Young actor Baron Geisler accepted a part in the independent film, “The Forgotten War,” to honor his father who fought in the Korean War in the 50s.

“He (Baron’s father) was there…he fought in the war so…it’s my way of honoring that,” he said at the premier of the film held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Little Theater on Tuesday, June 9.
 
Geisler also lauded the work of director Carlo Cruz on the film.
 
 Cruz is the son of Philippine Ambassador to Korea Luis Cruz. He studied filmmaking in Australia for four years. “The Forgotten War” is his first full-length attempt.

“It is sad to think that the only fast reminder we have of it (the Korean War), is that of a picture of Ninoy Aquino as young war correspondent at the back of the five hundred peso bill. I am hoping this movie will change that,” he said in explaining his decision to direct the film.

“The Forgotten War,” produced by Smoke and Mirrors Entertainment, is about Filipino participation in the Korean War. It is divided into four chapters that cover the different aspects of that conflict.

One of the chapters that received resounding applause from the crowd is “Baptism of Fire,” a retelling of former president Fidel V Ramos’ heroic exploits as a young lieutenant.

President Ramos, who came and rendered a speech at the premier, said that “The Korean War” is “what we need right now.”

“We need to be inspired especially during these trying times. And what better way to do it but to remember our heroes?” he said.

Ramos’ sentiment was echoed by Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Joong Kyung-choi who was also present at the gala.

“Korea will always be grateful to the Filipino heroes who fought in that war. They should be honored, remembered,” said Kyung-choi.

Five Battalion Combat Teams (BCTs) of the Philippine Army numbering more than 7,000 served in Korea from 1950 to 1955 under the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea or PEFTOK flag.

The first BCT arrived in September 1950 while the last left Korea in May 1955. All five BCTs served under the United Nations Command (UNC), the military arm of the United Nations.
 
Hostilities began when the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) invaded the Republic of Korea (ROK) on 25 June 1950.

The men of PEFTOK fought bravely to uphold the UN Charter and preserve South Korea's freedom against the combined forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the People's Republic of China (PROC).

More than 300 Filipinos died in the conflict.
 
Other stars in “The Forgotten War” are Lance Raymundo, McCoy Fundales, Yul Servo and Ianne Oandasan—who also served as line producer and associate director—among others.
 
The film was also screened in Korea early this year as part of the 60th anniversary of Filipino-Korean relations.