Interview with Anastacio “Tato” Padua about his experiences and insights during the Japanese period
Interview with Anastacio “Tato” Padua about his experiences and insights during the Japanese period Tato [my grandfather], who was ten (10) years old during the Japanese period started in 1941, is silent before he spoke; his mind drifting back to the past and we knew enough not to interfere his thoughts. Though he is not a soldier during those times, he, like the ones who witnessed the Japanese occupation in the Philippines, has something to tell. Later, when the interview started, we let him speak his mind with the least interruptions of some questions. And here is his story. TATO : Lahat ng mga pagkain sa Maynila, lahat ng pagkain natin [mga Pilipino], kinuha nila. Wala naman kasi silang dala nu’n [na pagkain]. Apat na taon sila nandito, 1941 hanggang 1945, wala namang dumarating sa kanilang pagkain, ‘yung pagkain sa Maynila ang kinakain nila. Interviewer : Nasa Maynila ba kayo noon? TATO : Oo, pero umuwi kami dito nu’n nakakariton lang kami. Lahat ng gamit namin doon ...