Collective Memory in Motion: Reframing Monuments, Markers, and Movements

A Past Revisited, Connecting the Dots, part 13

Collective Memory in Motion: Reframing Monuments, Markers, and Movements

As I have mentioned for my platinum birthday anniversary, I intend to resume my writing through this Facebook Series by revisiting previous undigitized and published essays, newspaper columns, and books. I will also share recounts of projects I have participated in or am currently involved with.

As a newly inducted member of the “Platinum Seniors” and “Pitu-Pitong Tanders,”—the latter referring to a generation of university students and youth who were active during the period of Martial Law and engaged with the “Dekada 70” progressive culture—a reframing of Ditto Sarmiento’s statement is being considered:

“Kung hindi tayo kikibo, sino ang kikibo? Kung tayo kikilos, sino ang kikilos? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?”

This phrase was addressed to individuals living under Martial Law and the neocolonial circumstances of that time. The intention is not to simply transfer responsibilities to younger generations. "Kung kami nuon, kayo naman ngayon!"

In his memoir "Global Battlefields," Walden Bello refers to his contemporaries as the “lost generation.” He describes them as individuals who aspired toward significant social change and, while not achieving all their goals, contributed to their context.

Bello’s perspective calls for the preservation of memory and recognition of ongoing efforts. During the 1970s, particularly around Martial Law in the Philippines, youth activism was characterized by idealism and political engagement.

In 1984, I relocated to the United States with considerable hesitation, prompted largely by the opportunity to reunite with my family. At the time, I grappled with the significant question of how I could contribute meaningfully in America, particularly as I was departing from active involvement during a critical juncture in my homeland’s political history. The assassination of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. in 1983 catalysed widespread protests, heightened anti-government sentiment, and intensified the polarisation of political forces, all amid an impending economic crisis and growing isolation of the Marcos regime. It was evident that major change was imminent for the nation.

As a committed historian and educator, I served as executive director of IBON and co-founded the Education Forum’s School for the Advancement of Nationalist Education (SANE). Being physically distant from these movements for change posed a profound challenge for me.

Fast forward over four decades, this dilemma remains vivid. I initially settled in Los Angeles before finding renewed passion for history and education in San Francisco. My connection to the Philippines has been maintained through engagement with monuments, historical markers, and active participation in community and civic affairs.

This journey led to the development of the ETHNOTOUR project. This includes a neighborhood heritage tour in South of Market and the Philippine American Tour of History, an educational exploration of the Philippine-American War across San Francisco.

Ethnotourism, in this context, focuses on engaging with ethnic communities to understand their cultural heritage, traditions, and lived experiences. It promotes respectful interaction, learning, and mutual appreciation, enriching both visitors and local communities.

I regard collective memory and history as powerful tools for community mobilization and consciousness-raising—a perspective shaped by my experiences in the Philippines during the 1980s.

With a sustained interest in historical monuments and movements, I am embarking on a new project entitled “Collective Memory in Motion.” This initiative examines the significance of monuments and historical markers—starting with Dr. Jose Rizal, Admiral Dewey, and the Philippine-American War—through community engagement, narrative, and visual documentation. Its aim is to reinterpret these symbols in discussions surrounding identity, resistance, and cultural memory, particularly within Filipino American and allied communities.

I invite those interested in participating in or supporting “Collective Memory in Motion” to contact me for further information.

July 13,2025 FB