THE WAR YEARS--- Japanese bombs fell on Intramuros on December 8, 1941, about the same time as the attack on Pearl Harbor. There was panic in Manila and several of the citizenry evacuated to safer grounds.
But for the movie industry, it was business as usual. Although a few moviehouses closed, a majority opted to stay open. There were no new Filipino movies shown, not until after the arrival of the invaders did the situation “normalize.”
Manila was declared an open city and the Japanese moved in on January 2, 1942. It was only then that all of the moviehouses closed--- to resume operations a week later. Movie companies were allowed to operate by the Japanese High Command under the supervision of the Central Booking Exchange, as the new rulers felt the need for a program of continuing entertainment in order to placate the people.
The movie fare for the next three years was primarily reruns of unpoliticized Hollywood and Tagalog films. Bette Davis and Greta Garbo movies were shown along with those of the top Filipino stars. Starting 1943, German and Japanese feature films and documentaries were imported--- to name a few--- "The Sky is Blue," "Currents of Youth," "Women of Japan" and numerous coverages of sports events.
There were several Filipino movies nearing completion just before the war--- Caballero, Anong Ganda Mo, Caviteno, Nina Bonita, Princess Urduja, Landas na Ginto. These were shown during the Japanese Occupation either almost complete or unfinished. Two films were produced during these troubled times--- LVN’s “Tiya Juana” and "Principe Tenoso," Manuel Conde’s version of the popular korrido, an epic poem about a prince disguised as a deformed beggar. Another unfinished film was shown right after the war with additional scenes shot after liberation, Sampaguita’s “Ang Tagala” (The Tagalog Woman).
(From the article, “War and Its Aftermath in Philippine Cinema” by Agustin ‘Hammy’ Sotto)
JAPANESE TROOPS ENTER CITY (JANUARY 3, 1942)
--- Soldiers Aid Police in Patrolling City — Formal Occupation Being Arranged - Japan Troops Welcomed ---
Local newspapermen were among the first to contact the advance units of the twin forces of the Japanese army of occupation in the north and south before they reached Manila yesterday.
Through an Interpreter, the commanding officer of the advance units in Parañaque gave an indication of the policy of the army of occupation toward the civilian population within the metropolitan open city area. He said; "We do not propose to interfere with civilian activities nor molest individuals unless they commit untoward acts against us. Those creating disorder will be dealt with as individual cases." An official of the Japanese consulate said, on the other hand, "Your peso will keep its value. Wait patiently for the disclosure of our plans."
The advance guard of the army of occupation from the south arrived quietly at 2 a.m, yesterday in Parañaque. The main force followed and encamped south of the Parañaque bridge, while a detachment crossed the bridge and established itself on the north side to regulate traffic and question persons desiring to cross the bridge.
A young Japanese in civilian clothes, apparently an officer, and several soldiers were on sentry duty on the north approach of the Parañaque bridge. They allowed civilians to cross the bridge to Manila or to the south. Japanese Consul General K.Nihro and members of his staff contacted the troops of the advance units at Parañaque. Local Japanese released from internment camps also arrived in Parañaque to serve as interpreters and guides in the city. Approximately 60 soldiers formed the advance guard of the Japanese forces moving towards Manila from the north which leached Caloocan, Rizal, yesterday morning.
They had to skirt east through the Novaliches road to reach Caloocan, and they rested for several hours in this town. They advised people carrying bundles whom they met along the road to return to the city. "Go home and be at peace," said an officer In English to refugees he met. Civilians were not harmed, but were searched for firearms. The ranking officer of the spearhead, whose name and rank were not revealed, reached Caloocan early in the afternoon and rested for several hours in the deserted residence of Dr. Fernando.
Fifteen bicycle troops who commandeered a truck they encountered on the way formed the leading patrol. They had some food and drinks at a private residence in Caloocan at the invitation of the owner. Their ranking officer arrived later in a commandeered private automobile as his own car had to be abandoned because of blown up bridges. Officers of the detachment explained that when his men want something they will purchase it in Philippine currency. One of their trucks obtained gasoline at a gasoline station in Balintawak and offered to pay in Philippine money.
The Japanese soldiers commandeered several private cars, but let most vehicles passing along the Caloocan-Novaliches road through. Some rested along the roadside, while others guarded the house where their commanding officer rested awhile. They mounted a machinegun on the top of the truck they commandeered.
(The Tribune, January 3, 1942)
