RIZAL PARK INDIGNATION RALLY

I attended the indignation rally at Rizal Park, and let me tell you, the energy was almost like a festive picnic, even though the reason for the gathering was anything but cheerful.

People from all walks of life rolled in, bringing tents and supplies as if they anticipated camping out for a week. The ambiance was electric, filled with laughter, music, and determined chants echoing through the park.

Family and friends gathered together, enjoying each other's company while sharing songs that uplifted spirits and bolstered resolve. As I walked through the crowd, I couldn't help but be struck by the sheer diversity of voices passionately chanting phrases like "HUSTISYA SA BAYANG NIKAKAWAN!" and "BAHA BAHA HANGAN BUBONG PERO HANGANG NGAYON WALANG NAKUKULONG!" These calls for justice resonated deeply. Each chant was a reminder of the people’s demands for accountability and change.

It was also a reminder of the power of collective action, as hundreds of thousands of voices united to demand something better from our leaders. I felt a sense of camaraderie in the air. Families strolled with coolers and blankets, while friends exchanged snacks and stories.

It was an odd mix of fun and seriousness, as if everyone was trying to keep things light while bearing the heavy weight of the issues at hand. The camaraderie felt almost like a patchwork quilt of shared hopes and frustrations woven together with the threads of justice, equity, and humanity.

As the crowd swelled to nearly a million, I couldn't help but feel a knot of anxiety in my stomach. In this day and age, mass gatherings can easily turn volatile. I prayed that we wouldn't witness violence erupt, as we've seen in the past. After all, who wants to relive another EDSA?

The memories of chaos and uncertainty are still fresh in many minds. Despite the tension, there was something undeniably beautiful about the unity present at Rizal Park that day. People, young and old, were there fighting for a common cause. While the uncertainty loomed over us, the spirit of the gathering was also filled with hope. I know one thing for sure—it was a day that reminded me of the power we hold when we come together, and that hope, while fragile, can still shine through the darkest of times.