Capturing the Message of Mañanita Protest

NICOLE LINDSAY RAMOS

Not even the rain nor social media attacks from trolls and the intimidating military presence stopped the protest organized by the people yesterday in celebration of 122nd Independence day at the University of the Philippines - Diliman.

Unlike the NCRPO Head Sinas’ birthday celebration that inspired yesterday’s Grand Mañanita, protesters with face masks and even party hats on, observed physical distancing, as they call to junk the Anti-Terror Bill and oppose the intrusion of China in the Philippine waters.

To live up to this year’s theme, creative attendees made placards in the form of take-out boxes and brought other Pinoy party-essentials, including a karaoke machine and party foods. Although the protesters were encouraged to wear red and black, some dressed up in costumes, including Mae Paner also known as Juana Change, an artist and activist, who took this perfect opportunity to dress up and channel Sinas.

Meanwhile Aling Marie, a sarisari store owner and a new internet sensation who went viral for her words about fanatics and traditional politicians, expressed her disapproval on the Anti-Terror Bill and repeated her iconic line: “Hindi nga kasi ako dilaw. Hindi ako puti at hindi ako pula. Kayumanggi ako. Kayumanggi ang kulay ng Pilipino.” What made a simple sari-sari store owner’s voice relevant is how she reminds the people that, after all, we share the same race.

“Hangga’t may katuwiran, ikaw ay lumaban,” she urged.

Earlier that day, Atty. Neri Colmenares pointed out that the government shouldn’t make a fool out of people, for there is already an existing draconian terror bill, which is the Human Security Act. He negated the government’s excuse that the bill was made for terrorists and not for people who are critical of the government.

Furthermore, Bahaghari representative, Rey Salinas, enumerated some of the implications of the bill while also mentioning that real acts of terrorism are those that were experienced and being experienced by the LGBTQ community under the hands of a bigot authority.

“Alam natin kung sino ang tunay na terorista pero mga kasama tayo ay nasa isang makasaysayang yugto ng Pilipinas at ng buong mundo. Sa mata ng mga may kapangyarihan, tayo lamang ay mga bangkay at ang huling pako sa ating mga kabaong ay ang terror bill na nais wakasin ang ating mga batayang Karapatan pantao ngunit inaalalala natin na ang tunay na may kapangyarihan ay hindi ang mga nakaupo sa Malacañang. Ang tunay na mga makapangyarihan, ay tayong lahat na nandirito ay sambayanang Pilipino, na dumadagsa upang tuligsain ang isang pasista,” she added.

Similar to the lyrics of the song ‘Bayan Ko,’ which was sang at the end of the ‘mañanita’: “Ibon mang may layang lumipad, kulungin mo at umiiyak, bayan pa kayang sakdaldilag, ang ‘di magnasang makaalpas,” as Filipinos prove that now, more than ever, dissent is necessary.

From paid trolls to illegal arrests, the regime will use everything that is placed in its arsenal to quash the growing dissent of the masses. However, like fire, the movement of the people against tyranny will spread ferociously.

PHOTOS ● EZRA GAlAURAN

Like fire, the movement of the people against tyranny will spread ferociously.