By Fonz Bautista

By Lia Atienza

The Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) community commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) People Power Revolution through “EDSA @40: Kwentong Kwarenta,” on Monday, February 23, on the third floor of the Formation and Learning Center (FLC). 

Organized by the ASHS Sanggunian, the program opened with the entrance of colors, led by the ASHS Scouting Organization, followed by the paraliturgy ceremony led by school chaplain Fr. Noel Bava, SJ.

After which, a music video of “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” was presented, later introducing the composer, Jim Paredes, as the guest speaker for the morning program. 

Paredes started off his speech by talking about the song and its relevance to Filipino democracy and the EDSA Revolution. 

“I felt inspired. Every line there, I experienced,” said Paredes, who is also a member of the Apo Hiking Society, and an Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) alumnus.

He then explained the symbolism of the four decades since the revolution took place, referring to “40” as a mystical number, alluding to the Jews’ 40 years of wandering and Jesus’ journey for 40 days and 40 nights, finally stating that the 40th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution should be the time to stop wandering. 

Paredes concluded by urging the youth to take action in their own ways, using his journey in pioneering the Original Pinoy Music (OPM) genre as an example.

He said, “If you want a world that you like, you create it … kung gusto niyo manirahan sa mundo na nagre-reflect ng values ninyo [at] nagre-reflect ng mga dreams at aspirations ninyo, kumilos na kayo. Use your creativity.”

“EDSA was not a one-hit wonder. It is a seed that continues [and may] continue to grow, and pay back, and give more,” he concluded. 

The program continued with the parade of photos from the People Power Revolution, spearheaded by the members of the ASHS Sanggunian, and a statement by the ASHS Sanggunian President Troy Yusingbo. 

“The 40th commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and every individual’s voice in becoming an instrument of change,” he said.

Yusingbo then honored the efforts of Filipinos who participated in the revolution, and also acknowledged the present form of protest in today’s generation. 

“Hindi natatapos sa alaala ang laban para sa demokrasya … sama-sama nating panindigan ang katotohanan, katarungan, at pagkakaisa,” Yusingbo added. 

The program concluded with a special performance by Dulaang Sibol, delivering their rendition of Smokey Mountain’s song “Paraiso.”

More activities are scheduled to honor the anniversary of the People Power Revolution, including the university’s “Laging Manalig, Patuloy na Magtaya” procession and rosary at the Church of Gesù, and a mass at the Blue Eagle Gym, on Tuesday, February 24.