THEY call it “Ganito Tayo Noon” reunion, a gathering of leaders of different progressive social movements from the early 1970s, when dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr placed the entire country under martial law, until he was deposed by the military-backed People Power Revolution in 1986.

The reunion gathered some 110 activists and ex-political detainees held
at the Alpadi Estate in Antipolo City, owned by the family of human rights lawyer Alex Padilla, last Saturday, January 11.

Padilla opened the reunion with a warm welcome remarks and drinks. For all the years of living dangerously, the activists remain intact.

He paid tribute to former UP President Dodong Nemenzo, who died last month. A staunch anti-Marcos leader, Nemenzo fought for the rights of the poor and the marginalized.

Among those present were labor leader Nilo dela Cruz, Ed dela Torre, Reynaldo Villarin, UP Professor Greg del Pilar: Ruben Edejer, lawyer Arno Sanidad, Paul Galang, folksinger and songwriter.

Former student leader and Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza; photographer Bullit Marquez of Vera-Files; Bobby Coloma, Bureau Chief Singapore Agence France-Presse; Ed dela Torre, Bong Ramilo from Australia, lawyer JV Bautista,human rights lawyer; journalists Bobby Coloma, Joel Paredes, Mon Isberto, and Joel Saracho, Audie dela Cruz, veteran photographer

Women’s activists present were Ana Maria Princess Nemenzo, Amihan Abueva, Niva Gonzales, Edina Almodal, Renie Balaquio, Faith Bacon, Claire Agbayani, Susan Tagle