Yu, Vince Philip L.

MWF 9:30-10:30am

The film is all about Col. Emmanuel V. De Ocampo's legacy. When war was clearly proclaimed, too many
people volunteered we don't have enough soldiers to fight. One is the then-eighteen-year-old college
student Emamanuel (Maning) V. De Ocampo. He grew up in the border town of Escalante. He has the
skills in arnis and boxing, which would have been an asset, as well as the fact that he hunts on his own.
He has the skills, naturally, but it was an order that young men should remain and live a civilian life.
Together with General Douglas MacArthur, President Manuel L. Quezon agreed that young men should
be prohibited from entering the military. The two of them valued the lives of those young men whose
lives were in danger as a result of the battle; they lacked adequate weapons and had seen a world far
removed from fact, among other dangerous reasons to prevent young men from joining. But he did find
ways to help the country; he went up the mountain with some of his classmates, and that is where his
adventure began. Life up there isn't easy; you're far from your loved ones, everything is risky, and the
hours you have to breathe are counted as a blessing; you rarely eat and have exhausting routines. They
are courageous for putting their lives on the line to protect our country; they put their lives on the line
just to fight among conquerors. Battles are undoubtedly a combination of losses and victories. But their
first encounter with the Japanese was the eye opener which ended in defeat, and before they could
protect themselves, their leader was assassinated in a flash, and their camp was quickly discovered.
When they were in college, they were given ROTC training, but the approach of the training does not
match when they’re deployed in combat. Some men were discouraged by the first encounter and left
the party, but many others remained high and were more determine to fight. “We would continue the
fight even with or without them” Emmanuel De Ocampo said. They searched for a new strategy, a new
plan, and a new heart that was stronger and more focused. Since conventional warfare failed, they
retrained and created their own warfare: guerilla warfare. They were victorious in their second fight.
Filipino men and women saw their performance as a source of inspiration. In De Ocampo's side, the
Japanese waved a white flag but refused to surrender. Many innocent lives were lost, but victory ensured
that the lives of those who remained were secure. Still, alas, freedom! Emmanuel continued his studies
after the war and went on to become a wealthy businessman. He started his own family and led a simple
civilian life. However, as years progressed, he had realized that his true calling was to serve others and
his country.
Yu, Vince Philip L. MWF 9:30-10:30am

The documentary is well directed, highlighting the hardships and legacy Col. Emamanuel V. de Ocampa's
and his fellow brothers-in-arms', and how their love for their nation led to victory over the invaders, as
well as how ROTC demonstrated a significant aspect of becoming a citizen of a country. the video made
me aware that we have the luxury of living in peace and freedom. Living in a time of war is difficult and
traumatic, and many innocent lives have been lost as a result. It is heartbreaking to watch our Filipino
brothers and sisters are struggle in their own country. When invaders from other side of the world came
to our land and conquered it. Even in the most difficult times, our hearts overflows with courage to gain
independence and to never give up. Col. Ocampa was a courageous and dedicated soldier and epitomizes
the term MAKABANSA which is the nation’s motto means nationalism, who is ready to die for his country
and who has embraced any obstacles thrown his way. Beside from the soldier side of Col. Ocampa, he
also shown his eagerness in helping his comrades-in-arms. After losing many soldiers’ lives and co-
veteran becomes a beggar. he said "They risked their lives and are now begging for money on the
sidewalks. Is this the country's way of repaying them? ". In result, he decided to helped them and was
elected as the president of veterans’ federation of the Philippines. He was able to guide veterans in
creating a new beginning in a civilized life. Overall, the documentary taught me that if we believe in our
hearts and are committed to achieving a goal, we can overcome any challenges, no matter how difficult
or painful they might be. It will all be worth it in the end.
Yu, Vince Philip L. MWF 9:30-10:30am