VAN NUYS, Calif., Dec. 2, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- World War II may have maimed Mauro Loresto's dream, but not his heart and certainly not his spirit. In his autobiographical book, aptly titled "My Treasured Memories" (now available through 1stBooks Library), Filipino war veteran, Mauro Loresto, shares the incredible story of his life as a dedicated soldier, family man, teacher and a patriot to his beloved country, the Philippines.
"My Treasured Memories" chronicles Loresto's humble beginnings from the rural province of Antique in the Philippines to his eventful journey to United States. Loresto joined the guerrilla organization during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and participated in a U.S. submarine secret mission, delivering medicines to guerrilla soldiers in Panay Island. He witnessed the return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines, landing at the shores of Leyte Gulf, and the guerrilla soldiers laying down their arms and returning to the lowlands.
Through Loresto's recollections, readers are transported to the eventful period of 1941, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. The surprise attack led to the recruitment of young men to join the military forces, while others joined the guerrillas. As a young valiant soldier, Loresto had exciting combat experiences during WWII, when the Philippine Islands was still a U.S. colony. He recounts his daring guerrilla activities in vivid detail, describing how the Filipino soldiers struggled in defense of democracy and freedom with limited resources. His moving narratives about how the Filipinos survived under the Japanese Imperial Forces evoke a sense of pride and bravery.
After WWII, Loresto served as an elementary public school teacher and became a respected scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. In 1993, Loresto became a U.S. citizen after President George Bush Sr., signed (in 1990) a landmark law making Filipino veterans of WWII citizens of the United States. Loresto's memorable trip to the panoramic city of San Francisco became more significant when he met for the first time in many years his brother, sister, and relatives. Today, Loresto is living a comfortable life and enjoying the fruits of his labor in his home in Van Nuys, Calif.
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