EDSA at 23

February 1986 has carved a special place in the Philippine history. It was the time when Filipinos from all walks of society assembled, marched, opposed and ousted the 20-year dictatorial rule of former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. What was a simple call from the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, then Manila's Archbishop, has led to a massive People Power revolution that even made other countries admire Philippines. The victory then was sweet.

23 years later and what have Philippines become? Andres Bonifacio, the father of Philippine revolution, believes that true freedom is not just gaining social rights but also being able to live a decent and comfortable life. Are Filipinos truly free? Yup, free in the sense that people have "social rights". Yet for freedom from poverty, that I am unsure of. Pres GMA, in her recent EDSA celebration speech, mentioned that the world will not forgive a third EDSA revolution. This is quite disappointing for number of reasons, 1. EDSA is a symbol of activism and modern-day Philippine freedom, 2. GMA was installed thru EDSA 2, 3. EDSA is an internal Philippine affair, why foreign nations should mingle?

Being a four-year old kid in 1986, I don't care what's really happening. Memories then were quite vivid. We were eating crabs for dinner in our old Caloocan house while listening to June Keithley of Radio Veritas. Things became clear when we studied history in elementary. Ninoy is an icon.

It's time to take this country back. Long live Philippines and proud to be pinoy!