Live life agelessly, purposefully, mindfully, happily…
Today, Feb. 25, 2008 marks the 22nd anniversary of Philippine PEOPLE POWER.
I dedicate this post to my children who are part of the youth — the hope of our land. May these graphic images burn in your hearts and remain there always. I pray that the spirit of EDSA 1 will always be the inspiration of our youth to give of themselves and make this country better for all its citizenry.
This beautiful YouTube video (thanks to elcid624) was a video done for a Boston culture show in 2004. It encapsulates the spirit of EDSA and shows highlights of those days. For our youth who were not born yet or were too young to remember, this video says it all.
And what would EDSA 1 have been without music? After all, music is in the heart of all Filipinos. Our culture is filled with music that speaks from our hearts.
The songs below were written during the EDSA 1 People Power days. They remain relevant until today.
This YouTube video (from jsoria30ver2‘s YouTube channel) is a song entitled “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” written by Jim Paredes of Apo Hiking Society. In a recent ANC interview, Jim said that he wrote this 6-minute song in 2 minutes. Talking of inspiration!!!!
“Magkaisa” was written by Tito Sotto, arranged by Homer Flores and rendered by Virna Lisa Mananzan. Lucky I found this YouTube video (thanks again to jsoria30ver2):
And who can forget “Bayan Ko” written by Freddie Aguilar. Almost like a national anthem, this song has been sang in many different situations to symbolize love of country. (thanks to pnaymommy3)
I previously blogged about how I felt as a mother whose kids are exposed to all these scandals these days. Three of them are so much more aware of what is going on as they discuss these events in class and among their peers. I continue to pray that they will look at this anniversary not just as a historical event but a shining moment when the Filipino’s true heart and spirit shone forth to teach the world a lesson. It is not too late for our youth to transform this country. I have faith that where we have failed, they can succeed.
Blogger Links
Following are links to blogger friends who have likewise written posts relevant to this day in our history. I will update this list as I come across new posts.
Dine’s Tomorrow’s Leaders, our YOUTH: What if they suddenly want to do it their way?
Noemi’s Modern Day Moms and Truth, Accountability & Reform
Noemi’s Push for Change, BE the Change
Annamanila’s Taking Responsibility
Cathy’s What IS $130 Million To You?
MLQ3’s An Immoderate Threat when Representatives Fail the People
I just saw this wonderful list in Ricky Lo’s Christmas article in Philippine Star and it was sent in by Robin Tong, a Xavier parent who has a flair for writing. It is a list worth sharing with you all. May it help us enrich our lives! And thanks, Robin!
1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile (favorite Borg line from Star Trek)
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don’t compare your life with others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take “no” for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?”
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your family will.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
35. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative! — dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
41. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.
A friend sent this via text today:
Sometimes we put too much passion on the biggest dreams & priorities in life
That we fail to love the smallest pleasures from simple things.
We search so much for the right choices, for the right paths to walk through,
For the right time & for the right reasons.
But life isn’t about searching for the things that can be found.
It is about letting the unexpected happen and
Finding things you never searched for.