Project EDSA: Lakbay Para sa Kapayapaan

Project Edsa: Journey of Peace in Edsa is a project off AAI, AFP, DLF, OPAPP, and MMDA that aims to create the longest peace mural in the world. Well, that’s the technical definition. After joining the event for two saturdays, I realized it’s a lot more than just aiming to build the longest mural, it’s more about creating a masterpiece that’s not just done by a single person, but by different individuals and groups hoping to create change through a peace mural. It’s a lot more about the process than the end product.

I was a bit skeptical at first when I heard their goal. Raising awareness and stopping at that is something that I don’t really understand. Because really, what’s good with awareness if no action is done after? They aim to deliver the message of peace to mass public passing by EDSA everyday. But peace is such a vague concept. It’s something that everyone already knows, is raising awareness still necessary? We need more action because everyone’s already aware of it! Well, I’m not sure if the mural is enough to make anyone who sees it want to achieve peace. What I learned in college is that for every activity like this one, the goals must be something tangible. The goals must be clear, must be S.M.A.R.T. (simple, measurable, attainable, reasonable, and time-bound). I can probably understand it more if the project aims to promote art in public places. Now, that’s something I want to see happen in the entire archipelago.

Still, it’s a project I fully support because of the things it does to everyone who participated. I don’t care much if it’s the “longest peace mural” in the world. Because the longest or not, it’s a project that matters. However, I guess that’s necessary if we want to make a noise (a positive one). But I do care about every individual who believes that they can be part of something bigger than themselves. And I want to be part of something like that, too. It’s better than not doing anything. My participation and contribution may be small, but it’s really better than nothing. I’m just a photography hobbyist, and they still let me be one of the official photographers. I am often laughed at for my ugly doodles and not-so-artsy drawings, but they let me paint the walls. This project just goes to show that anyone, as long as they have the will to do so, can participate in change. And in this country where change is not something you can clearly see in the administration, it’s such a welcoming sight.

Well, let me stop talking here. Below are some of the photos I took. There are so many talented artists in the Philippines, and not-so-talented artists like me. Haha. But we all took part and below are some of the results.

What I love about this project is that everyone is welcome to participate. Children, senior citizens, students, soldiers, office workers, PWDs, everyone! As long as you have the heart to volunteer, you can be part of Project Edsa. I am thankful to be part of this. I am thankful to my friend, Aika, who told me about the event. I am thankful to Miss Vonn of AAI who allowed me to cover the event. I am thankful for the experience because it’s not everyday that I’d be able to meet so many amazing photographers and talented artists doing what they love to do in one place. It’s incredibly fulfilling.

You still have the chance to be part of it, too. The fourth leg will take place this saturday, June 15, 2013, and fifth leg on June 22. This saturday, they’ll still be painting at Camp Aguinaldo along Bonny Serrano.

If you want to volunteer, here’s what you can do:

1. Learn more about the event by visiting their Facebook page or reading their official blog.
2. Register at iVolunteer for the fourth leg of the event this saturday, June 15, 2013.
3. Buy a brush but if you do not have the budget for that, don’t worry because used brushes will be available. Prepare used cups and plastic bottles for the paint, too.
4. Troop to Camp Aguinaldo with your friends and have fun!

P.S. Walk-in volunteers are welcome, of course!