To ensure the accuracy of my manuscript, “The Silent Soldier,” I received comprehensive, ongoing assistance from two native Filipinos – Natasha Mariano and Victor Javier. Working separately, both of them read and reviewed the full manuscript, providing hundreds of suggestions for additions, deletions, revisions, and corrections, nearly all of which were incorporated. Changes were made on a variety of topics, including geography, religion, black magic, language, social norms and customs, food, clothing, and education. Among the most subtle and interesting issues raised during the editing and revision of “The Silent Soldier” is the role played by humility and modesty that is so characteristic of the Philippine people. I have often been asked why so little is known about the Philippine underground. When this question was posed to Victor Javier, he responded by saying “Filipinos do not blow their own horn.” He then went on to describe Filipinos as inherently modest and humble. As a people, they didn’t believe there was anything remarkable about their countless acts of selfless heroism. “When the war was over, they put down their weapons and went back to work. There was no hoopla.”  It’s largely because of their modesty that we know so little about the Philippine resistance and the extraordinary risks they took.

Without their assistance, this manuscript would lack the depth and interest that distinguishes it. My sincere thanks to them both for the many hours and late nights they put into this effort.

-EAC