time flies

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

1986

I wasn’t born until 1988 (hope Maan is reading this…hehehe!) so I don’t have any idea how the 1986 EDSA Revolution felt or how it happened. But of course, given that I am a Filipino, I should know at least something about it. Let’s face it, EDSA 1 put the Philippines on the map. But does anybody still give importance to it, let alone remember it?

I watched a documentary last night on ABC5 by Inquirer. It featured accounts from people who participated in

the upheaval. Former Senator Honasan (known as 'the Renegade Soldier') was there as well as two of the nuns who relentlessly lead the people to pray during those hard times. Singer-composer Jim Paredes of the APO Hiking Society also gave first-hand account of what really happened along with many other people. While I was watching, I felt strangely excited and proud. While ex-Senator Honasan was telling his story, I felt very proud to be a Filipino because what happened back then was a real indication of a Filipino being ‘matapang’ – just like us, Iskos, matatapang. *giggles*

It took a lot of courage on the part of those who initiated the non-violent revolution. Imagine, they were trying to overthrow a very powerful tyrant. Just thinking about it gives me goose bumps. Had I been there I would probably have a panic attack (not to mention a heart attack). Fortunately (or unfortunately), I wasn’t born yet so I didn’t get the chance to feel extremely tensed.

Pero honestly, I would probably join those people in the streets of EDSA had I been alive then kasi I believe in what they were fighting for. If I had experienced Marcos’ cruelty during the martial law, I would definitely support the heroes of EDSA 1. Those people made history man!

But amidst this fact, I still like (or liked) Ferdinand Marcos. Yes, I do like Marcos but only for the fact that he was the president who provided our province electricity and built roads for easier transportation. I do like Marcos for his intelligence but maybe he got overly intelligent. Maybe power got into his head.

After that historic event, it’s sad to note that nothing much had really changed. Of course, we can’t expect it to happen overnight. Pero naman! 20 years had passed and I think our lives are still the same if not worse! A lot of people are still experiencing poverty. A lot of people are still experiencing injustice. After EDSA, I knew a lot of people dreamed for the political system in the Philippines to improve but it seems that that dream will become a dream for a few more years. I am not being cynical. I am just being practical. With all that’s been happening lately, it’s hard to think happy thoughts – even thoughts brought about by the success of the first EDSA revolution. But it’s good to know that I am still hoping for something good to happen. I just hope it happens in this lifetime.

*Nga pala, I have been reading the blog of Maan's 'friend' na itago natin sa pangalang Big D. Wala lang, his entries are very interesting to read kasi. There is sensitivity, creativity and fun all in one. He writes well for a guy - like Kris Ablan.

lost and killed 7:29 PM

"Life is like a box of chocolates, you'll never know what you're gonna get"
- Forrest Gump

"Real love is when you love someone without asking for anything in return. It's when even a passing smile can make your day, a small pat on the back can make you feel alive and the mere sound of his/her voice can move you to break out into a song inside. Real love isn't fate nor is it written in the stars. You , yourself, have to make love happen. It's a choice; a commitment that you stand up for. And even if you're uncertain if he'she loves you back, you take the risk of facing whatever pain that would come your way simply because you believe he/she is worth everything and more."