R E D ! [Under Revisions/Editings]

"Bedtime Stories"

My mom told me the unforgettable events of 1986. She was on the front line of the "Peaceful Revolt" when I was just turning 3 years old. I admire her stories. And of course, I admire her courage. She said that bravery has no gender, nor color, nor race nor distinction - it is for everyone who believe, for everyone who hope and everyone who fight for the change they're longing.

And I agree. I felt mama always have a way of describing it at the best way possible.

I remember her words, while tears falling from her eyes.
"It doesn't mean that when you're crying, you are scared or afraid. The bravest people are those who accept lost, but cherish it as if winnning."

I don't know if it was all about the memory of my father that she was reminiscing..
But all I do know was: she is happy, but there was also some portion of agony in her heart.

It was February, 1986, when the 20-year dictatorship of late President Ferdinand Marcos was ended.
It was not a bloody revolt. This was the first time in history of the country, where the hopeful and the faithful all come together to dethrone the 'Proud Dictator'.
It was a peaceful battle...
Religious leaders marched on the front lines together with the countless people formed on that very day, for a PEACEFUL REVOLT.

No arms.
No weapons.
No bullets.
No violence.
No blood.

Though barricaded by tanks and soldiers, the millions of people that had gathered that time just kept on marching forward towards Malacañang Palace (the presidential house).

Then, a miracle had happened..

The tanks paved way for the people, the soldiers dropped their guns and joined the millions of patriots towards Malacañang Palace - the house of the Dictator President.

In fear of the people, Marcos (the dictator), together with his family, went into an exile in Hawaii, where he eventually died in 1989 due to a terminal disease.

Corazon C. Aquino, Benigno Aquino Jr.'s wife, was chosen by the people, to be the next President of the Philippines. She became the first woman President in the country and I believe, in the whole South-East Asian Region.

At the end of the story that mama had told me, she asked me this question that made me trivialize for quite a time:

"What do you want to be when you grow up? "

I answered, "What you wanted me to be, mama."

She said with a huge smile on her face, "No, you are the one who will decide that for yourself.."

Then, I muttered, "What it is to be a President, mama?"

Again, with a huge, lovely and warm smile she said this, and I would never ever, as in, ever forget those word she uttered in reply...

"Go, figure out for yourself my dear Red.."

"Yes, mama.. Someday, I will.", out of innocence, I muttered.

She smiled that warm, lovely smile again, then kissed me goodnight.