People Power Revolution

 The People Power Revolution (also known as the EDSA Revolution and the Philippine Revolution of 1986) was a series of popular demonstrations in the Philippines that occurred in 1983-1986. The methods used amounted to a sustained campaign of civil resistance against regime violence and electoral fraud. This case of nonviolent revolution led to the departure of dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of the country's democracy. It has been an inspiration for the Revolutions of 1989 that contributed to the ending of communist dictatorships in Eastern Europe. It was widely seen as a victory of the people against the 20 year running authoritarian, repressive regime of then president Ferdinand Marcos and made news headlines as "the revolution that surprised the world". In fact, my grandfather was one of the leading members behind this movement.

Filipinos armed to the teeth with rosaries and flowers, massing in front of tanks, and the tanks stopping, and some of the soldiers who were the enemy embracing the people and their flowers. Call that a revolution? Where were the heads stuck on pikes? Where were the torches for the estates of the rich? The rich were in the streets with the poor, a whole country up in flowers. In a short string of remarkable days a crooked election was held and exposed; a dignified woman established her stature and leadership; a despot ranted, sweated, fled; a palace changed guard--all with a minimum of blood lust and an abundance of determination and common national will.

On February 25, 2011, the Philippines celebrated the 25th anniversary of the People Power Revolution.