CinemaBravo

A crowd of more than 20,000 filled Quezon Memorial Circle on Saturday as the People Power 40 Kick-Off Concert launched the nationwide commemoration of the historic bloodless uprising that restored democracy in the Philippines.

According to crowd estimates released by the Quezon City government, attendance surpassed 20,000 during the open-air gathering spearheaded by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), Senator Bam Aquino, and the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership (KN).

Held under the theme “Awit at Aksyon Kontra Korapsyon,” the event introduced a more upbeat and energetic approach compared to the traditionally solemn EDSA People Power I anniversaries. Instead of a purely reflective program, attendees were treated to a lineup that featured singers, rock bands, rappers, stand-up comedians, a dance group, and drag artists — creating a multi-generational celebration that connected with audiences across different age groups.

Acoustic icon Ice Seguerra opened the main show, moving the audience with his emotional rendition of “Bayan Ko,” which was written in 1928 during the country’s struggle against American colonization, with the Quezon Memorial Circle pylon light show serving as backdrop.

“Mag-iisang daang taon na, kinakanta pa rin natin siya. At nalulungkot po akong kinakanta pa rin natin siya. At ang hirap kasi, noong sinulat ang awit na yun, malinaw kung [sino] ang kalaban natin. Pero ngayon mas mahirap dahil, sariling lahi natin ang tumatarantado sa ating lahat,” Seguerra said.

Elmo and Arkin Magalona honored the legacy of their legendary father, Francis Magalona, with performances of some of his iconic hits that earned him the title of the country’s King of Rap, including “1-800-Ninety-Six,” “Kaleidoscope World,” and the crowd-favorite “Ito Ang Gusto Ko.”

Stand-up comedians Alex Calleja and Red Ollero elicited laughter from the crowd with their brand of comedy, touching on current controversies and the everyday challenges Filipinos face.

Ebe Dancel then serenaded the crowd with hits such as “Burnout,” “Makita Kang Muli,” and “Bawat Daan.” He was followed by Amiel Sol with “Ikaw Lang Patutunguhan,” “Nahanap Kita,” and “Sa Bawat Sandali.”

Nica Del Rosario, composer and singer of the 2022 campaign hit song “Rosas,” sang “Tala” and collaborated with rapper Pio Balbuena in the hit song “Kapangyarihan.” Balbuena continued his solo performance with “44 Bars,” “Republika ng Tambay,” and “Akinse.”

Hip-hop group Morobeats ignited the stage with their energetic and expletive-laden numbers “Di Papasakop,” “Magna,” and “Anak Ka ng Pu,” calling out corruption in government and China’s continued harassment of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea and baseless claims of Philippine territory.

Femme MNL, composed of LGBTQIA+ dancers, captivated the audience with a dynamic playback Rihanna set, while rock band Chelsea Alley thrilled the crowd with their powerful hits “We Are,” “Camouflage,” and “Heneral.”

Later in the evening, OPM legend Janno Gibbs belted his hit song “Pinakamagandang Lalaki” and joined fellow hitmaker Ogie Alcasid for a duet “Handog ng Pilipino.”

Alcasid took the stage with his hits “Sige Laglagan Na” and “Nandito Ako,” followed by Over October with songs such as “Dahan,” “Bitin,” and “Ikot.” Earl Agustin serenaded the crowd with “Tibok,” “Pag Ibig ng Ikaw at Ako,” and “Dalangin,” before Rivermaya, joined by the Quezon City Symphonic Band, performed “You’ll Be Safe Here,” “Umaaraw, Umuulan,” and “Awit ng Kabataan.”

The Magalonas ended the show with “Ito Ang Gusto Ko,” followed by a 10-minute fireworks display that lit up the night sky, capping a celebration of unity, courage, and hope.

Talent manager and showbiz insider Ogie Diaz, along with Mama Loi Villarama, DJ JhaiHo, Bea Binene, and Iza Calzado, served as hosts. The pre-show featured performances by Madeline, Hey Moonshine, Stonefree, Chloe Redondo, Jkris Dantes, Crispin, Sisa and Bassilyo, TSN Drag, Mz. Chronicles, and Jasmine Dudley-Scales.

With its gritty, grounded, and innovative approach, pundits claim the concert offered a fresh way to remember and honor EDSA People Power I. By blending nostalgia with bold calls to hold corrupt officials accountable, they claimed it was undoubtedly a memorable way to kick off the 40th anniversary of EDSA 1.