A September to Remember

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We end this September of remembering by noting that attempts by certain quarters to revise or even suppress history has triggered instead an outburst of recollections.  

Every action after all has an equal and opposite reaction, a Newtonian lesson that is lost on despots and their underlings all over the world.

Thus this month saw the emergence of an impressive collection of books, movies, stage plays, articles in print and online, art, songs, concerts and webinars to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines. 

This is the time to learn and to teach. It is also a good time to document the never-ending array of stories from everyone who lived through that period and to reflect on who we are as a nation and people.

One recently completed documentary film with the intriguing title "11,103", reviewed here by veteran journalist Benjamin Pimentel, did just that.

A fraternity brother of both Ferdinand Marcos (the original) and Ninoy Aquino remembers a slain brother, Melito Glor, who chose to fight for "the other side."

Though September is about to end and we switch our focus to memories of other times (in October, it will be FilAm History Month), we will continue to be watchful and welcoming of stories that tell the history of our homeland.

Popular inquirer.net columnist Randy David puts the recent US visit of current President Bongbong Marcos in historical context, the better for us to understand the nuances of foreign relations. 

PF contributing writer Rafaelito Sy profiles former broadcast journalist, now a novelist Marga Ortigas whose debut novel, The House on Calle Sombra, draws from her coverage of Philippine and international realities.

And our lineup of FilAm community stars and stars-to-be continue with part 38, compiled by our publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco.

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Staff

We'll Always Remember

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Today marks the 50th anniversary of the official declaration of martial law in the Philippines. The public announcement came two days later, on September 23, 1972, to give time for the military to round up the oppositionists and the dissidents and put them in jail.

As you read this, please take a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives or have been permanently scarred by martial law: the imprisoned, the tortured, the raped, the abused, the salvaged, the disappeared, the dispossessed, the harassed, the displaced, the impoverished, the war victims and those who suffered the brunt of plunder and bad policies (we particularly remember the children of Negros during the 1985 famine).

Let's also remember our allies, those who risked life and limb to help mitigate the harm of martial law: the Filipinos abroad who did their part in exposing and opposing the dictatorship, the nuns and priests, the activists, the journalists (particularly the women writers), the movie makers, the academics, the documentarists who kept records, the authors, the businessmen who secretly supported the anti-martial law forces, the international humanitarian groups, the young military officers who organized to oppose the regime. Most of all, let's remember the ordinary people who offered support to the hunted and oppressed, whether it was shelter for the night or sustenance for the days ahead.

We remember through our stories this week:

A general's recollection of opposing martial law in theory

A Mindanawan's recognition of his psychological scars

Two Tony's -- Hilario and Tagamolila -- the early martyrs

We remember through films: Vince Tañada's Katips, the recent blockbuster and awards sweeper, now showing internationally; and

Batas Militar, the 1997 documentary which you can watch through the link be;low until September 30.

Today and always, WE WILL NEVER FORGET. 

More This Week

[Cook It Again] The Happy Home Cook: Vegetable Lumpiang Shanghai by Chef Richgail Enriquez

[Video of the Week] Executive Class: The Henry Suites MiraNila

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Staff

1972: Annus Horribilis, Annus Mirabilis

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When you're young, 50 years can be ancient and unthinkable; a golden milestone celebrated only by the very old.

For those who have been privileged to live beyond 50 years and are able to think back on how their lives have unfolded during those five decades, the feels are often a mix of wonder and regret, of remembered joys and sadness.

This week, we look back to 1972:

Fifty years ago, a group of young activists was driving across the Golden Gate Bridge when they heard a heart-stopping news report.

Fifty years ago, an ambitious young man began his immigrant journey.

And within that span of time, a father who was also an English lit teacher/political activist/poet/martial arts practitioner gave his daughters a life to lovingly remember.

If you haven't reached your golden year yet, these are historical accounts (and perhaps, cautionary tales) worth knowing.

For a dash of icing, here's an intro to a perfect book to give to the children in your life. And a look-see of a mural in Philadelphia that honors our heritage.

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This Week’s Stories

Secrets In The Shower by Amihan Ferrer

Fifty Years, An American Adventure by Myles A. Garcia

Crossing The Golden Gate Bridge To Organize U.S. Opposition To Marcos by Rodel Rodis

Lola’s Girl by Claire Mercado-Obias

A Philly-Pino Weekend by Phil Delrosario

Read Again 

My Close Call On 9/11 by Maj. Gen. Antonio M. Taguba (Ret.)

Martial Law Stories: The “Torture” Of Playing For Miss Universe 1974 by Ceres Jacinto

[Cook It Again] The Happy Home Cook: Adobong Antigo by John L. Silva

[Video of the Week]: AJ and Alyssa Rafael Disney Wedding Thank You Song

[Last Day Online] Ramona Diaz’s “Imelda” (2003)

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Staff