THIS HAPPENED TO ME
My Stories of Protests Around the World — Hong Kong, the Philippines, London, and Singapore
Author’s Caveat — I originally wrote this for my business undergrad module on Public Policy that I later got Distinction for. My assigned topic was “Activism”. Since I have some semblance of free reign here on Medium I added some of my own personal anecdotes here, got rid of academic theories, and expanded beyond the allowed word limit (always a pain!).
I cite examples such as political conflicts in Hong Kong (v Beijing) the Philippines (Marcoses v Aquinos) and London (Trafalgar Square Iranian protests). To top it off, I add in the rallying cry of Singapore’s political fight for independence (with its founding father Lee Kuan Yew).
I lived in many places across the world — Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, and the UK. These were the things that I have experienced, as I recount them in the following article.
Political and Social Activism
Activism involves supporting or opposing a cause to achieve certain goals.
Every time you see an activist in action, remember — they are the leaders of tomorrow, the warriors of change, fighting for what they believe in, one war cry at a time. It’s a political dance, a tug of war, and sometimes, a clash of titans. But one thing’s for sure — activism is to be taken seriously for activists are in determined pursuit of a better world.
Political activists often engage directly with institutions of power to demand legislative or policy changes. This can involve lobbying efforts, participating in democratic processes like voting and campaigning, or even running for office. The objective is clear — to alter the legal framework within which society operates, ensuring it reflects the activist’s vision of justice and equality.
Social activism, on the other hand, targets the cultural and social aspects of human life. It seeks to change how people think, feel, and behave towards certain issues, targeting hearts and minds. Campaigns around social justice, environmental awareness, and human rights fall under this category. Techniques can include public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and community outreach, which aim to reshape societal values and norms over time.
Often, political and social activism intersect. Social movements can spur political change by creating a cultural shift that makes certain policies more acceptable or urgent. Conversely, political victories can lead to broader social acceptance of new ideas. Effective activists understand the dynamic interplay between these two forms, leveraging both to achieve comprehensive change.
Hong Kong — One Country Two Systems
I’ve always been drawn to places with a bit of mystery and history, and Hong Kong, with its sky-high buildings and bustling nightlife, was just brimming with stories. My dad, who never took me anywhere, brought me here when I was 13. It was special, and in my 20s, I decided this was going to be my spot. From the moment I landed, the city’s vibrant energy just swept me up. It’s a mix of everything — old meets new, calm meets crazy. They don’t call it the New York of Asia for nothing.
I lived in Central, right in the heart of the Island. If I wasn’t at home, I’d wander the cramped streets, soaking in the buzzing city energy, smells of fresh dim sum, and the sounds of traditional Cantonese language floating out of an old tea house. Mongkok. Tsim Sha Tsui. Sheung Wan. Wan Chai. Lantau Island. Hong Kong was the place to be in my 20s. It was cool. I was cool.
When it was time to leave Hong Kong, I actually felt heartbroken, in all sense of the word. The city had changed me in ways I couldn’t fully articulate. Standing at the airport, looking back one last time, I didn’t just see a city. I saw a living, breathing story that just kept going. I knew I was taking a piece of Hong Kong with me, all these stories I’d now keep with me close to my heart.
The “One Country, Two Systems” framework was established to govern Hong Kong when it was handed over from British to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. Under this arrangement, Hong Kong was supposed to maintain a high degree of autonomy, preserving its legal and economic systems separate from those of mainland China for 50 years.
However, this framework has faced significant challenges and controversies. Many in Hong Kong have expressed concerns that Beijing’s increasing influence was eroding the freedoms and autonomy promised under this arrangement. These concerns came to a head in recent years, leading to widespread protests. When I was in Singapore, I remember a colleague from there saying “Everyone is trying to leave Hong Kong, why are you going there?” She was saying this from her point of view as a born and bred local. I had my own opinions as an expat and long-term visitor on visa pass.
The spark for the large-scale protests in 2019 was a proposed extradition bill that would have allowed individuals in Hong Kong to be extradited to mainland China for trial. Critics feared this could subject Hong Kong residents and visitors to the mainland Chinese legal system, undermining the region’s judicial independence and endangering political dissidents and others.
I remember watching protestors line up the street and the local police clash with them as tensions escalated. It was on the news, it was on social media, and it was right there when I opened my window. It was intense, seeing the determination in the faces of the protesters, mixed with anxiety and defiance. The streets were filled with chants and the sound of marching, as people from all walks of life joined in to make their voices heard. The sounds of sirens and shouts filled the atmosphere, painting a vivid picture of a city fighting to preserve its identity and freedom. I left shortly during this time, and when I returned, I saw walkways and pavements left with the remnants of posters, graffiti, and scattered debris from the demonstrations. It was clear that the city had undergone a seismic shift. The usual hustle and bustle had a different tone. There was a palpable sense of resilience mixed with weariness. People went about their daily routines, but conversations seemed more hushed, glances more cautious. Murals advocating for freedom and democracy had sprung up on walls that once were blank, turning the city into a living canvas of resistance and hope for their own autonomy and independence.
After leaving Hong Kong, I floated around for a bit. I didn’t really feel “at home” anywhere. I was on the road, travelling and exploring. I went to Dubai and Europe and spent several months there. The funny thing was… I actually fell out of love with Dubai during that time. It’s a poignant feeling…
to realize that a place you once held in such high regard no longer resonates with you in the same way. Dubai, with its towering skyscrapers and new buildings seeming to pop up every day, once felt like a symbol of ambition and possibility to me. But as I wandered through its streets this time, everything seemed too structured, too manicured. The people moving in felt like they were either chasing clout or enjoying some long-awaited tax break. They didn’t really care about you.
Having lived through huge personal and nationwide conflict, I felt like it was just another manicured city that I couldn’t relate to anymore. It was a city striving for the illusion of perfection that didn’t quite touch reality. I couldn’t grapple with the essence of my pain and healing in a city with a glittering facade that seemed to gloss over a raw, genuine, and authentic touch of humanity I was now desperately in need of.
So I left to the Philippines.
Philippines — Marcoses v Aquinos
After leaving Hong Kong and Dubai, I deeply appreciate the Philippines for a few things. Quite obviously, that it is not a mega city.
I do understand that many cities (Dubai, and even BGC in Manila) try to emulate Singapore, and quite successfully too. However, beyond the city skyscrapers, deep underlying competitive I-need-to-prove-to-you-that-I am-better-than-you-at-everything attitude, and high cost of living, sometimes it’s just nice to kick it back by the beach, or a volcano by the lake, or a charming little provincial town in the Philippines. It’s nice to hide away by a little provincial neighbourhood where the front lawn is decked out with decorations and a giant Christmas tree all year round. The Philippines is a deeply Catholic country, and for once, it was nice to steal time away during Christmas, when the whole country focuses on the religion and message behind the holiday, rather than the *cough* capitalism and how many gifts you can buy to fit under the tree.
And that is exactly why I decided to buy property in the Philippines, so I could spend my Christmases there in my holiday home.
During my time there, I spent a lot of time with the locals from the provinces, and delved into the local historical and hidden political narratives — stories that have captivated generations before mine and continue to resonate with the people living there today, or at least, those from an older generation. The retired, 60-something tatay and nanay across the street from my house owned a sari-sari store, and they indulged us with their personal stories from time spent on a marine cargo ship to their monopoly in real estate in the local neighbourhood.
I immersed myself in the local historical narratives, particularly the enduring political saga of the Marcoses versus the Aquinos. These stories, deeply rooted in the country’s past, have, unfortunately, been removed from memory from most of the current generation. Tatay often voices his frustration when yet Marcos comes into power. His complaints are a vivid reminder of the ongoing impact of these historical events on everyday life.
The story of the Marcoses versus the Aquinos is a significant chapter in Philippine political history, marked by dramatic and often tragic events that shaped the nation’s trajectory.
Historical Rivalry
Ferdinand Marcos first came to power in the Philippines as President in 1965 and was re-elected in 1969. By 1972, facing growing dissent against his rule and increasing activism, Marcos declared Martial Law, citing the need to suppress communist insurgency and maintain law and order. His regime became notorious for human rights abuses, corruption, and the suppression of democratic processes.
Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was a prominent politician and a staunch critic of Marcos. He was arrested shortly after Martial Law was declared and was imprisoned for seven years. In 1980, he was permitted to go to the United States for medical treatment. In 1983, despite warnings of the danger to his life, Aquino returned to the Philippines, hoping to restore democracy. Upon his arrival at the Manila International Airport, he was assassinated by a single sniper gunshot. His assassination is widely believed to have been orchestrated by the Marcos regime, though direct proof has never been conclusively presented in court. This is also why the Manila airport is named after him, currently the Ninoy Aquino Airport (NAIA).
Aquino’s assassination ignited massive protests across the country, culminating in the People Power Revolution of 1986. Led by Ninoy’s widow, Corazon Aquino, who had become the figurehead of the opposition, millions of Filipinos gathered on EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue), demanding Marcos’ resignation. The crowd, which included people from various socio-economic backgrounds, clergymen, nuns, ordinary citizens, and even celebrities, demonstrated overwhelmingly peaceful resistance. They offered flowers to soldiers, sang patriotic songs, and held vigils, turning the event into a peaceful protest rather than a violent confrontation.
The sheer size of the crowd and their resolute but peaceful demeanor eventually led to the erosion of military support for Marcos. Realizing that he could no longer maintain control, Marcos fled the Philippines on February 25, 1986, and sought exile in Hawaii, effectively ending his 20-year rule. Corazon Aquino, the widow of the assassinated Ninoy Aquino, was inaugurated as the new president of the Philippines.
The Marcos family, after living in exile in Hawaii, returned to the Philippines in the 1990s. Ferdinand Marcos died in exile, but his wife Imelda and their children re-entered Philippine politics. Their return was controversial, but they regained significant political power. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the son of Ferdinand and Imelda, has been a senator and ran unsuccessfully for vice president in 2016. He remains a significant figure in Philippine politics.
This historical rivalry between the Marcoses and the Aquinos continues to influence Philippine politics, encapsulating themes of dictatorship versus democracy, reform versus tradition, and the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability.
The Philippine Economy prior to Marcos takeover
When Marcos first came into power in 1965, the Philippines was considered one of the second most economically developed country in Asia, after Japan. At that time, the Philippine peso was strong, trading at around PHP 3.90 to USD 1.00, a rate that reflected the country’s relatively healthy economic position. There was a sense of optimism about the future economic trajectory.
In the early years of his rule, Marcos implemented policies that initially seemed to promote economic growth. His administration invested in infrastructure projects like roads, hospitals, and schools, which temporarily boosted the economy. However, this was also the period when the foundations of crony capitalism were laid. Marcos appointed close associates and family members to key positions in monopolistic businesses, which controlled significant portions of the economy, including coconut, sugar, tobacco, and banana industries.
The declaration of Martial Law in 1972 marked a turning point. It gave Marcos unchecked control over the economy and the government. Corruption became rampant, with vast amounts of public funds diverted for personal gain and to maintain his regime’s grip on power. Marcos and his cronies amassed incredible wealth, while the country’s debt ballooned. Foreign debt rose from about $2 billion at the start of his term to over $28 billion by the end of his regime in 1986. This was due to excessive borrowing, often on unfavorable terms, and widespread misuse of government resources.
The economy began to suffer due to mismanagement and corruption. Investment confidence eroded, and capital flight became common. By the early 1980s, the Philippines was facing economic stagnation. The peso’s value plummeted, and inflation soared. Unemployment rates increased, and poverty levels rose dramatically. The strong economic position the country once held, where 1 PHP neared parity with 1 USD, was a distant memory.
So these were the stories I lapped up while spending time in the Philippines. I couldn’t believe it, as these stories have never been shared or widely known outside of the Philippines itself. I was amazed how rich and charged Philippines history was, a far cry from the stereotypes of overseas domestic workers and Miss Universe beauty pageants. The depth of struggle, resilience, and revolution woven into the fabric of Philippine history gave me a profound respect for the people and their past. It was a stark reminder that every nation has layers of untold stories that shape its identity and values.
London, UK — Trafalgar Square Iranian Protests
Before finalizing the sale of my house in the Philippines, I went on a 2-month tour around Europe. It was during this time that I had my first overseas encounter with a real political protest while passing through Trafalgar Square on an open-top bus.
Iran had recently been rocked by the biggest protests in years following the death of Mahsa Amini. Iranian Olympian Elnaz Rekabi — as a show of solidarity against the morality police — competed at an international sporting event without her hijab, but not without repercussions. Later, she issued a statement of apology on her personal Instagram account — this can be seen as counter-productive and reinforcing the brutality of the police. Iranians are often subject to censorship or pressure from the government, on top of a culture that does not encourage speaking up.
My fortunate timing also allowed me to witness labour strikes organized by the Labour Party for Train Workers Rights. As my European journey came to an end and I returned to Asia, I learned of the earthquake in Turkiye and the fires in Paris, worried for the people there, but at the same time grateful to have left before the onset of both these unfortunate events.
Singapore — The Fight for Independence
Also known as the political poster boy of Singapore, you can’t know Singapore without knowing its founding father, Lee Kuan Yew.
The 1956 protest for self-government in Singapore was a significant event in the country’s history, marking a crucial step towards eventual independence from British colonial rule. At that time, Singapore was a British colony, and its political landscape was undergoing considerable change. Lee Kuan Yew, along with other members of the People’s Action Party (PAP), played a central role in advocating for self-government and greater autonomy for Singaporeans.
On April 27, 1956, Lee Kuan Yew and his colleagues organized a mass rally at the Padang, a large open field in the heart of Singapore’s civic district, to demand self-government for Singapore. The rally attracted thousands of people from diverse backgrounds, including workers, students, and members of civil society. This event marked a significant moment in Singapore’s journey towards independence from British colonial rule.
During the rally, Lee Kuan Yew delivered a stirring speech calling for self-government and greater political rights for Singaporeans. He articulated the aspirations of many Singaporeans for greater control over their own affairs and a stronger voice in shaping the future of their country.
The rally at the Padang served as a powerful display of popular support for the PAP’s vision of self-government. It also helped to galvanize public opinion and mobilize grassroots support for the PAP’s political agenda.
Following the rally and subsequent negotiations with the British colonial authorities, Singapore eventually achieved self-government in 1959, with Lee Kuan Yew becoming its first Prime Minister. This marked the beginning of Singapore’s journey towards full independence, which it achieved in 1965.
The 1956 protest for self-government is remembered as a pivotal moment in Singapore’s history, symbolizing the determination of its people to chart their own course and build a prosperous and independent nation. It also cemented Lee Kuan Yew’s status as a key figure in Singaporean politics and laid the foundation for his long and influential tenure as Prime Minister.
Lee Kuan Yew’s activism was focused on advocating for the political independence and development of Singapore. He played a crucial role in transforming Singapore from a British colonial outpost into a modern, prosperous, and independent nation. Later, he also led the independence of Singapore from Malaysia, and declared us our own independent country.
Well let’s just say I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for him. I’d probably be in some backwater little town where English was not my first language.
Activism for Impact and the Future
As I conclude my recount of real-world protests, in present-day or recounted from the memory of an older generation, whether for social or political change, I’m struck by the diverse landscapes of activism I’ve encountered. From witnessing political demonstrations in Hong Kong and London’s Trafalgar Square, to reflecting on the complexities of historical protests in the Philippines and Singapore, each experience has deepened my understanding of the global struggle for justice and equality.
Thoughtful activism can lead to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. Approaching activism that way highlights the need for clear purpose, strategic planning, ethical considerations, engaging stakeholders, and balancing passion with rationality in activism.
Activism can be tricky, and we must do it right. We can’t just jump into the fray without thinking — we need to know what we’re getting into, and why. Ultimately, that is how we do indeed elicit change in the world — with a greater and more meaningful impact.
My mind goes to today’s current concerns over Israel and Palestine, where thoughtful activism becomes even more crucial. I’ve written several articles on my thoughts on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, aiming to inspire thoughtful activism that goes beyond slogans and soundbites, encouraging my readers to delve deeper into the issues, challenge preconceptions, and engage in constructive action.
Whether it’s raising awareness, supporting grassroots initiatives, or advocating for policy change, I believe that each of us has a role to play in building a more just and peaceful world.
REFERENCES
1. Lindsay Maizland, 19 May 2022. Hong Kong’s Freedoms: What China Promised and How It’s Cracking Down. Referenced from Council on Foreign Relations https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/hong-kong-freedoms-democracy-protests-china-crackdown
2. Philip Ella Juico, 22 September 2021. Martial Law — Marcoses vs the Aquinos. Referenced from Business World Online https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2021/09/22/398271/martial-law-and-ninoy-aquino/
3. Rebecca Wright, Mitchell McCluskey, Yoonjung Seo and Mostafa Salem, 19 October 2022. Iranian rock climber arrives back in Tehran after competing without hijab. Referenced from CNN https://edition.cnn.com/2022/10/18/sport/iranian-climber-elnaz-rekabi-hijab-intl-spt/index.html
4. Imran bin Tajudeen, date unknown. MERDEKA!!! Singapore’s Merdeka Talks of 1956,1957, and 1958, and Merdeka proclamations before 1965. Referenced from Singapura Stories https://singapurastories.com/merdeka-singapores-merdeka-talks-of-1956-and-1957-and-merdeka-proclamations-of-1959-1962-and-1963/
Written by Lilac
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