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Songs of Courage, Steps of Freedom: The Grade School Department’s Commemoration of EDSA

FEB 25

Songs of Courage, Steps of Freedom: The Grade School Department’s Commemoration of EDSA

The EDSA People Power Revolution marked a turning point in Philippine history, as ordinary citizens became armed not with weapons but with prayers, flowers, and unwavering determination, demanding political change and democracy.

Last February 26, 2026, the Manresa Grade School Department held a commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution with the theme: “EDSA KWARENTA: Alay ng Pagkakaisa at Pag-asa” through a meaningful performance showcasing the talents of grade school students.

The variety show started with a heartfelt opening prayer led by a PLS member, Tatiana Olivia Custodio. Afterward, the grade school boys’ and girls’ scout club members had a parade for the raising of the flag and the singing of the national anthem.

To officially open the show, the grade school principal was invited on stage to deliver her words of wisdom and encouragement to the students on why we should continue to fight for our freedom and to remind us to be good students and be a hope for the nation.

The story of the EDSA Declaration and revolution became a lively performance on stage when the selected grade school students showcased acting skills, song performances of the Glee Club, and powerful dancing skills by the CineManresan Club and PLS-HCA organizations.

After the performance, the grade school assistant principal, Mrs. Iby M. Paquibot, delivered a heartwarming message to the grade school students by congratulating the MSGSB officers and the students who willingly shared their talent on stage.

Furthermore, the success of this first-ever variety show of MSGSB would not have been possible without the creative minds of the scriptwriters, namely Kean Iryle Garcia, Ji-anne Co, and Calie Summer Baria; the lively hosting by Anna Isabelle Rivera and Ivan Jakob San Miguel; and most importantly, the guidance and supervision of the MSGSB adviser, Mr. Bryan Pragoso.

In conclusion, students of Manresa may not have stood on EDSA decades ago, but through their talents and skills, they stood for the very same ideals: unity, freedom, and hope. This variety show will be a good reminder to every Manresan that pain can turn into unity, faith, and strength to showcase each person’s talent, no matter how different their interests are from the opportunities given to them.

Article by: Calie Summer P. BARIA

Photos by: Ms. Jen Favila