‘People power I an unfinished revolt’

Philippine STAR publisher and chairman Max V. Soliven told an overflow crowd at the Club Filipino yesterday that there have been too many celebrations of EDSA I but the significance of the event has been lost on many Filipinos.

Speaking as one of the millions who took part in the people power revolution that toppled the Marcos dictatorship 17 years ago, Soliven declared that "EDSA I is an unfinished revolution" and the people have to go on fighting and striving to attain the real spirit of EDSA.

Soliven was the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the 17th anniversary celebration of people power I held at the Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan.

Among the prominent guests and EDSA I stalwarts who attended the event and also spoke briefly in impromptu remarks were former President Fidel Ramos and former Vice President Salvador Laurel. Public Works Secretary and MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando and Agrarian Reform Secretary Roberto Pagdanganan were among the dignitaries who attended. Former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim introduced the guest speaker and also delivered a short inspirational address.

Club Filipino President emeritus Fortunato Aguas who hosted the breakfast meeting with the incumbent board as well as members of the 1986 board of the historic club, described yesterday’s affair as the best attended EDSA I celebration at Club Filipino they ever had.

Rep. Joaquin M. Chipeco, Jr., of Laguna, centennial President of the Club Filipino, acknowledged the special guests, while George G. Moran, who was a 1986 member of the Board of Directors, delivered the opening prayer.