UP students 'freeze' to go back in time and reflect on martial law 40 years ago
InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
QUEZON CITY, Philippines - Students held a "freeze mob" in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. They froze for a couple of minutes at the lobby of the Palma Hall at the University of the Philippines-Diliman to symbolize the need to think and reflect on the past, and the lessons learned during Martial Law.
Heart Dino, chair of the UP Student Council, said this would also help youths appreciate the freedom and democracy the country enjoys today as compared to the period of repression during Martial Law.
"We want them to stop and register, freeze and vote and take time to change the country. We want to freeze it and connect it to Martial Law at a time where there is no freedom and democracy," Dino said.
The freeze mob also serves to make the youth appreciate what happened before, at a time where there was no freedom of expression.
"Unlike today where there is Facebook and Twitter, before there were no such things," Dino said.
Aside from the freeze mob, a torch parade was also held at 5:30 p.m. around the UP Oval. A concert titled, "Remember ML@40" at the Palma Hall lobby, capped the day long commemoration. Among the performers were people active during the Martial Law era as well as students and the Collective Arts of Students and Thespians
The concert was organized by Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, Youth for Rights, UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and the Collective Arts of Students and Thespians.
The performers included Pol Galang, Jess Bartolome, Sazi Cozino with band, Glen of Sinaglahi, Benjie Torralba; Tony, Jovie, Addie and Jake; Mon Ayco, Jess Santiago and the Lean Alejandro Choir.
