It was the night businessman Chris Carrion, the first executive director of the EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC), hosted a dinner to get all the leading players of EDSA 1 and 2 together.
There was nothing auspicious about the day the fellowship was held I think I was the only one in the room who knew it was John F. Kennedys birth anniversary, and Chris is a Marilyn Monroe, not a JFK fan. (The den adjoining the room where the fellowship was held even had more Marilyn memorabilia.) May 29 was simply a day when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo could squeeze in an evening with the EDSA gang (not all of whom are now on speaking terms with each other).
But GMA greeted everyone, including one of her most vociferous critics, Pastor "Boy" Saycon.
"Good to see you again, Boy," she smiled when she saw him.
Chris wasnt awed at all by his clout imagine being able to get President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos together on a rainy night?
"Oh, but this isnt the first time!" Chris quipped. "The three of them have been here before." Presidential convoys and motorcycle cops are no longer strange occurrences on the street where Carrion lives.
President Arroyo has approved the turnover of some 2,000 sq. meters of government property inside Camp Aguinaldo (behind the People Power Monument) to the EPPC for the construction of the EDSA Freedom Center. Carrion is chairperson of the project.
"The Freedom Center," says Carrion, "will focus on the struggle and fight of the Filipino people for freedom not just in EDSA, but from Mactan to EDSA. I also want to put up a Wall of People Power Heroes from Corinthian Gardens to the EDSA Shrine."
Carrions nephew Ramon, says the center will include a 360-degree light and sound auditorium that would relive the scenes of EDSA.
Carrion has persisted in establishing this Freedom Center so EDSA 1 and 2 will outlive the people who participated in them.
"EDSA should rekindle the pride and challenge the Filipinos capacitys for greatness always!" says Ramon.
If GMA can keep up with a grueling schedule you could give credit to the stamina shes built up by working out regularly under Cynthias supervision.
So, come 2004, who will the fountain bless?
Carrion: "We will work to influence Presidents Arroyo, Aquino and Ramos to endorse one candidate."
FVR: "I have a candidate, but the candidate is barred by the Constitution from running."
Cory: "No comment."
(You may e-mail me at peopleasia@qinet.net)