Artists, youth channel People Power in concert
Chants and songs of resistance filled the Quezon City Memorial Circle on Saturday night as a concert against corruption launched the commemorative events for the 40th anniversary of the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution.
With the theme “Awit at Aksyon Kontra Korapsyon” (Songs and Action Against Corruption), protests during the kick-off concert were made in lyrics and performances that echoed hope amid growing public discontent over issues being faced by the nation.
Despite the heat and the tight crowd, chants of “Ikulong na ’yan, mga kurakot” (Jail them, those corrupt officials) roared through the night as attendees swayed and sang along to music that demanded accountability.
Ice Seguerra opened the concert with a heartfelt rendition of “Bayan ko” (My Country), saying how it has almost been 100 years since the song was composed and yet the message still remains relevant today.
“When that song was written, it was clear who our enemy was. But now it’s harder, because it’s our own people who are screwing us over,” the singer-songwriter said in Filipino after the performance.
Organizers from Kaya Natin! And Mayors for Good Governance shared that the artists performed free of charge, volunteering their time and talent in support of the concert’s cause.
Vloggers and comedians also joined the event.
“Many in the youth may not have experienced Edsa, but they should remember that when Filipinos have had enough, they will take action,” Gumaca Mayor Webster Letargo of Mayors for Good Governance said.
Youths saw concerts such as this as a platform to be informed and express their disapproval for the corrupt system in the Philippines.
When asked how they exercise people power today, student Jenest Bacani said social media is a key tool, allowing people to participate in discussions and community events even from afar.
Mica Crisostomo, a postgraduate intern who also attended the event, said even an intentional conversation with friends is a way to keep the event’s memory alive.
Artist and social media personality Pipay told the Inquirer that the simple act of fact-checking the history and credentials of people we vote for is a way to exercise people’s power.
“People still need to be reminded that the power is with us, not with the government,” Pipay said in Filipino.
Ogie Alcasid, one of the featured artists, echoed that sentiment.
“Though we may each have our own ways and our own beliefs, we share one goal: to end corruption,” he said in an interview.
The concert ended with fireworks and artists collaboratively singing Francis Magalona’s “Ito ang Gusto ko” (This is what I want), yet it marked only the beginning of what is almost a weeklong commemoration of the 1986 Edsa Revolution.
