Rallies

The long stretch of EDSA in Manila drains me out, especially during rush hours. It is when vehicles are bumper-to-bumper on the way to their different destinations in Manila. Yesterday, the avenue served its purpose more than just a road. It became a historical monument when the Filipinos gathered together for its independence from the dictatorship that was crippling the already sick nation.

Here we are 33 years later, enjoying the fruits of those who toiled hard for this constitution that has changed the landscape of Philippine history. We made the rules according to how we saw them fit the society that we have now. After 33 years, was it all worth it?

Yesterday was a day full of rallies simultaneously done all over the country. Much hasn't changed; there are still those who complain about the administration. Despite whoever is placed on the seat, there are still those who will cry foul over the way the country is being run.

When will we achieve contentment? Let alone the peace we deserve? It has been a standard for every commemoration of the EDSA to go out in the streets. While that has been the essence at the time, isn't it also time to look for other ways to remember?

The children of today will not understand, unless properly taught, why their grandparents had to rally for the freedom that was taken from them. The millennial generation will forever be lost in the enchantment that they all deserve the life we have now. I truly understand what it is to give honor, but there must be some other way how to make it right. Education is key, they say, to be better citizens. I like to say it must be the right education.

After 33 years, we are still on the verge of looking for things to change in our present-day Constitution and we want our leaders out. Sounds familiar as how it was three decades ago. Yet, we don't want to go back to how it was then when martial law was still in effect. I'm confused as to what the ordinary Filipino wants. Can't it be just as simple as peace and order?

Allow me to thank our forefathers for the fight that they have bravely fought despite military presence and threats. Although the military today has vowed not to be the same as the past, we must still be on our toes, vigilant as always of what is to come. Rally if we must, but may the means justify the cause. There is also no need to spit at the authorities. Although we have our freedom of expression, it is also essential to know our own limits.

We wait for another year before the next anniversary of EDSA. I hope it will be more relevant to the generation today. It is not just an avenue known for unbelievable traffic jams, but a place where history was made.