EDSA 20

Just the other day I read in the papers that former president Fidel V. Ramos, one of the prime movers of Edsa 1986, was complaining that the government was not doing anything big to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Edsa People Power uprising. "Lack of Edsa preparations by gov't 'deplorable'," screamed the news article. With just two weeks to go, the government still had no set plans on how to celebrate Edsa I.

From the inquirer article published Feb 13 2006:

"I'm saying that it is deplorable that now with just 10 days to go, there are no announced official government plans for the celebration of the 20th anniversary of EDSA I," Ramos said.

"I am not seeing any advanced plans for this very important event unlike in previous years which were not that significant. Of course, they were not special anniversaries but this is the 20th anniversary," he stressed.

He also said it was the government's responsibility to "maintain, enlarge, expand and brighten the spirit of EDSA."

Ah yes. Our very efficient government**.

So imagine my surprise yesterday when I heard the national anthem being sung emotionally by some male singer in Glorietta. What could that possibly be? It was afternoon, so definitely hindi sya last full show or first showing sa sinehan. Walking over to where the sound was coming from, there it was, a display of photos about EDSA I. The EDSA I commemoration.


Hidden in one of the alleys of Glorietta (somewhere near G4), but not in the central activity center even, was a photo exhibit about EDSA I. Is this the big celebration Ramos was looking for? Hopefully not.

After the national anthem, the singer sang a medley of nationalistic songs, from Bayan Ko, Ako Ay Pilipino, etc. As he sang "Ang Bayan Kong Pilipinas, lupain ng ginto't bulaklak...", there was so much heart and emotion in his song. People passing by actually stopped and listened. I had visions of being in another country and longing for home. "Kinilabutan ako," the waiter at Figaro said, rubbing his arms to soothe the goosebumps.

Passersby stopping to look and listen
More heart. We need that. What is happening to us?

Of course, after the songs, politicians (including Makati mayor Jejomar Binay) started their speeches and the people drifted away. But before I myself left, I did hear one of those who gave their testimony about EDSA I say in a quivering voice, "we fought not for politicians, but for an ideal, for a way of life", or something like that.

The spirit of Edsa. Wonder where it went. Probably migrated long ago.

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From the Feb 13 Editorial of the Philippine Daily Inquirer:

Virtual insult

IS PRESIDENT MACAPAGAL-ARROYO AFRAID OF Edsa I? Going by her official schedule, it seems she is intent on avoiding the 20th anniversary of the first, glorious flourish of People Power. To be sure, she will attend an early morning rite on Feb. 25, where she will meet former president and current gadfly Fidel Ramos, but after that she is scheduled to travel to other parts of the country.

The rationale, as the Palace explains it, sounds solid enough; Edsa I was a nationwide phenomenon, and the President's schedule merely reflects that under-recognized fact. But on second hearing, the President's excuse actually sounds hollow. Surely she can spend even a few minutes on Edsa itself, on the day we celebrate the miracle of People Power.

But that would mean sharing the stage with ex-President Corazon Aquino, who has repeatedly called on her to resign. It would also mean facing a crowd she cannot control. At best, it will be an impassive mass; at worst, she will face a hooting crowd, who will accuse her of betraying the deepest ideals of the Edsa Revolution.

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**(By the way, ang aga aga wala na naman kaming tubig sa bahay. Hmph! Hindi rin ba responsibilidad ng gobyerno ito?)