Twenty five years ago, my father Joecon was 54 years old. He started NAMFREL when he was in his 50s. While my siblings and I were children of the EDSA Revolution, my kids today have no memory of that era, since they were not even born yet. Most of us ‘EDSA children’ are now in our 50s or close to getting there.

Eventually, the EDSA Revolution will just be part of history, similar to what we read about Jose Rizal. Just like Rizal, Ninoy will go down in history books as our modern-day hero. I am sure many of us have our own stories to share.

Some of my friends and relatives left the country during the dark years of Martial Law. But, my parents stood their ground. They wanted to be part of the solution that was to unfold. A great number of Filipinos were part of NAMFREL, with the slogan “it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” Guarding the ballot was important. They wanted to see a fair and honest election. It was also the start of a personal expression against the dictatorship at that time. Whatever role one played was his contribution to seeking democracy for the Philippines.

At the time of the conception of NAMFREL, their goal sounded like an impossible dream, as the Marcoses were invincible with 20 years of power. They were about to control almost every sector out there, even our flour business. All the other business in the industry were about to be taken over then by the NFA. My father was convinced that NAMFREL will be the start of igniting people to fight for freedom.

The interview of Ronnie Natanielz was unforgettable. It was the interview viewed by millions that raised so much anger. But, that was the past. Ronnie, since then, has been a good friend. The walkout of the brave computer programmers handling the election results in PICC will also always be remembered. The EDSA Revolution song “Magkaisa” and “Handog ng Filipino sa Mundo” will also be burned in our memories.

Looking back at how things have changed in the last 25 years, I hear some say that we are not better off. I totally disagree. While corruption is still around us, we see the current administration focusing on eliminating it. I believe we should expect that the process of change takes time. A transition from dictatorship to democracy does not mean that life will instantly be better. Sometimes, under a good leader, dictatorship works and makes thing move fast. But, eventually, power corrupts as we see in many nations. In the end, a dictatorial government is very prone to uprisings as we now witness in Egypt, Libya, and Bahrain. Democracy is a slower process, as each views has to be respected. In a democratic environment, a man is innocent until proven guilty. So, getting rid of corruption, among many other ills that plague a weak country, takes time.

Leaders elected may be the wrong ones, or their strengths may not match the urgent needs of our country. Since EDSA, we have had Presidents Cory, Ramos, Estrada, GMA and now P-Noy. If I were to grade the Philippines today, I would give it a grade of above average. I am sure many would say that I am overrating our country. While poverty continues to be our biggest problem, I believe we are a resilient nation. Filipinos want a better life for their family. Our OFWs go out to seek work and a better pay. While we see many Filipinos still needing to have a change towards a success-oriented mindset, we are seeing more and more entrepreneurs in our country investing in a negosyo and creating jobs. We are still a very spiritual nation, even with different religious beliefs. Our prayers are starting to be answered.

Each leader did have a contribution to what the Philippines is today. While PGMA was busy promoting investments and negosyo, today we see P-Noy focusing on better governance, greater transparency and reduction of corruption. We are definitely moving forward. Like the stock market, there are always ups and downs. But, if you will chart our progress, it is in a bullish trend.

The EDSA Revolution has inspired many other nations in the Middle East and even in Asia to fight for democracy. But, real democracy – the poor being free from their bondage – is what we hope to see. The spirit of the EDSA Revolution should transform through time into the right values, morals and character every Filipino must have in order to succeed in life. This process will take many lifetimes, but looking back, we have gone far. It’s time for Filipinos to pull each other up and not push each other down.

Our heroes of EDSA have dreamt of an impossible dream. We entrepreneurs do dream the impossible, but those with the right character are able to see this come to reality. To the children of the EDSA Revolution, cheers to a great country, the Philippines! I am proud to be a Filipino.

The preparation for the biggest women entrepreneurship summit and expo on March 4-6 is underway. Attendance is expected to be a record breaking level with most of the top Filipina entrepreneurs scheduled to share their success stories and how they did it. This is the 3rd year that Go Negosyo has been doing this and this time it has tied up with two of the country’s leading media giants GMA 7 and Philippine Star. 20 Filipina STARpreneurs will be awarded on this day at 9.30 a.m. on March 4. There are three categories, Large Entrepreneurs, SMEs and Social entrepreneurs and Enablers. Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto is one of the recipients for Enablers, being a leading example of how one in government can help develop the lives of others thru MSMEs and cooperatives’ livelihood projects. Gov. Vi will give the response in behalf of all the awardees. GMA7 talents will be hosting the numerous forums from Friday to Sunday. We will also have a dedicated seminar room on negosyo topics. It is an event not just for women but for the families, so bring your whole family. March is also referred to as the women’s month. Phone lines have not stopped ringing daily with people wanting to know more details on how the schools can send students and how others can exhibit their negosyo. It is a good time to showcase your business ideas for franchising, or find possible suppliers or buyers for your products. All the top franchising groups have joined. As they say, being enterprising is always finding opportunities out there, listening to mentors and inspiring people. Attending forums and expos like these will definitely help expand your business. So come and max out the programs and exhibits we will have on March 4-6 at the World Trade Center.

Contact me: feedback@gonegosyo.netor Joey Concepcion Facebook account. Visit www.gonegosyo.net. Watch the top rating GO NEGOSYO: Kaya Mo! In QTV, Saturday and Sunday 8 to 8:30 a.m., with replays in NBN every Tuesday 8 to 9 p.m. Get daily Go Negosyo Text Tips in your mobile phone by sending GONEGO to 2910.