 
For three days, men, women and children
filled the streets of EDSA holding on frail hope. For those brief moments, they feared for
their security, their lives, their future.
Rumors were spreading all over
that the forces from the loyalists were coming in from the north to silence the cry
of the people through bullets and shells. The prayers grew louder; anxiety
filled
the air.
From above, the citizens of Manila
resembled ants swarming on the entire stretch of EDSA. Most of the streets were
blockaded and trees were cut down to serve as makeshift anti-tank
barricades. Curious civilians climbed the
25-ft. light posts to have a glimpse over the crowd. Along the curbs, women attended to the thirsty, hungry and the
weary. Men stood vigilant and served as perimeter guards just in case
loyalist troops decided to attack. Priests and nuns prayed and comforted people as they made
their way through the population with rosaries at hand..

Tanks were
on
the other edge of EDSA, and the people had no hesitation to meet them with bare hands and
prayers. Soldiers aboard the vehicles climbed out and were
ordered to shoot. Most either shot in the air or
were simply shocked at the amount of sacrifice ordinary people are willing to gamble.
Tears rolled down their eyes as they were greeted with food and comfort from
the rebels.

As Marcos proclaimed
his presidency atop the balcony of the Malacaņang, little did the remaining supporters
realize that their would-be president was already arranging his plans
for Hawaii.
* * *
All these events
happened 14 years ago and are still alive in the hearts of many Filipinos who
were there to experience it first hand.
This is the EDSA
revolution the peaceful cry for freedom.
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