-- My Thoughts on the EDSA Revolution 20 years later --
Every year, the whole question of whether EDSA was a good thing or other questions to that effect is posed by writers and socio-political commentators to us. EDSA to me was a great moment when we expressed the best in us, and it continues to be a source of inspiration to be a better Filipino. Sure, people may argue that in many ways, the situation had deteriorated after EDSA and I will agree. But to say it is a failure based on what transpired after is a bit off. To many who were there, it was a real moment of transformation, a time when we left our petty minds and selfish hearts and heeded the call of greatness that had beckoned. It was a magical, al experience that excited our imagination to consider that we as a people can become much more than what we thought we could be.
The politicians, the leaders of many of our institutions, and the rest of us betrayed EDSA. EDSA showed us the way but we chose another. EDSA did not fail us. To say it did is like saying Jesus’ dying on the cross was a futile exercise because the world today is still ruled by bad people. EDSA is a shining beacon for us that affirms our inner goodness and reminds us of the power we have, to change for the better.
I couldn't agree more. Twenty years had passed but I still remember it like yesterday. No, I wasn't there. I was too young back then. But I recall drawing on a piece of paper the soldiers, the tanks, and the thousands of people who fought and rallied for Democracy. Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo... The theme song is still echoing in my head. Too bad we "can't connect the dots looking forward" but "only connect them looking backwards."
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