Stardust

I have no idea what transpired 24 years ago in EDSA, but my mom told me that I was still not schooling that time when that momentuous and historic event in Highway 54 happened. I have few fond memories of my childhood, like when I was still 3 or 4 but never on the People Power Revolution, but yeah on coup d’état.

Anyway, although I have never experienced first hand to sleep along EDSA, waiting and praying that the former President and dictator Ferdinand Marcos would step down from the Presidency, although I have never experienced interlocking arms with people to face the huge tanks with armed military men, although I have never experienced singing the historical songs “Bayan Ko”, “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” and “Magkaisa” during the 80’s, crying for hope, the EDSA 1, for sure, is something that I will be forever proud of as a Filipino.

In fact, hearing the song “Magkaisa” always makes me cry. Exaggeration as it may seem, but it’s true. I think it’s a sad and compelling song for me. It sounds like our country is really desperately crying for unity amongst it people. If I were in my age today when the EDSA1 happened, I know for sure that I would be one of the people in the street, still crying whenever I hear this song.

“Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo,” on the other hand, makes me hopeful and proud of being a Filipino. Achieving democracy through a bloodless revolt is truly our gift to the world. And come to think of it, I now had the pleasure of meeting and sometimes working with Jim Paredes, who actually wrote the song. Coincidence? I say destiny! Well, that is through a people’s movement where I belong called PiNoy Power.

A truly patriotic song was the “Ang Bayan Ko.” I must admit that I learned to appreciate the song more when It was sung by Leah Salonga during the funeral of the former President Cory Aquino. But then again, and I know everyone will concede, that nothing beats the original because it’s more nostalgic.

And now, after 24 years, I am proud and glad to say that I am now part of the history. I may still be 1 year old when Ninoy Aquino died but I was very present during the funeral cortege of Pres. Cory Aquino. I was one of the multitude of people in Intramuros, waiting in the rain, just to catch a glimpse and pay last respect to the late President.

I was at the historic Club Filipino when Sen. Noynoy Aquino announced his Presidential bid, during his first campaign sortie in his hometown Concepcion, Tarlac and up to commemorating the People Power 1 with other Yellow Armies, which I am very certain, is highly important for the Aquinos. Yes, I was all there! And hopefully, up to his inauguration as the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines. So please, GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES from evil forces. ^_^

Yesterday, February 25, 2010, is not an ordinary day, especially for people who still have the true spirit of EDSA 1 within them. It’s not all about the money, it’s not all about raffle prizes, it’s not all about famous  artists and sexy dancers, it’s all about People Power. People who still believe that there is a genuine change if everyone will just work hand in hand and once again, interlock their arms with one another, just like 24 years ago, to be able to get back our beloved Philippines from tyranny. Enough is enough! It’s now time for change and the people are already aching and crying for it.

It was a Yellow Day yesterday, whether some people admit it or not, it’s now etched in our history books. And even though not all Filipinos were there in Araneta Center yesterday to join thousands of Yellow Armies, I’m pretty sure they are one with us in spirit. Araneta Center is swarming with an overwhelming Yellow. It was a nice sight to behold. It feels really good. I personally feel that we Filipinos can overcome everything if we really work hard all together to achieve one goal. And I also hope some Filipinos will now open their eyes and see through the real change and hope that our country needs. That it’s beyond material things and broken promises, in the end, what matters most is the character and heart.

The event inside the Araneta Coliseum ended with a shower of yellow confetti. It was truly an event that I will forever cherish in my lifetime. But It feels like something is missing, and yes it was President Cory Aquino. For the first time, she’s not here anymore to celebrate the EDSA Anniversary with her beloved Filipinos. But then again, Sen. Noynoy was right, I’m sure that Cory and Ninoy are happily looking from above in seeing the Yellow Armies gathered up once again to fight for our country’s democracy. The showering of yellow confetti, the “Laban” signs and the background music definitely gave me goosebumps…I know that CHANGE IS NEAR and I’m positive about it.

After the event inside, everyone went outside to join the other Yellow Armies to lo and behold the sky with stunning fireworks display to cap off the night.

It was a light feeling. Everyone went home with smiles and hope on their faces. It’s only few weeks left to go before we elect a new government and I admit it kind of scares me, but with divine intervention and vigilance, I know that WE, THE PEOPLE, CAN GET BACK OUR COUNTRY ONCE AGAIN, FROM THE HANDS OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE MANHANDLED OUR LAND.

***And oh, I took home some yellow confetti from the event because I believe that someday, this pieces of yellow papers will be priceless and historical just like 24 years ago…***

P.S. Although I’ve seen and been on different sorties together with Sen. Noynoy Aquino, I still don’t have a picture with him…=/ But I’m hoping to have one before he becomes the next President of the Philippines. ^_^