FEBRUARY 25, 2011 - 4:30 p.m.

February 25, 2011 4:30 pm

Tears were flowing freely down my cheeks. I was watching the historical reenactment of the “Salubungan” during the height of the People Power Revolution at EDSA 25 years ago. It was difficult to describe how I felt.

I was there at EDSA with my fifteen year old son and some other members of the Altinig Choir. We were actually far from where the “Salubngan” occurred because we were not able to come near due to the bigness of the crowd. As we move around we sang songs of our choir.

I recalled how my son and I went there each with a bag for wet towel in plastic for the tear gas just in case, candies and water should we get hungry or thirsty and flashlight in case of blackout. Our bags were tied to our waists to prevent them from getting lost. I asked my son what he would do should we get away from each other due to commotions. He said he would look for a car with Ayala Alabang Sticker so he could be back where we then resided.

The atmosphere then was festive even if one had to pay P1.00 to be able to spit and step over the pictures of the conjugal dictators. We were there when the Marcoses fled to Hawaii. The nation was jubilant. We expected great changes but nothing much happened.

Now, 25 years later we were still hoping to feel the change that we all expected. My 15 year old son who was with me then was now an Australian citizen as well as my youngest son, the EDSA boy of the new generation.

My tears continued flowing down my cheeks as important symbols of EDSA were being handed down to the youth in front of the People Power Monument, for them to continue the spirit and the tangible reality of the EDSA People Power Revolution. My other youthful daughter was now a Canadian citizen.

To dramatize the need for Unity, Ateneo and La Salle choirs joined to sing “Magkaisa” together. Artists from competing channels 2, 5 and 7 also jointly gave their presentations. So many young people attended the 25th Anniversary celebration giving hope to every Filipino that Unity was still possible and attainable.

With tears now drying from my cheeks, in time with the historic speech of President Noy Aquino. I was praying that I live long enough to be able to finally experience the reality of EDSA’s dream. With all my children abroad holding dual citizenship I believe that they will still have the chance to be back to their country feeling safe and at peace with themselves and their own families.

I was aware that my Patriotism was greatly wanting…even corny. But my patriotism was congenitally imbedded in the center of my heart.