EDSA: 24 Years After

I was 6 years old when the People Power happened. I didn't know what was happening then. All I know is that people are sick and tired of the Marcoses and they want Cory to replace him. A lot of people were into yellow that time and there's a rally in Edsa.

I was happy because there were tonsa people in our house. Our relatives who live in Quiapo, near Malacañang, had to evacuate and stay in our humble abode temporarily. People were busy in our house. Preparing sandwiches with Pimiento spread. I heard they were taking it to the people fighting for our country. I wanted to go with them. Chizmosa ako eh. I wanted in on the action.

My Lola and my mom tells me that when they went to Channel 4 to bring the sandwiches, there were troops and they had to make a run for it. I wanted to see if it was caught on camera, but no cameras were able to document my Lola running for cover.

My memory fails me, but the next thing I knew, Cory was declared the president and the Marcoses has fled the country.

A couple of years after the bloodless revolution, A Dangerous Life was released. I was still too young to understand the movie, and it was pretty long. Basically, I found it boring. As I mature, I started wondering were can I watch the movie. I wanna learn more about the revolution and how it started. I chanced upon the movie last Saturday, on Studio 23, at lunch hour. It was half of the 2nd part (they showed it in 3 parts) already.

The Edsa People Power brought back democracy to the Filipinos. It allowed us to live freely. However, I have come to think that the democracy that we are enjoying right now comes with a price. Before, only the Marcoses are greedy. Now, everyone is greedy. It's free for all. From the President down to Barangay officials. Red tape in government agencies is a norm. We are slowly deteriorating as a country.

It is a shame. The Philippines is a nation of great people. It is just a shame that the greatness is being used for personal gain. We have a lot to offer and I believe that we can be the developing country that we are claiming to be.

Is there hope for this country? Now that we are about to elect a new leader, is there someone running who is truly qualified to lead us? Should we trust the future of our country to Villar? Noynoy? Gibo? Dick?

It is sad to see that 24 years after Edsa, this is where we are. A country unsafe for journalists. A country in the bottom of the barrel in the SEA region. I know we can do better. But how?