EDSA revolt campaign plays ‘Nilarong Pinoy’

MANILA, Philippines — The Buhay Ang People Power Campaign Network went to Rizal Park in Manila yesterday to play “Nilarong Pinoy” or games with political twists.

Network convenor Kiko Aquino Dee said from the games they prepared, they intend to raise awareness and express their comments on today’s political issues and during the martial law years under the elder Ferdinand Marcos.

The country’s incumbent leader is the son of the late dictator, while Dee is a grandson of former president Corazon Aquino and former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

With the word “nilarong,” Dee said it means that the government is playing with the people.

The Network raised questions on the 2025 General Appropriations Act, and called for the disclosure of the confidential fund of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In the game “Trip to Jerusalem,” instead of removing chairs, the game demonstrated how the budget was being spent and the reduction of services to the people.

Another game is patterned after the Easter egg hunt wherein players would be asked to look for “eggs” that question Duterte’s confidential fund.

They also have stories from martial law survivors who discussed “lighter” topics – subjects such as their relationships, families, education and friendships, not limited to conversations of their harrowing experiences during that era.

“We want to show that the martial law survivors are also people,” Dee added.

He explained that while yesterday was an opportunity for them to express their “anger” on the issues confronting the country, on Feb. 25, during the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolt, they would launch a campaign in time for the event’s 40th anniversary next year.

“From Feb. 25, 2025 until Feb. 25, 2026, we are encouraging people who want to remember the EDSA Revolution to take 10 to 20 minutes of their day to tell in what way can they personally contribute to the country. Then we can ask the politicians what they can do for the country, that they should step up. What will be your personal promise to the country?” Dee said.