On February 23, 2025, Rice Pinoy Graduates, in coordination with the GSA Sustainability Committee, had the privilege of hosting an event to commemorate the Philippine People Power Revolution, a defining moment in history that demonstrated the power of peaceful protest and collective action. The event was more than just a historical reflection; it was a celebration of resilience, unity, and the universal struggle for democracy.
We were honored to welcome a diverse group of attendees, with participants from Japan, Brazil, the Philippines, Ecuador, China, Taiwan, the United States, Russia, Vietnam, and Algeria. This multicultural gathering highlighted how the lessons of People Power transcend borders, inspiring individuals worldwide to engage in meaningful discussions about governance, activism, and civic responsibility. I was initially worried that people might find the event boring. However, I was pleasantly surprised, everyone was eager to learn about the Philippines' culture and history.
Understanding People Power
The People Power Revolution of 1986 was a peaceful uprising in the Philippines that led to the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship and the restoration of democracy. For four days in February, millions of Filipinos flooded the streets of Manila, armed with nothing but their voices, prayers, and unwavering determination. The movement was driven by decades of authoritarian rule, economic turmoil, and human rights abuses. Despite the threat of military intervention, Filipinos stood their ground, and the revolution ultimately succeeded without bloodshed. The event remains a powerful symbol of democratic resistance and continues to inspire movements worldwide.
A Night of Learning and Engagement
To bring this history to life, we curated an educational and interactive program that allowed attendees to immerse themselves in the significance of the People Power movement.
- Documentary Screening: We began the evening with a short documentary that provided firsthand accounts of the revolution, featuring voices of ordinary Filipinos who took to the streets in 1986. This gave attendees a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made and the courage it took to stand against tyranny.
- Trivia Game: One of the most engaging parts of the event was our Kahoot! trivia game, where attendees tested their knowledge of Philippine history and culture. Some fun and interesting questions included:
When it’s raining and sunny at the same time in the Philippines, according to folklore, what does it mean? Answer: Two centaurs are getting married. (Our Centaurs are inverted (called Tikbalang)… so they are a bit scarier
How many islands are in the Philippines? Answer: 7,641.
Which Philippine animal holds the world record for being the smallest primate? Answer: Tarsier
Congratulations to Nina Briones, who won the game (though she had an advantage since she is also an international student from Manila, like me!).
Filipino Food Sharing: No Filipino event is complete without food! We enjoyed a delicious spread of homemade and locally sourced Filipino dishes, allowing guests to experience a taste of Filipino culture while fostering a sense of community. We served Chicken Adobo, Lumpiang Shanghai, Sisig, Pork BBQ, Pancit, Longganisa tots, and a variety of Filipino desserts like Piyaya and Cassava cake.
After the main event, some members stayed for board games and karaoke, a popular pastime in the Philippines, where almost every household has its own karaoke set!
Commitment to Sustainability
This event was made possible with the generous support of the Rice Graduate Student Association (GSA) Sustainability Fund, and we extend our sincerest gratitude to Hannah Yin and Camilla Purdy for their invaluable assistance in making this initiative a reality. Their support allowed us to integrate environmentally friendly practices into our event planning. We prioritized sustainability by using compostable tableware, reusing serving tongs, and encouraging attendees to bring their own water bottles and carpool. To minimize waste, we sourced food locally, cooked some dishes ourselves, and ensured zero food waste by serving only what was fully consumed.
Lessons from History and the Present
The People Power Revolution is not just a chapter in history, it is a reminder of the vigilance required to protect democracy. The significance of this movement becomes even more pressing today, considering that the son of the dictator ousted in 1986, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been elected as the president of the Philippines. This reality underscores the importance of remembering history and ensuring that the hard-fought freedoms won during People Power are not taken for granted. History, when forgotten or distorted, repeats itself. As youth, we not only have the responsibility but the privilege to educate others, uphold democracy, and protect the truth for future generations.
A Grateful Acknowledgment
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in this meaningful event. Your enthusiasm, insights, and engagement made it an inspiring experience. Special thanks to the Rice GSA Sustainability Committee, and to Hannah Yin and Camilla Purdy, whose support ensured that our event was not only impactful but also environmentally responsible.
We also want to thank the Rice Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for their unwavering support in helping establish Rice Pinoy Graduates. Their guidance and resources have been invaluable in launching this organization, allowing us to build a space where Filipino students and allies can come together to celebrate, learn, and grow as a community.
A huge thank you to my incredible team, Marianne Hopida, our Vice President (and her family for cooking some of the dishes), and Isabelle Co, our Secretary General, for their dedication and hard work in making this event a success. Your commitment and passion made all the difference.
Join Us!
Rice Pinoy Graduates is just getting started! We invite everyone to join our future events and be part of this growing community. Stay tuned for our upcoming initiatives as we continue to celebrate Filipino heritage, discuss pressing issues, and uphold the values of democracy, unity, and sustainability.
Join through OwlNest: https://owlnest.rice.edu/organization/ricepinoygraduates
About the author:
Nathaniel Angelo Uy is from the Philippines and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Global Affairs at Rice University. He earned his B.A. in Social Sciences (Area Studies) from the University of the Philippines Manila in 2022, graduating Cum Laude. Nathaniel is actively working to strengthen the connection between Rice University and the Filipino community, aiming to increase Filipino representation at Rice. Read more.
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