What does the Edsa revolution mean to you?
I have always been apolitical. But Edsa People Power was beyond politics. It was impossible not to be moved by the solidarity that Pinoys showed the world 25 years ago.
I was a first-time mom back in 1986 when the Edsa Revolution broke out. I was worried about leaving my 6-month old daughter Bianchi at home at the height of the chaos so I was glued to the TV set as the historic event unfolded.
As soon as President Cory took her oath, my mom was busy contacting Kris Aquino, whom she invited to her show, “See-True.” That guest appearance of Kris remains to be the highest-rating in Philippine TV history.
A quarter of a century later, what does the Edsa phenomenon mean to celebrities? Where were they when it all happened? Let’s stop the blame game and not lose the lesson that was Edsa—E-xtraordinary D-isplay of S-olidarity and A-mor.
KIM ATIENZA: “For me it means freedom and love of country. I remember sleeping on the street in Santolan Edsa using my body to block the tanks, strafing the crowd, praying. I remember Maj. Gen. Antonio Sotelo’s helicopters flying as June Keithley’s live broadcast warned us that these are not friendly forces and there will be bombing. We saw the soldiers inside the choppers waving the Laban sign. Bumaliktad sila. Yet another reason to proclaim that God is good!”
JOEY REYES: “It was a life-changing event not only for the country but the world. People Power redefined the role of each citizen in actively shaping the destiny of our country. To this day, I proudly say that I was there on Edsa 25 years ago.”
RODERICK PAULATE: “Edsa Revolution is a national memory. It restored our freedom and democracy. I remember our UP group was asked over the radio to go to Libis to block the tanks heading towards MBS-4 (ABS-CBN). I was inside the studio when the Marcoses left the country. People Power reminds me of the nonviolent struggles and triumph of the Filipino people in restoring faith in the institutions of democracy in the country. It healed a broken nation. Iba talaga ang Pinoy pag nagkaisa at nagsama-sama. I’m proud to tell my nephews and nieces that during the revolution when the Pinoys went out to the streets to restore our freedom, no matter what the cost, I was there.”
MR. FU: “I was very young back then. I was just happy because classes were suspended and I had fun time with my Atari. I just realized the essence of People Power years after. It makes me proud as a Filipino. I wish I was there. Bumawi na lang ako sa coverage ko of the recent Edsa celebration at nag yellow vest ako bilang tribute. May ganon?”
PINKY AMADOR: “People Power means we can change our destiny but it also means we need to be even more vigilant after. When news broke out about the revolution, I was doing a matinee play, “Whodunnit.” Bagay yung title ng play sa cast of characters ng drama sa Edsa that time.”
ALBERT MARTINEZ:
“I was monitoring the progress of the revolution back then. It was the change long overdue and freedom we Pinoys had been yearning for.”
CHRISTINE BERSOLA-BABAO: “I was 16 then. From day 1 of Edsa, I was on the streets. I prepared sandwiches and drinks at home and gave it to the soldiers. Today, these very same soldiers who bravely defended our freedom are still poor and victims of morally corrupt generals. Ang tunay na diwa ng Edsa ay kalayaan mula sa gutom at korapsiyon.”
DINGDONG DANTES: “I was 5 years old then. But as I was growing, I felt the spirit of Edsa growing in me as well. This is the reason why we are reaping the benefits of democracy now because our forefathers and heroes fought for it together with the power of the people. On its 25th year, the torch is being passed to the present generation. Now it’s time to show the world again that in unity, everything is possible.”
All-news channel
GMA News TV begins its broadcast today on free TV Channel 11, with hourly newscasts, live coverage, in-depth documentaries, reality programs and investigative shows from 6 a.m. till 12 midnight.
The all-news oriented channel opens with “Dobol B Sa News TV” hosted by Mike Enriquez and simulcast from the network’s flagship radio station dzBB.
Jessica Soho anchors the evening newscast “State of the Nation with Jessica Soho” and leads the team of “Brigada” reporters.
Other programs include “Balita Pilipinas” with Arnold Clavio, “Good News” with Vicky Morales, “Powerhouse” with Mel Tiangco, “Bawal ang Pasaway kay Mareng Winnie!” with Winnie Monsod and “Investigative Documentaries” with Malou Mangahas.
