It has been difficult for many young Filipinos to grasp the essence of EDSA. Perhaps because it is of a different time, I don't know. This might be the reason why many of young Filipinos are hesitant to march the streets. There has been little that connects us to that particular time of history. To many, it is but another event to learn.

In learning it, we are, more often than not, given the usual facts. the date, the massive throng of people who gathered there, the key political figures.

It was only in college that I had the chance to understand the essence of EDSA in the Filipino collective experience.But many are not privy to the opportunity I chanced upon. For many, they are still lost, separate from the collective memory spurred by the EDSA.

We need to unlearn and relearn new truths. Truths that will allow us to understand why our society is trapped in a cyclical pattern of oppression, elitism and marginalization.

We need to find our own revolutions. One that will allow us to reconnect to the Filipino collective spirit. One that will prod us to work for progressive change for the country.

But in searching for our own revolution,we must find that connecting thread that will allow us to embrace Filipino history. That connecting thread that will provide an imprint of the past while we are working for our future.

Maybe this will allow us to break the cycle and finally, start anew.


les 2/28/06