8]

It's amazing how all the comments here didn't pick up this colonial narrative. It's a perfect example of ethnography that doesn't consider bias or points of view of the narrator/creators of the documentary. "This touch of savagery combined with the tropical beauty... makes this a land of travel magic." 🙄 Colonisers are the real savages!

[@mingtala8467]

@@pebrero8 Agree.

[@petemarquez6370]

USA LEFT THE CITY 😅N SHAMBLES WHILE THEY ASSIST RECONSTRUCTION JAPAN

[@aphilippinesadventure9184]

Ah, I don't think the Moro ever ruled Luzon....

[@edgregory1]

How dare you not title it "Manila before the Liberation!!!!!!!

[@norabatungbacal6636]

Philippines shpuld never have pursued independence. Only the rich benefitted and itmqas downhill from there.

[@CrookedJoeBiden]

🇵🇭 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 🇺🇸

[@mysterycharm03]

you mean japanese?

[@jeksixten5751]

It's the Liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese..

[@maneyisgg]

Bruh iam not Born yet on the 1930's 😊

[@boaoftheboaians]

And then the Japanese came and destroyed most of those buildings

[@porkysharma8423]

A "gift" from America I suppose.

[@armingollontoc2242]

If i'm not mistaking the destruction of those buildings was caused by heavily bombardment by the american during the liberation of once the famous and beautiful Manila.

[@georgebenta3435]

The Americans bombed manila flat to save their soldiers from the Japanese holding Manila, similar to what the AFP did in Marawi. Bombs are cheaper than lives.

[@donniebrasco99]

@@armingollontoc2242 Its because the commander of the Japanese naval force that was left in Manila didn't obey General Yamashita's order to leave the city and retreat to the mountains. If only that commander followed orders, Manila would have been spared of bombardment from the Americans. Besides the bombardment by the Americans, Japanese forces also set fire to buildings and houses as part of their last hurrah of terror. Besides burning parts of the city, the Japanese also managed to rape women and kill civilians during the battle of Manila. Those Japanese soldiers were savages.

[@armingollontoc2242]

@@donniebrasco99 You did a good research.iv'e almost forgot our history coz things really changed when you aged.Japanese isn't that bad like they were before they are literally a good citizen now.

[@andrearoces8597]

THE TIME WHEN THE PHILIPPINES WAS SECOND OF THE RICHEST COUNTRY IN ASIA. THE TIME WHEN OUR ANCESTORS ENJOYED LIFE IN PROSPERITY.

[@BadtobbyBad]

Only oligarch are live in prosperity those time. Not all Filipino,

[@siegmac3267]

Until Aquino stole money from the government.

[@jeraldine_JhieOicer]

​@Joy-TheJoyful-Meow well said 🤗

[@swedishmeatball8290]

Its rich because we share a common wealth with the US because the country is part of the US. But Filipinos didnt live a prosperous life. Gdp per capita was low. US at that time is not yet considered a developed country. Philippines was the second richest but not a rich country or territory.

[@applehair995]

Move on, march on, let us not be stuck or sentimental of the past. It doesnt help the present nor the future.

[@reynaldoflores4522]

3:03 " Manila is surrounded by many beautiful parks and gardens ". Where have they all gone to ? Bulldozed by greedy businessmen and turned into malls, condos, parking lots ! SHAME !

[@externmortian304]

They were pretty important

[@cosmo1eleven855]

Rizal Park is still there

[@julz3913]

I will forever hold grudge sa mga kano, tang ins nyo mga mananakop

[@ramontenoso5116]

RUBBISH!

[@derbdep]

You put in "US invasion", but you completely disregarded the fact that it was the Japanese who invaded in 1942 and destroyed Manila and massacred upwards of 200,000 Filipinos. The country was doing very well when it was an American overseas territory. 2nd largest economy in Asia until the Japanese destroyed it. All of this footage is from the time the Philippines was an American overseas territory before world war 2. The Japanese levelled it all. The US troops went in to liberate Manila from the brutal occupation of the Japanese Imperial forces who set our country's economy back 5 decades! If it wasn't for the Japanese, this country would have become a developed nation ages ago. The US forces under MacArthur liberating the Philippines with joint US-Filipno forces from the destruction and genocide of the Filipino people by the Japanese Imperial forces and the forced sex slavery "comfort women" they subjected Filipinas to (as they did in Korea and China), is the main reason why the Philippines enjoys good relations with the US to this day. You may need to check your history again, because it's all clearly attested..

[@antivaushistischeaktion4690]

Silly comment. Japan has invaded Korea numerous times over the centuries, occupied them for far longer, and wrought far greater damage upon them, and yet they're economically far better off than the Philippines.

[@NikkoBalbedina]

then Marcos happened

[@mcea3852]

Oh really??? If it weren’t for the late president Marcos, we would not have bridges, NLEX and SLEX, highways, dams, LRT system, healthcare facilities, hydroelectric power, irrigation syatems, etc. Even though you’re an anti-Marcos, could you at least should just have known those facts?? Google is free.

[@TeddyR_Official]

@@mcea3852All the things you mentioned will be built anyway. It’s a natural progression of a developing country. Granted, the late president initiated those projects, but the issues were the corruption, so much corruption. Then it became normal through these days. We could have done better with the check and balance of different governments through a healthy elections. Martial Law was not a good thing. It only looks good at that time because information were suppressed.

[@mcea3852]

@@TeddyR_Official Will be built anyway? By whom? Did Cory and Ramos, Erap, Gloria build something?? Maybe we would still be like Laos and Cambodia by now.

[@TeddyR_Official]

@@mcea3852You’re probably fun at parties. Cory’s era was a healing period, and putting things on the right track, like establishing the new constitution and reviving the Senate and Congress. Ramos time is where we saw actual progress, but things take time. Then Erap and Gloria happened again.

[@vivjrhy1129]

di pa masarap ang mga igorot dancers noon. pero ngayon katilamtilam na

[@chillbecauseyes2343]

Manila is now home to pagpag eaters