I was only four years old during People Power 1 but I distinctly remember watching it on TV. I don’t remember much of it though and I didn’t understand what it meant.

January 17, 2001, I slept through the impeachment proceedings as I was tired from school and from doing my homework. I was actually answering my Math 21 homework when I fell asleep. I set my alarm for 1 am thinking ABS-CBN would be replaying the impeachment proceedings. When I woke up, there was no replay. Rather, there was live footage of people starting to gather at EDSA.

That same day, January 18, 2001, I went to school but didn’t attend my afternoon classes. Together with three of my friends, we rode the bus that the student council provided and went to EDSA to join the crowd. We went home around 10 pm.

January 19, 2001, I returned to EDSA with my cousin Tinky. We stayed there for a while but had to go to my cousin’s condo sometime in the afternoon because she was tired. We walked from EDSA to Annapolis Street. In the evening, we went back with another cousin, Kuya David. We only stayed for a while. People were getting tired and restless.

On January 20, 2001, Gloria Macapal-Arroyo was sworn in by then Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide. I breathed a sigh of relief.

I really don’t remember much of what happened or what I did when I was there. But I remember how I felt. I was scared, but also proud. I was hopeful but anxious. There was a happy feel to it, some sort of fiesta. But everyone knew, I knew, it could have gone either way.

Years later, seven to be exact, I am still proud to be part of that crowd. Until now, I am part of that crowd. What I asked for was not just an impeachment or resignation by Estrada, not for Arroyo to be President, but for change, for genuine change, sincere actions that would improve the lives of most, if not, all Filipinos.

What we asked for and what we continue to ask for is the truth, genuine service to the country and its citizens, reform, a revolution of minds and hearts, not a mere change in the faces of the people in power.

Seven years later, the economy is stronger, yet the NSO reports that the gap between the rich and the poor is wider.

People Power 2 is a continuing movement against apathy, against lies, against corruptions, all that is afflicting our country. And I am until now part of it… because the fight is definitely not yet over.