My country is undergoing a critical time. Discontent is rising here with a demoralized sense of nationhood. There is resistance for a puppet revolution though people are upset. News headlines take on the big circus of political controversies: scams, corrupt deals in government, factions, who is who. Someone plays victim turned hero; others play bandit. Rallies are held, mobilizing people to direct a point; for media to put on its plate. It is no different with show business as we turn ourselves everyday into a television novel while the oligarchs and feudal saints continue to reap money, rain or shine. It’s incredible!

We believe we need a revolution in our midst but without bloodshed. We believe that we don’t need dead heroes. More so, people who pretend that they are. I hope though that we don’t trick ourselves in this. Third world tyranny is the most vicious phenomenon I’ve ever witnessed. I grew up with it with parents hoping that things turn better by the time I have my own children – that the struggles they’ve confronted bear fruit for the benefit of the next generations. I know what is happening now greatly disappoints them.

I was 14 when I joined the rallies during the first People Power held in the Philippines. My mother and I stationed ourselves outside the walls of the government television network. Among other people, we were there to protect the media station from invasion as it was claimed to have already become the media network belonging to the people. I knew the impact of our efforts there while the threats and risks were real to me. And so, the People Power revolution came and went. And so did President Ferdinand E Marcos; and Martial Rule was lifted. With it, we believed that better days have come. Because of the nonviolent People Power movement, the Philippines was recognized worldwide as the most advanced country in terms of social activism. What followed suit was the birth of various nongovernmental organizations and civic action groups geared towards social change.

Yet where are we now?

We are as confused as ever. Corrupt as ever. The streets are filthy, forests denuded; with street children and families growing in number. There’s a going trend of gang rape; the circulation of videos of teenagers having sex. Pornographers are reaping money with cheap production costs in the expense of innocent children. It’s something we hear everyday, sensationalized or not. It’s almost ordinary to hear of these things. Then it seems that what would save us all from this is electing the ‘right’ presidentiable in 2010.

I want to believe that we know better as a people not to abuse People Power; to underestimate or over estimate it; though apparently, things are not getting any better at all. I’ve read an article which revealed that a sector is analyzing the seemingly detached behavior of the (thinking) masses. Little do they know that we are combusting in our own little corners; more frugal in managing our energies. The fact cannot be denied as well that as government goes on robbing this nation of its resources and pride, so blatantly without a cringe of shame, we – the people, are left with nothing to say anymore lest we return to a long kept list of the age old past.

One time, a girl approached me begging for money. She was 8 years old and a vision of neglect though made to look attractive. She could be a pedophile’s dream. I asked her: “If the world can hear you now, what will you say?” She said, “I need money.” I told her, “I will give you food.” She replied, “No, I need money.” Then she ran off to join a group of children converging at a dark spot along the pavement. I caught her sniffing rugby (solvent) with them.

How I really wish things are not the way it is.

But I keep talking about scenes like these: at government councils, regional discussions, in media; from person to person. At the end I wish I could just let go of the wheel and let it run on its own course. Helping people in difficult circumstances is becoming more and more complicated to fulfill. It is beyond theory and framework; and the manifestations of deprivation and oppression sprout in different lengths; in various landscapes of different faces. But it is what it is. It is a result of corruption.

Having become a nation of slaves, migrant workers, intellectuals on crossroads, corrupt people getting more famous by the day, we have a lot of sorting out to do as a people. There is presently a silent protest happening here wherein people gather together at the breakwaters of the Manila Bay to watch the sun set at the end of the day. No political talk; no rubbish. Just a silent appreciation for the beautiful sunset Manila Bay is famous for. Nightfall comes and people disperse casually. Such poetry, in there.

There is much pain in this struggle we face here, alright. But we are together in this. Always together in this. I say: there is always that calmness before the storm strikes. And silence, sometimes, is heard louder by all means.



Note: The Philippines is commemorating the first People Power revolution on February 25 (Monday, our time).