EDSA 3

EDSA 3 was a protest sparked by the arrest in April 2001 of newly deposed Erap. The event still took place in EDSA. 4 months after EDSA 2, the protests were asserted as a more populist and representative uprising compared to the previous demonstrations. The protests and the attack of the presidential palace failed in their objectives. Participants continue to claim that it was a genuine People Power event, a claim disputed by the participants and supporters of Edsa 2. President GMA has acknowledged the diversive nature of the two terminologies by saying in one statement that she hoped to be the president of the Edsa 2 and Edsa 3.



The crowd of an alleged several thousand Filipino people , most of whom were urban poor and devotees of Iglesia in Cristo, gathered at the Edsa Shrine. News organizations aiming to cover the rally were advised to to approach EDSa as there were reports of stones being thrown at cameramen, especially those from ABS-CBN. This protest, however, was led by members of the political opposition of the time: Enrile, Defensor-Santiago, and Sotto III.

The rebellion aimed to remove GMA from presidency and to reinstate Estrada. It was in May 1, 2001, when the rebellion came to a head on the morning of that day. Hundreds of thousands of protesters stormed towards Malacanang Palace. Several broadcast vans of media personnel were attacked by the crowd, the dispersed marchers, causing violence causing the police and military personnel to implement maximum tolerance policy.

Hours after the crowds of Edsa2 were dispersed, representatives of the Archdiocese of Manila and Civil Society supporters of the Arroyo administration reclaimed the Edsa Shrine where there had been alleged acts of vandalism and garbage all over the vicinity. Since the protest was carried out mostly by the lower income, uneducated masses, widespread destruction and vandalism of public utilities and public store fronts along the protest routes at Recto Avenue.



Critics of Edsa 3 argue that while this was major protest, the spirit of it was unlike the first and second protests. Supporters of Edsa 3 journalism allege that Edsa 1 and 2’s participants were made up of the middle and upper classes and thus, not democratically-representative unlike the participants of Edsa 3. Other arguments also point to the success of the first two to remove the presidents targeted, as opposed to the Edsa 3’s failed event.

-CA

EDSA DOS

EDSA DOS, also known as the Edsa Revolution of 2001, is the common name of the four day popular revolution that peacefully overthrew the then President, Joseph “ERAP” Estrada, which took place in January 17-20 2001.

It was in October 2000 when Chavit Singson, Ilocos Sur Governor, went public with accusations that Estrada and his friends and cronies received millions of pesos from operations of the illegal numbers game called jueteng. And this prompted rage from the public.

The next day, Senate Minority Leader Teofisto Guingona Jr. delivered a fiery privilege speech accusing Estrada of receiving P220M in jueteng money from Singson from November 1998-August 2000, besides taking P70M on excise tax on cigarettes for Ilocos Sur. The privilege speech was referred by Senate President Franklin Drilon, to the Blue Ribbon Committee and the Committee on Justice for joint investigation. Another committee in the House of Representatives decided to investigate the expose, while other house members spearheaded a move to impeach the president.



On January 17, 2001, the impeachment trial of President Estrada moved to the investigation of an envelope with an evidence that would prove acts of political corruption by Estrada. Senators allied with Estrada voted to block the evidence and after the vote took place, with not opening the envelope favored, Aquilino Pimentel resigned as Senate President and walked out, followed by the 9 opposition senators.

The walk out and the voting outcome prompted the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to withdraw support for Estrada, joining the crowds at the Edsa Shrine 2 days later. At 2 pm that day, Estrada appeared on television the first time stating that he will not resign, rather, he wants the impeachment trial to continue, stressing that only a guilty verdict will prompt him to resign from his office.



Shortly after, Erap called for a snap presidential election to be held with congressional and local election on May 14, 2001. GMA then takes her oath of office in the presence of the crowd at EDSA, becoming the 14th woman president of the Philippines. At 2pm , Erap released a letter saying he had strong and serious doubts of the legality of her presidency, but said he would give up his office to avoid being an obstacle to healing the nation. Later, Erap finally conceded and his family leave Malacanang Palace, and was placed on house arrest.

-CA

The Debut

The Debut (2001) is the first Filipino-American film to be released in theaters nationwide. It serves as an example of contemporary life for second generation Filipinos, with themes pertaining to identity, acculturation, and family. This movie is especially catered to Filipino Americans because of the story line. It is the typical question that all Filipino Americans must answer: with whom do I identify? For most, a lack of exposure may lead to disinterest in one's cultural heritage. Vernacularly speaking, Ben's character would be called “white-washed,” meaning that he has assimilated to America so well that he is devoid of any customs, knowledge, or even curiosity about the Philippines or Filipino life. Ben also criticizes others for having an accent, even though they have lived for years in the United States.

“It wouldn't be pair.” (In a filipino accent, f's sound like p's.
He's saying “fair.”)
“What?”
“I said it wouldn't be pair to jump in.”
“Man, what does fruit got to do with this? I can't believe I'm related to you. You've been here two years and it still looks like you went through customs yesterday.”

In some ways, it is not Ben's fault. Although there are many Filipinos in America, their influence at the time was weak, in regards to public appearance either in politics or popular culture. The history of the Philippines is also limited in schools. Because the American colonization was a gruesome one, it tends to be skimmed, just listing figures like General MacArthur, who saved the Philippines from the Japanese occupation. It does not delve into the Battle of Manila, the creation of concentration camps, or events such as the World's Fair. This re-education of the Filipinos began shortly after their colonization. There is a common saying that the winners get to write history. In this case, it is partly true because the Filipino school systems were under the control of the Americans. Educators would glaze over the bloody history, and focus on the United States as saviors. So where is one to learn about the Philippine's true history? Unless enrolled in a Filipino/American Experience class, or through personal endeavors, one is forced to seek it from friends and family. For example, parents can tell stories about their past, and friends can collect a group and attend a Pilipino Culture Night. Otherwise, that person is at a loss. A culture should be immersing; if areas lack anything remotely Filipino, interest isn't even generated. The Debut was groundbreaking because it was the first Filipino American film to really gain attention in the United States. It's modern twist helps relate it to the current generation, which in turn helps them identify with it. Old history films sharing, say, information about the World's Fair, seem like so long ago that it hardly seems identifiable. This also goes for current Filipino soap operas who may have less of an impact due to its ridiculous story plots.

Because of acculturation, history becomes more diluted with every generation. It's important to reinstate the value of culture, and to target those who will be able to pass it on to their children. This movie is specifically for Filipino-Americans because it tells their story in hopes of reaching out to those torn between the two cultures. It emphasizes the importance of family, culture, and tradition – things Filipinos are proud of. Ben learned that he should never be ashamed of where he comes from. The Debut teaches audiences to celebrate the Filipino American experience, because in the end, it is a part of who they are.

Plot synopsis:
Ben is a talented high-school senior who dreams of going to an art school after graduation. However, his strict father wants him to become a doctor and accept a scholarship to medical school instead. His demand is fueled by good intentions – as an immigrant coming to America, he only wishes the best for his son, and wants him to have a stable career with a high paying job. He doesn't wish to hear of Ben's dreams, and this conflict of interests leads to many arguments between them. There is also a cultural difference: whereas the rest of the family still adheres to Filipino customs and traditions, Ben has rejected his Philippine heritage. Everything begins to pique as his sister's 18th birthday is arriving, and they are preparing for her debut. A debut is a woman's coming-of-age party, in which she is officially presented to society. There is also a court in which the young men and woman dance. Ben would rather hang out with his Caucasian friends than attend, but he is finally pressured to go. It is at her debut that he finally confronts all his problems. Things begin to change as events unfold and he forced to question himself, the choices he has made, and the way in which he sees the world. He begins talking to his sister's best friend Annabelle, who gives him a listening ear. Unfortunately, her ex-boyfriend appears, and he begins a fight. He calls Ben names like “white boy” and “coconut,” meaning that he is brown on the outside but white on the inside. In the end, the culture clashes make him realize that his Filipino heritage is important, and he resolves things between him and his father.

Awards

2000 Audience Award for Best Feature Film – Hawaii International Film Festival

International Film Festival 2000 Best Feature Film – San Diego Asian Film Festival

All pictures: (Photo courtesy of debutfilm.pinoynet.com)

Post by: A.C.B