SFA-AGR-098-08

COMMEMORATION OF EDSA I AT THE PHILIPPINE CENTER NEW YORK

28 February 2008 – The Philippine Consulate General New York and the Philippine Mission to the United Nations jointly commemorated the 22^nd anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on 26 February with a flag raising ceremony attended by all the offices at the Philippine Center New York, specifically the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, the Philippine Tourism Office and the Philippine Center Management Board.

A breakfast followed at the Kalayaan Hall Annex.  Consul General Cecilia Rebong welcomed those present, followed by a key note address delivered by Ambassador Hilario Davide, who recounted his own actions as a member of the opposition prior to 1986, with the reminder that the EDSA Revolution was “the culmination of all our suffering as a people… we showed the world that we can stand on our own.”  The former Chief Justice said that while the spirit of EDSA is institutionalized in our present Constitution, we can only keep the spirit alive if we are prepared to maintain and preserve the virtues of patriotism and uphold the integrity of our democratic institutions.

These messages set the tone for the documentary film entitled “LABAN! The Meaning of the EDSA Revolution” by Filipina filmmaker Sally Jo Bellosillo.  The film opens with President Ferdinand E. Marcos' declaration of Martial Law on September 21, 1972, which set the stage for the 1986 People Power Revolution that inspired the world. The documentary chronicles the events that led to the 1986 Revolution, told from the point of view of those who had the power to influence events, featuring interviews with President Corazon Aquino, President Fidel Ramos and First Lady Imelda Marcos, among others, weaving a factual and compelling account of the triumph of democracy in the 20th century. “Laban” was completed in February 2007 and was presented by  Caelestis Productions, Inc. and Monkeyray Productions LLC at the Angelika Film Center, New York, on 17 September 2007 during the Independent Feature Project (IFP) Market Week. Information on the film is available at: http://www.labanmovie.com.

The Consul General lauded the film for its successful presentation of recent history, and expressed hope that we never forget the miracle of EDSA I by living its spirit as we fulfill our obligations to our country, to our people, at home and in the workplace. END

/wingret