This week has been tiring so far but it also has inspired me to move forward. This week is quite special because we will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution this Friday!
If you're still new to the EDSA thing and if I were explain to someone new, EDSA has been a symbol of freedom in the Philippines. After a 20 year dictatorship, the Filipino People went out to the streets to rally against the Marcos Regime. The EDSA People Power Revolution was a peaceful revolution. There was no bloodshed. Millions of Filipinos were united in prayer and they were able to overthrow the dictator peacefully. It was also the beginning of bringing back democracy in the country. Basicaly, the revolution gave us back our freedom of speech! That's why I can blog! :)
This is something we can all be proud of because other countries have somewhat used this as a model. The Philippines was probably one of the first countries to have done this. (I'm assuming)
EDSA is quite significant for me because my Lola Cory was one of the people who led this event. I've been watching the documentaries on TV this past week and I can't help but be proud of her. I was also in tears because I saw this part wherein she was speaking to the crowd and said that she was offering her self to the Filipino People. It made me miss her even more. She never wanted to be President but she made the sacrifice. I was months old when EDSA happened. I asked my Mom how it was then and she told me that it was UNCERTAIN. They didn't know what was going to happen. It was a dangerous time for the family. But I have to tell you that my Lola Cory showed no sign of anxiety or fear. A leader should show no sign of fear and that's what she displayed. I'm very proud of her.
Yes we displayed People Power, but my Lola would also add that PRAYER POWER was present and she was an advocate of prayer. Nowadays, I believe we take a lot of things for granted and prayer is one of those things. If my Lola were here, she'd keep on saying that to me, the family, and the nation. I have to pass it on to the reader of this post. We need to pray for the Philippines. It's something we have to do as one nation. The Pinoys did it back then 25 years ago. What makes our generation any different?
Other than that, we shouldn't take freedom of speech for granted. We can blog, we can update our Facebook status, we can Tweet! Back then, you couldn't express freedom of speech...
Our generation is blessed. Very blessed. Let's not forget that.
If you're a parent, can I ask a favor? :) Kindly talk about the People Power Revolution to your children. To the Ates and Kuyas, tell your younger siblings/cousins if they don't know about it. We can't let this significant event just die in history. We need to keep talking about it!
If you want to read something inspirational, Wilfrido Villacorta, the Ambassador to ASEAN revisits the spirit of EDSA and launched a book this week. It's all about the triumph of a people's campaign. It's about a recent people power in the country but more importantly, his goal is to reinforce the Filipino's trust in our own ability to help rebuild a nation and recommut ourselve to achieving excellence and development. "Noynoy: Triumph of a People's Campaign" is available at Powerbooks.
There are many ways to celebrate EDSA this week. Watch a documentary on TV, read a book, ask your parents/relatives. But the important thing is that we talk about it and remember that the Philippines gained freedom without violence. That's no ordinary feat!!! We need to keep the conversations going!!!
"Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo, mapayapang paraang pagbabago. Katotohanan, Kalayaan, Katarungan ay kayang makamit ng walang dahas. Basta't magkaisa tayong lahat."