POWER OF MUSIC. Renowned singer-songwriters commemorate the People Power Revolution with the Ateneo community through songs they composed. Photo by Karen F. De La Fuente.

THE ATENEO community commemorated the 27th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution through an event entitled “Diwa ng EDSA: Awit at Istorya” last February 21 at the Leong Hall Auditorium.

Through various musical pieces sung by four renowned singer-songwriters—Jess Santiago, Rody Vera, Pol Galang and Noel Cabangon—Ateneans were able to look back at some of the highlights of People Power.

Three themes were highlighted in the event: diktadura, pakikibaka and kalayaan (dictatorship, struggle and freedom), which were the basis of the songs prepared for the commemoration.

The joint efforts of the History and Political Science Departments, with the help of the Ateneo Musicians’ Pool (AMP) and the Christian Union for Socialist and Democratic Advancement (Crusada), made the event possible.

History through song

Jess Santiago said that the entirety of the Marcos dictatorship, and the People Power Revolution that resulted from it, was documented through songs.

“Iyon ang hamon sa’min noon: paano mo tatalakayin ang mga isyu tulad ng imperyalismo, kolonyalismo, nang hindi sinasabi ang mga termino na ito (That was the challenge for us back then: how will you tackle issues such as imperialism or colonialism without mentioning these words)?” he said.

All four guests sang songs in relation to the three themes. Santiago sang some of his songs such as “Pagbabago?” the lyrics of which partially read, “Kahit mag-People Power, tayo ang talo hangga’t di tayo natututo. (Even with People Power, we’ll remain losers as long as we don’t learn.)”

Galang sang his songs “Pinggan” and “Talinhaga,” which were metaphors for how the government was run during the dictatorship.

Meanwhile, Vera sang his song “Manggagawa,” which was meant to incite political action among the labor force during Martial Law.

Cabangon hyped up the crowd by giving them a chance to join in a protest chant. “‘Pag sinabi kong ‘Imperyalismo,’ sabihin ninyo, ‘Ibagsak!’ (When I say ‘Imperialism,’ you say, ‘Bring it down!’)”

The crowd did as told, and after that, he chanted, “Marcos, Hitler, diktador, tuta (dictator, lapdog)!” to which the crowd followed suit.

Cabangon also sang “Ako’y Isang Mabuting Pilipino,” which is one of his top hits.

The event ended with everyone standing up and singing to “Bayan Ko” while Cabangon played the guitar.

Updated 10:33 PM, May 18, 2013.