Good thing nature cooperated at the Labor Day Rally in Liwasang Bonifacio. The weather was not as hot as I expected. But it’s still scorching hot I gulped down almost 5 liters water during the entire 4 hour program. Many children were dipping into the dirty central fountain. There were about 20,000 people who joined the rally and almost half were hidden under the shade and trees.
The program was fiery. I particularly liked the speech of Bayan Muna’s Ka Satur Ocampo. It’s his first big rally after his release. It’s good to see the old man smiling as he recounts his visit to Anakpawis’ Ka Bel who is still illegally detained at the Philippine Heart Center.
We were all expecting Ka Bel to personally deliver his speech before the crowd but the Court refused to grant his request to join the rally. Ka Joel Maglunsod’s speech was also eloquent, complete with data and facts.
The cultural presentations were also good in adding more spice to the program. The rendition of the song Daluyong by Sining Bugkos is also admirable.
The program lasted until past 5 pm. We were all so tired and hungry. I got so tired I decided stay behind and not join the march to Mendiola.
It’s not the best Labor Day Rally I’ve attended but still, it’s a victorious day for all of us, especially for workers.
