A healing space

It was a day of healing, truth telling, and hope. Last Sunday, Aug. 21, over a thousand people from all walks of life convened at the People Power Monument to celebrate the light of hope.

Edru Abraham and his Kontra Gapi set the rhythm for the crowd through a happy mix of entertainment and education. Edru introduced us to the many sounds created by the instruments used by different Philippine tribes. A little girl (my apologies to her and her mother for not taking down her name!) sang two songs a capella. Her sweet voice filled the air with innocence and promise. Actor/comedian Gary Lim sang an impromptu number and shared his special brand of humor with the audience. Violinist Merjohn Lagaya and pianist Naldy Rodriguez of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra gave a heartfelt performance. People from urban and rural poor communities were so moved by their music that they applauded enthusiastically several times. I got goose bumps from the authentic swell of appreciation from the crowd and noted that, contrary to what people in the entertainment business like to say, our masa brothers respond to quality entertainment. And how! It was a strong statement of how culture brings people together. What a moment! The event ended with a mass celebrated by Fr. "Puti" Enriquez (who was also the day’s emcee), Fr. Archie and Fr. Robert Reyes, who ended his 44-day liquid fast the next day.

Farmers and representatives of poor, religious and other communities also shared their reflections, music and dance. Personalities of different political backgrounds came as individuals to show solidarity. Speakers included Bro. Armin Luistro of De La Salle University, Roland Llamas of Akbayan, Nicanor Perlas of Pag-Asa (People Assembly for Genuine Alternatives to Social Apathy), surprise guest Dinky Soliman and writer Conrad de Quiros.

I listened to the messages of hope, to a farmer who shared how only a deep inner and spiritual reckoning cleansed him of a desperate impulse to succumb to crime. I listened to Dinky Soliman apologize to the very people she failed when, in her attempt to get her programs in place, she found herself playing politics. I listened to Conrad de Quiros talk about why he continues to fight for truth, justice, morality and integrity in his columns: Because he is a parent, because he is a writer, because he is a human being.

And I felt it all moving through all the Filipino souls who braved the Edsa fumes and the glaring heat (a blessing that day!) to show their unflinching belief in the restoration of truth and the rising of hope amidst the anger and apathy. The best of Pinoy qualities shone that day: Generosity, courage, tolerance, warmth, appreciation, humor, kindness, humility, acceptance, commitment, and authentic brotherhood.

A day later, members and friends of Pag-Asa convened to share their reflections of our last 40 days at the People Power Monument. We reflected on the different social and spiritual processes Pag-Asa allowed us to experience with others and within ourselves; how we chose to respond to the leaders and individuals in business, politics and culture who came to visit, pray, share views and even to try and forge alliances. And we realized how the Pag-Asa cultural space is a space of healing.

Nicanor Perlas, co-convenor and spokesperson of Pag-Asa, explained, "People are attracted to the openness of our space. It is a space anyone of any political or religious background can enter as an individual and be heard without pre-judgment, where people can really listen to each other. We are able to accept anyone coming in as an individual without giving up our convictions." He also said that most of our public perceptions are programmed by media, so our tendency is to meet people with preconceived images and opinions. The Pag-Asa spirit and cultural space allows people to see and experience others for who they really are. It is a place where individuals can go beyond perception and enter a space of agreement and common ground. It is a space where we can all be respectful without compromising the ideals we all hold dear: Morality, conscience, truth, integrity.

Last Sunday, during our celebration of hope, we were a group of over a thousand. That might constitute a handful to some, but for those of us who work hard to create spaces of hope and light, the voluntary presence of every one of those people is deeply significant. And it is not lost on us. We offered no promises. No cash. Nothing. People came out of a deep and authentic conviction to celebrate hope and condemn apathy.

We are a group of people who believe it is time for the Filipino – especially those who remain cynical – to take this country’s destiny into his hands by inspiring and living truth, integrity and morality. We believe that one leader alone cannot heal the nation – no matter how capable or inspiring; no matter how true. We cannot wait for a present-day Ninoy to come charging in and make it all better. It takes the effort of every Filipino to change the country. It truly does. If you want to bicker, criticize, hang back and congeal in your bad habits, at least own up to the truth of your contribution to society. Know that cynicism and apathy are part of your legacy. Be responsible for everything that means.

There are those of us who cannot, in all conscience, bequeath a mess of a country to our children. We choose to be the change. We will continue to speak out against apathy and celebrate the good, even if we are reduced to an actual handful. Noted anthropologist Margaret Mead wisely said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

We will continue to have regular masses at the People Power Monument every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Please also log on to www.truthforce.info for updates on Pag-Asa activities. True and lasting change has begun. We invite you to help us enlarge this healing space, so that together we can bring light and truth back into the nation. Join us.

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I can be reached at magisip@yahoo.com. No junk or attachments please! Thank you for all your letters and messages.