God give us men!

The Philippines has undergone a long list of revolts in her history. There was the famous Battle of Mactan on April 21, 1521. It was the first reported resistance of the natives in the Philippines against foreign invaders. Lapu-Lapu, a chieftain of Mactan Island, defeated Spanish colonizer led by the Portuguese navigator Magellan. Then we had the Legazpi Conquest, Sulayman Revolt, Lakandula Revolt, Battle of Manila, Silang (Diego and Gabriela) Revolts, Spanish-Amercan War, Philippine–American War, Battle of Corregidor, Battle of Bataan, Battle of Leyte Gulf, Battle for the Liberation of Manila, Battle of Tirad Pass, Battle of Pulang Lupa and many more. Then on the more recent years Martial Law was declared (under the Marcos regime) and the People Power Revolution (known as Edsa One) happened.

The question now is do we have to celebrate the People Power Revolution every year? Does it really have to be a public holiday? Of course, we should commemorate and remember the important dates of our history but making a big deal out of it and using it in vain becomes an abuse or exploitation to say the least.

Just because people do not go out and celebrate it as we used to, does not mean we have forgotten about the historic event. It is just that we have WORK to do. The youth of today cannot relate to it — it has been 21 years now. Only generation X (those who are 30 and up) can relate to it because they were in the high school level during those exciting days. It is just like Martial Law. When it was declared I was two years old. I really cannot remember anything about it. I have read and heard stories about the martial law period but as to how the Filipinos lived and suffered – I can only emphatize. The problem is that many of our elders expect the youth of today to celebrate with vigor but how can you if you never experienced it at all?

In 1986 we fought for democracy and the people went out to the streets without having to be ferried to EDSA. We went there on our own initiatives. We did not have to be bribed nor paid. Today, it is quite obvious that people who rally in EDSA are already the hakot crowd. So, the organizers become a laughing stock to the public because they are accused of being "trying hard, copy cats".

It is a good thing February 25 fell on a Sunday this year. Whenever it falls on a weekday, the public is loss as to how to celebrate it. In fact, to celebrate EDSA One some offices and schools require their personnel and students to attend it just to fill-up the streets especially those belonging to hard core "movers" or "shakers" during that time.

Life is not always fiestas and celebrations. We need to redirect our culture and also teach ourselves to enjoy working. Our country is now in the cutting edge of developing the economy to a higher scale – we must learn to be work oriented. Too many holidays may cause our downfall. Significant dates in our history should still be commemorated but life must go on. We need to move on!

Our people are sensitive to the needs of the times. If there is really an urgent need to rally in the streets again, do not worry, it will happen. You do not have to stage it artificially – like it has been obviously done in the past.

EDSA One will always be remembered. Its spirit will forever live in our hearts. And the memories of that revolt must be told to the younger generations just like how the many Philippine battles and revolts have been treasured in our history.

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I have not heard any originality from any of the 2007 candidates. Instead of bickering and throwing stones at one another, why not take a strong stand on something. We the voters cannot even decipher your platforms. What’s the matter? When you talk on the entablado you seem to be addressing an illiterate crowd. Many candidates are sooo corny. Why you have not been voted yet, you already sound like dictators and autocrats. Listen to your speeches – their meaningless. They make no sense at all. We want to hear what you plan to do once voted into office. What are your objectives and vision for the country. Do not be baduy for heaven’s sake. We need men, I mean good men. This poem by Josiah Gilbert Holland will hopefully be an inspiration to all our candidates to live up to becoming men of honor:

God, give us men!
GOD, give us men! A time like this demands
Strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands;
Men whom the lust of office does not kill;
Men whom the spoils of office can not buy;
Men who possess opinions and a will;
Men who have honor; men who will not lie;
Men who can stand before a demagogue
And damn his treacherous flatteries without winking!
Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog
In public duty, and in private thinking;
For while the rabble, with their thumb-worn creeds,
Their large professions and their little deeds,
Mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps,
Wrong rules the land and waiting Justice sleeps.