Pulang Araw Casts Honor WWII Comfort Women Victims in Pandesal Forum
“Pulang Araw” GMA 7 actresses Sanya Lopez and Ashley Ortega remember Filipina “comfort women” who were sexually exploited by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II in a recently held Pandesal Forum.
Held at the 85-year-old Kamuning Bakery Cafe, the Pandesal Forum was attended by the Flowers for Lolas coalition, composed of NGOs and activists advocating for World War II Comfort Women victims.
The Pandesal Forum featured key advocates for justice. Gabriela Congresswoman Arlene Brosas, who has filed House Resolution No. 845 advocating justice and commemoration of the Comfort Women victims including House Bill No. 8859 to declare August 14 of every year as the “National Memorial Day for Comfort Women”.
Teresita Ang See, representative of the Flowers for Lolas coalition read three main appeals and demands. Sharon Cabusao-Silva, Director of Lila Pilipina, a support organization for Filipina Comfort Women victims emphasized that there is still no official Japanese government apology and acknowledgement that the Comfort Women program was a systematic program undertaken by the Japanese military all over Asia during World War II. Atty. Virginia Lacsa-Suarez, Chairman of Kaisa-Ka and legal counsel for the “Malaya Lolas” Comfort Women victims of Mapanique in Pampanga.
Sanya Lopez, portraying Teresita Borromeo, a WWII Comfort Woman victim. Ashley Ortega, plays the role of Sister Manuela Apolonia, a Catholic nun and Comfort Woman victim.
Pandesal Forum was moderated by Wilson Lee Flores. It emphasized the need for collective action to honor Comfort Women victims, press for reparations, and ensure historical accountability. Speakers urged the public to support the cause and help restore dignity to the survivors while proactively promoting peace.
