On Democracy and Patriotism: Understanding the Essence of PINOY Freedom

"The Filipinos are worth dying for"- Ninoy Aquino.


I am not a Ninoy fan, nor a Cory Aquino big supporter. I maybe too young to talk about these things, but I guess that the time and the issues the Philippines are currently facing right now, made my eyes open with the need to be aware and the hunger for a better situation of the nation- much like what my contemporaries might also think.

I was not yet born in the year when millions of Filipinos gathered in EDSA Shrine, expressed their ideologies, their eagerness to have immediate freedom, their cries for the years they have suffered from the iron hands of the dictator. They went on hand-in-hand, had a revolt---a famously known bloodless revolt. The first in Southeast Asia to mark its name in World History. Filipinos made name in the whole world with their brave, life risk-taker deeds.This "bloodless revolt" became the world's inspiration to have a mass victory; armless people united with prayers with one single aim: Freedom.


EDSA People Power I paved the way to bring and put to power, Southeast Asia's First Woman President- Corazon Aquino. She was just a grieving wife of Ninoy- known to be a contemporary Filipino Hero. She led the Filipinos to have freedom they have been longing for--much which they deserve. She brought back the democracy of the enitre nation. She was the woman of the hour. She was acknowledged by world leaders for her strength, perseverance, undying love for her countrymen, and more of her prayers and strong faith.

I was just watching the last mass for President Aquino's funeral. Struck by the thousands of people who remained to be her supporters, through rain or shine they were there for her. It was not as bad as it could be that MUSIC has played its own melody and role to the lives of the many. It is today's simplest yet the strongest way to convey to the people what it is to be said. A form of expression that one could easily relate on. During that era, several Pinoy musicians have contributed great patriotic songs, not just to the Filipino Music Industry, but also to the whole nation as well. Name it, Freddie Aguilar's Bayan ko, Tito Sotto's Magkaisa, and one of the most popular - Jim Paredes' Handog ng Pilipino. I remember, when my blockmates I in college and I had to complete a local history of the EDSA Shrine, we saw some important passages written which surrounds that entire block that holds support to the Queen Mother of Peace. One of which is Ninoy Aquino's famous line- "The Filipinos are worth dying for", and another- a line from the song Handog ng Pilipino. Maganda ang nilalaman ng kanta. Totoo, nag-handog ang mga Pilipino ng isang makahulugang regalo sa mundo. Napatunayan natin, na sa kabila ng pagnanais ng bawat isa ng kalayaan, nakaya natin itong makuha sa isang hindi marahas na paraan.

In the previous years, the issue on Philippine democracy has been quite a little discrete. Yet, we don't really realize that we never had the chance to have a consolidated democracy. Naalala ko na naman, I had my Political Dynamics subject, and my professor's big and last question for me was---"Do we really have a consolidated democracy in the Philippines?". I was a little too nervous, yet much more confused. I didn't know what to answer.I had a quick review of the passing of power from Marcos to Aquino to Ramos to Estrada and to Arroyo. And so, I answered "No, we don't have a consolidated democracy in the country sir". I explained further and he just gave me the last glance which means I can already sit. I was happy that it means I've got a good grade, but I was put into thinking that 'why does this country cannot have its full, strong, and solid democracy'.

We are now facing the debates on Charter Change, on being a parliament. I may not know everything yet at the moment about these matters for I have not studied the courses on politics that much, but I can say that surely one has the right to express sentiments and remorse to the dying care of the people regarding the real scenarios of the country. Let's forget about politics first sir, madam. Let's forget about who's corrupt and who's not- for in how many years already, we cannot simply just get rid of them--an illness without accurate cure. Let's forget about saying sh*t things against our rivals, instead just talk about peace and thoughts of wisdom. Let's forget about your future in the coming elections, your new techniques and "pakulos". Let's forget about these things just even for a moment. There are more than these things that we should think about. There are more people who doesn't even understand everything that has been happening to us. Could you further explain and extend to them why they have to experience such poverty and sufferings?--I bet none of you could try to explain them in the simplest way that they could comprehend.



Through the years, Pinoys have their own way of addressing their love for the country, and their sincere advocacy to uplift the lives of each and every Filipino. From Musicians like the late Francis M, Pinoy Rock Icons like Yano, The Eraserheads, Bamboo, Rico Blanco, Sandwich, and a lot more of the contemporary artist- which in their own crafts have included their perspective of Philippines' current battles and situations. Much of their songs are indeed for commercial purposes only, but they were not even shameful of, amidst their popularity to include a little piece of something for their country. Music has defined to be their way of Patriotism. Kudos also to Pinoy film-makers, who on the battle of fighting against piracy and the slowly dying Philippine Entertainment, still have the courage to produce films (much are indies) which are all world-class. These did not just make names for Pinoy film-makers' talents, but a pride of our own. In the past years, Philippine Fashion has also evolved. From Adidas' Pinas version of a jacket, to Francis M's clothing line (popularly the three stars and a sun design; which is inspired by the Philippine flag), to Rhett Eala's Pilipinas shirts and limited dresses (with the Philippine map in it), to AKOMISMO dog tags, and a lot more, Pinoys have diverted their simple concept of freedom of expression- to freedom of expressing one's Love for the Country.

Though Pinoys have changed their way on addressing their love for our dearest country, it remained to be just the same. One message has remained for all of us. Just enough for us to be reminded that amidst all of these---Filipinos still are still worth dying for.