Episode 250 – Echoes from the Ditches: A Conversation with a Martial Law Activist

For 10 years, TFAL has been trying to amplify voices from our community, but particular voices from sectors of our community that have been historically overlooked. We are especially attuned to the voices without glitz and glamor, without state-sanctioned narratives, and without algorithmic egos. For our 250th episode, and on the heels of the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, we wanted to focus on the memories of Martial Law, a period in Philippine and Filipino American history when Dictator Ferdinand Marcos ruled the country. Not the “golden years” that the current Philippine administration and its supporters want folks to believe, but Martial Law was a dark time where civil liberties were stripped away, which led to severe human rights violations, including thousands of arrests, torture, and killings

In this TFAL episode, we talk to CAROL OJEDA-KIMBROUGH, a life-long political activist who came of age during Martial Law. Listen as she discusses her activism in the Philippines, the losses she experienced under the hands of a dictator, and the imperative to tell and remember these historical truths without whitewashing narratives. We also get to discuss our opinions on the controversial musical, HERE LIVES LOVE, which is currently showing here in Los Angeles.

For many Filipino Americans, we are somewhat removed from Martial Law Philippines, but it’s imperative that these stories and memories live on through us, particularly during this dark era we find ourselves in the authoritative United States.

This episode is dedicated to the memory of ROLANDO FEDERIS, who fought and died for Philippine freedom, justice, and love.

You can read more about the life of Rolando Federis here.

Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found.

What do you think of the episode? Let us know by emailing us at thisfilipinoamericanlife@gmail.com.