Exhibit on Philippines Vintage Warcraft opens in Intramuros

The Department of Tourism (DOT), Intramuros Administration (IA) and the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) Manila recently opened Vintage Warcraft, an exhibit of scale models of World War II weapons and equipment at the Intramuros Visitor Center in Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila.

“The exhibit provides a new dimension to seeing the already historic Fort Santiago. The best way to experience Manila is to understand its history. The new display gives both local and domestic tourists a heightened awareness and appreciation of what made the city as it is today,” said Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano.

A series of miniature displays tell the story of Manila’s ordeal during the Second World War. Replicas of firearms, cannons, airplanes, ships and other war elements used during the period are of special emphasis.

The exhibit items were assembled by members of the IPMS Manila, a group of hobbyists who share the passion for putting together and collecting plastic scale models.

Vintage Warcraft is aptly presented at the Baluartillo de San Francisco, a small bulwark build by the Spaniards in 1662 as part of the seafront defense of Intramuros. During World War II, the chambers served as prison cells of Filipino and American soldiers arrested by the Japanese military police or Kempei Tai.

Today, the baluartillo houses the Intramuros Visitor Center, which consists of an information desk, souvenir shops, exhibit galleries, and a coffee shop.

The display was conceived by IA Administrator Dominador Ferrer Jr., AFP Museum Curator Jose Custodio and IPMS Manila President Mitch Doren, who wanted to offer a fresh approach to history, as well as promote the craft of scale modelling. IA is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism.

Vintage Warcraft will run until February 2008. The exhibit is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30pm. Fort Santiago entrance fees are at PhP50 for adults and PhP25 for children and students.

For inquiries, please call the Intramuros Visitors Center at 5272961 or the IA Tourism Marketing and Promotions Division at 5273138.