Edsa30 celebration has revived memories of that important event in our history as a freedom-loving people.
From the recollections, one can glean a deep sense of disappointment, of our failure not to have used our regained freedom into building genuine democracy- wherein people would have the opportunities to pursue their dreams of a better life.
Mark Lopez shared his insights of EDSA One in Facebook: “I was 17 when EDSA 1 happened and my family and I were there, together with the millions who want change. It was surreal and it was indeed a triumphant moment when news of Marcos family fleeing was confirmed. In the immediate aftermath, all I could think of was that our country will now be on the cusp of true progress and development. Of course the foremost celebration was for the reinstatement of democracy and freedom to be a Filipino.
“”Thirty years after, I now cringe at what went by after EDSA1. I really don’t know what it is in our psyche that we continue to celebrate democracy but we also embraced mediocrity, especially in governance.
“We may be free, but we are still slaves to indifference, to corruption, and to greed. Do we really deserve this?”
Cesar Caoili emailed his recollection: “I was there in Edsa on the very first day when it all began. I was employed in one of the companies of the Yuchengco’s. After our morning sales meeting, me and my co-employees went to Edsa upon hearing that Enrile and Ramos have broken away from Marcos.
“The mood in the area was very festive. Most of the people I talked with do not even know why they were there except looking for free food. Cigarette vendors, ambulant vendors abound. There was no critical mass in the area. People were converging in front of Tropical Hut since there were rumors that the store is going to give away food and drinks, I and my co-employees went back to Makati in the afternoon tired and we went to Pasay Road to go one into one of the watering holes that was popular during that time. I think it was chicken in a basket.“I told my friends during that time that the Edsa revolution as it is being called is the revolution of the oligarchs who are against Marcos and nothing will change. The lives of the poor Filipinos will not improve except the lives of the old oligarchs. Also, the freedom that these people are extolling that will be given back to the Filipinos was freedom to be poor and hungry. Indeed, freedom of the press was restored and that’s it.”
The irony of EDSA People Power is captured by JB Baylon in an article he wrote for VERA Files: “Imagine that: free elections that are the fruits of EDSA may very end up restoring a Marcos into the highest echelons of government! That’s the price we pay for democracy?”
The film, EDSA XXX by renowned avant-garde filmmaker, KHAVN also tackles where we are now after 30 years. It opened last Wednesday City as part of the 4th edition of the Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival. It is still showing up to Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Cinema 4 of Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Mall, Mandaluyong
The festival theme is “truth X imagination.”
Festival Director Leni Velasco said, “We commemorate EDSA every year because 30 years ago, the nation saw truth and acted on it. The truth is 30 years after, we have forgotten this truth because we have been facing other truths as well, truths that we live with every day of our lives – the truth in the face of children living in the streets; of a mother whose child has disappeared; of women sexually abused or trafficked; of people discriminated because of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression; of families torn apart by the need to look for greener pastures abroad; of workers living on deplorable working conditions; of parents who can barely provide food in their family’s tables; of farmers suffering from the impacts of climate change; of commuters losing their productivity and dignity in the horrible traffic situation; of public servants who makes corruption a sustainable living, of this May 2016 elections where the changes in leadership means nothing to ordinary Filipinos; of a government who has failed to live up to the promise of EDSA.”
Velasco said Active Vista explores the recurring questions “30 Years after EDSA, has nothing really changed? Are we better off now than we were before?” through a political satirical musical dedicated to “Filipinos who know how to live for love of freedom and liberty.”
For screening schedules, check out www.activevista.ph or call Kai 09151780240.