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Mascots and music at the Million People March
It was a protest, but it could have been a festival. Buskers occupied some spots, playing their makeshift instruments. A punk band played protest songs. People came in costume, many wearing Guy Fawkes or pig masks. Families came in complete attendance, with some even bringing their pets.
It was drizzling, but gray skies couldn't spoil what looked like a celebration of thousands at the Luneta Park on Monday morning.
Although people were in a generally jovial mood, it was anger that brought them there. Dubbed the Million People March, the protest was a venue for Filipinos to unite with calls to abolish the Priority Development Assistance Fund, commonly referred to as pork barrel.
Despite being angry, everyone seemed to agree on keeping the gathering peaceful and, to some extent, merry.
In one part of Luneta, flags of many nations flew. Photo courtesy of Michelle M. Roxas
According to Ekong Caruncho, who biked to Luneta with members of Folding Bike Pilipinas, different groups held their own activities for the protest. "I saw the group of doctors and hospitals that want more service from the public officials for what they pay. Following them are the Hare-Krishnas, that despite their disdain for pork, they went and just made everyone merry," Caruncho told GMA News Online.
Non-government organization Balay Rehabilitation Center set up a "freedom wall" where people could express their outrage, while Socialista Incorporated/Occupy Philippines held a silent protest.
In one part of the park, flags of several nations stood waving. "They had mga tambuli. Also a guy in a yarmulke and another Jewish guy blowing a horn," said one attendee.
Protesters arrived on foot, with some in wheelchairs, some with canes, and some, like Caruncho, on bicycles.
Caruncho shared that the bikers assembled at different points before converging at Liwasang Bonifacio.
"It's awesome that we made it to 60,000 Manileños. The outlook to begin with is positive. We're not here to overthrow the government. We just want to scrap what needs to be scrapped and see to it that people involved will get what they deserve," Caruncho said.
The protest, which began on Facebook, was largely unorganized and had no formal program.
But despite this, said Caruncho, it was not a confusing event. "It's different in delivery, but one in message," he said, referring to the various activities.
He shared that some moments were particularly memorable, such as when Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle delivered a speech, ending with the song "Pananagutan."
Another was when Tagle shared a high-five with activist and actress Mae "Juana Change" Paner, who was wearing a pig mask and dressed like Miss Piggy.
Still another was when former Chief Justice Renato Corona arrived, only to be booed by the crowds. "Ikaw na ang pinakamataba sa lahat ng baboy!" the people cried.
Michelle Raymundo, who joined the march for a couple of hours, said the mood was "very chill."
Although the police and Luneta Park officials advised against bringing children to the rally, some families still chose to bring their kids along.
"Our community brought their kids too. As much as we worry about their safety, this is for them too," Caruncho said, adding that there were kids as young as seven riding mountain bikes and folding bikes.
Raymundo observed that it helped that people made it clear before the event that the protest would be peaceful, without the burning of effigies that is common in events which are led by leftist groups.
"It helped that on Twitter and Facebook, people were very pointed about not wanting any ruckus," she said.
Meanwhile, Caruncho observed that it was difficult for police to enforce regulations, such as the prohibition of backpacks. On the other hand, he said it was important for people to be responsible on their own.
"Our biking community advised us to bring our own trash bags. Let's not expect the government to clean up after us. It has to begin with yourself," he said.
On the other hand, Raymnudo said the lack of organization may have led to some people leaving early. "Maybe the problem nga was that it wasn't really organized, so some people just kind of drifted away," she said.
Caruncho said that after the march, it's important for people to stay vigilant. "Of course, we'd be happy to see heads roll, but I doubt if it would happen anytime soon. What matters is that our presence is felt and this is something that cannot be ignored." — BM, GMA News
A woman expresses her anti-pork barrel sentiments on paper to be set up on a "Freedom wall" during the rally. Photo by Amita Legaspi
In one part of the park, flags of several nations stood waving. "They had mga tambuli. Also a guy in a yarmulke and another Jewish guy blowing a horn," said one attendee.
Protesters arrived on foot, with some in wheelchairs, some with canes, and some, like Caruncho, on bicycles.
Caruncho shared that the bikers assembled at different points before converging at Liwasang Bonifacio.
"It's awesome that we made it to 60,000 Manileños. The outlook to begin with is positive. We're not here to overthrow the government. We just want to scrap what needs to be scrapped and see to it that people involved will get what they deserve," Caruncho said.
Ekong Caruncho of Folding Bike Pilipinas takes a photo as he and his fellow bikers gather for the protest rally. Photo courtesy of Ekong Caruncho
But despite this, said Caruncho, it was not a confusing event. "It's different in delivery, but one in message," he said, referring to the various activities.
He shared that some moments were particularly memorable, such as when Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle delivered a speech, ending with the song "Pananagutan."
Another was when Tagle shared a high-five with activist and actress Mae "Juana Change" Paner, who was wearing a pig mask and dressed like Miss Piggy.
Still another was when former Chief Justice Renato Corona arrived, only to be booed by the crowds. "Ikaw na ang pinakamataba sa lahat ng baboy!" the people cried.
Michelle Raymundo, who joined the march for a couple of hours, said the mood was "very chill."
Although the police and Luneta Park officials advised against bringing children to the rally, some families still chose to bring their kids along.
One of the smallest participants of the rally was dressed appropriately in jeans and an anti-pork sign. Photo courtesy of Johnna Villaviray Giolagon
Raymundo observed that it helped that people made it clear before the event that the protest would be peaceful, without the burning of effigies that is common in events which are led by leftist groups.
"It helped that on Twitter and Facebook, people were very pointed about not wanting any ruckus," she said.
Meanwhile, Caruncho observed that it was difficult for police to enforce regulations, such as the prohibition of backpacks. On the other hand, he said it was important for people to be responsible on their own.
"Our biking community advised us to bring our own trash bags. Let's not expect the government to clean up after us. It has to begin with yourself," he said.
On the other hand, Raymnudo said the lack of organization may have led to some people leaving early. "Maybe the problem nga was that it wasn't really organized, so some people just kind of drifted away," she said.
Caruncho said that after the march, it's important for people to stay vigilant. "Of course, we'd be happy to see heads roll, but I doubt if it would happen anytime soon. What matters is that our presence is felt and this is something that cannot be ignored." — BM, GMA News
