Celebrities commemorate People Power

MANILA, Philippines — Millions of Filipinos got into People Power Fever Friday—this, including a number of celebrities, some of whom decided to join the humungous crowd gathered at the People Power Monument in EDSA for a big extravaganza meant to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 1986 uprising.

Seen at the festivities were Dingdong Dantes, Mark Herras, Diva Montelaba, Rochelle Pangilinan, Mikee Cojuangco, Jamie Rivera, Rocco Nacino, Bugoy Drilon, the duo Moymoy Palaboy, among others.

In an interview with a local news source, Dantes intimated that he is very passionate about the memory of the EDSA People Power. He is hoping that the celebrations would allow generations too young to understand the glory of the EDSA Revolution to glean its meaning.

“It's our duty and responsibility to let the youth know about EDSA People Power,” he said.

Some personalities trooped to the stage to perform numbers, including Jericho Rosales, Regine Velasquez, Freddie Aguilar, Lolita Carbon, Noel Cabangon, Ogie Alcasid, Kuh Ledesma, Jaya, Kyla, Gloc 9, Duncan Ramos, Gary Valenciano and Apl.de.ap, of the Black Eyed Peas.

Hot bands like Sandwich, Pupil, The Dawn, Callalily, Imago, 6Cyclemind, and Up Dharma Down also rendered some numbers.

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III was also present at the festivities, coming up onstage to deliver a well-applauded speech.

Other performers at the concert were Frencheska Farr, Julie Ann San Jose, Geoff Taylor, Jay Perillo, and Brenan Espartinez who sang their version of "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo." Regine Velasquez, on the other hand, came up onstage to render "Magkaisa."

Hosting the show was presidential sister Kris Aquino, alongside Ruffa Gutierrez and Ai Ai de las Alas.

Singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, who organized the gathering as head entertainment convenor of the EDSA celebration, was ecstatic about the success of the celebrations. He also expressed his gratitude to all the artists who took part in it.

Meanwhile, some celebrities took to social networking sites like Twitter to express their insights about the historic event.

Parokya ni Edgar lead vocalist Chito Miranda shared: "'Yung nangyari sa EDSA 25 yrs ago was just a start...di naman ibig sabihin na yun na yung katapusan ng paghihirap natin eh. Pero at least namulat tayo na kaya ng mga Pinoy magkaisa, iyon ang tunay na diwa ng EDSA."

Singer-actress Agot Isidro posted: "EDSA revolution was initiated by one person sharing the same ideals with many. Change always comes from a single person, and that is me."

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan tweeted: "May we never take this opportunity for granted. Let us move forward towards the realization of the promise of EDSA in 1986."

Film and TV director Jose Javier Reyes recalled: "25 yrs ago we were on the rooftop of the ABS-CBN Building in tears singing BAYAN KO upon learning that the Marcoses have left. 25 years ago!"

Miss Universe 1999 1st runner-up Miriam Quiambao, remembered: "I was 10 during the EDSA Revolution and at home watching TV. Had no clue why there were tanks on the road and everyone was in yellow. Next thing I heard was that Marcos had left and my parents brought us to PICC to see the choppers parked on the grass."

Singer-composer Jim Paredes reminsiced: "There was a 12 midnight to 4AM curfew. Kung mahuli ka, you were brought to Camp Crame to cut grass till 12 NN. There were ways around curfew. Kung malakas ka, may curfew pass."

Singer Leah Navarro, tweeted: "25 years ago today, rebel soldiers took over Chan 4. Geny and Jake Lopez, my dad and other ABS-CBN employees restarted ops. Jim Paredes, Maan Hontiveros, Noel and Subas among 1st on air."

Former ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Head Maria Ressa, however, lamented: "It was one of major reasons I returned to the Philippines. Edsa happened 25 years ago. It's over. We need to think about today and the future. 25 years later, we deserve better. Never turned into better governance, better institutions.”

source: manila bulletin