People Power Never Dies
The People Power Revolution of 1986 did not only happen in EDSA—it was a nationwide
movement with other regions or provinces, including Baguio, having their own version of people
power. It is the symbolism of the collective will of Filipinos to reclaim democracy from an
oppressive dictatorship. However, did we really achieve the change we fought for?
The narrative of Baguio’s mayor, Mr. Benjie B. Magalong, provided a glimpse into the
emotions of those who participated in the people power, from fear and uncertainty to the ultimate
joy of liberation. At the age of 26, he was a first lieutenant of the military force who initially
supported the former president Ferdinand Marcos. Over time, the military, including the mayor
himself, realized the wrongdoings behind the orders given to them. This led to shift their support
toward the people where they decided that they will go to Manila to join the people power.
However, due to the chaos in Manila, they were ordered to stay in Baguio where officials took care
of them and ensured their safety. It is astonishing to know that despite Baguio being a pro-Marcos
city, it has its own version of the revolution, a testament to its people’s unity and desire for change.
On the other hand, Kidlat Tahimik’s decade-long film, “Bakit Dilaw ang Gitna ng
Bahaghari?”, showed the major historical events through everyday events, family scenes,
observations, and documentaries, all displayed through a “Third World Projector”. The film
encompassed the assassination of Benigno Aquino, the Yellow Revolution that brought Cory
Aquino to power, and the story of Kidlat’s hometown, Baguio, with Camp John Hay being once a
U.S. air base. Aside from these, what bewildered me most were the scenes in front of the Cathedral
where people gathered with soldiers supporting the movement. It was as if I was watching Mr.
Benjie’s personal experience of people power, where included in his narrative was the gathering
in session road with people passing them goods. The helicopter that came during the gathering was
also captured where people were uncertain on whether it was an enemy or an ally. And just like
what Mr. Benjie mentioned, Kidlat on the film also said that people were protecting the soldiers,
instead of the opposite. Indeed, it felt like watching the visualization of Mr. Benjie’s experiences.
Moreover, the scenes on the actual movement where billions of Filipinos from various
communities showed the support extended by ordinary citizens, religious groups, students, and
even the military. Watching it made me reflect on how important it is to remember our past and
continuously question our present. The revolution itself must be seen not as a moment frozen in
time but as a continuous struggle for justice and democracy. Besides, the decision made by the
military to support the people shows that even those within the ranks of power are willing to
sacrifice themselves to uphold justice. Despite the decision requiring courage to go against a
powerful regime, they never regretted what they have chosen. This truly shows that while people
see them as a puppet of the government whose support is for the Marcoses, they continuously
showed themselves to be true allies of the people. However, there will always be a sobering truth—
despite the revolution’s success, the Philippines never truly achieved the change it needed.
Both the narratives delving deep into the experiences during the time was heart awakening.
It truly is not just a historical event—it is dreams of a better nation that we once embraced
and risked lives for. Indeed, the spirit of the people power was not only felt in EDSA, but
across the entire country. And to truly realize the change we desire, we must continue the
fight that the people power revolutionaries of 1986 began. It must not be treated merely as
a historical event, it must live on in the hearts and actions of every Filipino who dreams of
a better nation.