Trading stories about ‘People Power’

WASHINGTON DC – Twenty five years after Filipinos showed the world what people power was all about, it was a chance to trade stories for retired military men, journalists and an artist who took part in the bloodless EDSA revolution.

Retired General Delfin Lorenzana remembers that day so well. He was not part of the movement that defied the commander-in-chief, but he nonetheless rushed to Camp Crame to support then National Police Chief Fidel Ramos. Today he can now laugh about this and break bread with Cesar Yano, then 26-year-old lieutenant with Ferdinand Marcos’ presidential guards. Yano remembers how they were ready to die to protect Marcos but were happy when he decided to leave Malacañang.

Yano said, “There were mixed feelings because you were uncertain of what could befall you once the new regime takes over.”

Bill Branigin was then Washington Post’s bureau chief in Manila and remembers the confusion during those 4 days of February 1986.

She said, “I remember going to a press conference in Malacañang and Marcos was asked what he was doing about this and General Ver interrupted him, asking for permission to fire on the mutineers and it was hard to tell whether that was all staged.”


For over a decade, Jon Melegrito fought the Marcos dictatorship from Washington DC and remembers the day it was finally toppled.

“At 3 a.m. in the embassy, people started coming over. People celebrated from morning till night. People were happy that the people power emerged victorious,” he said.

Virginia resident Virna Lisa Mananzan was the voice behind the revolt’s “Magkaisa” theme song and she’s amazed how it’s still relevant 25 years later.

“It’s amazing how we Filipinos were influenced by the music. And ilang years na. It’s going to be 25 years and it’s still alive. Isn’t it amazing?” the singer said.

source: abs cbn