January 6, 2025. Manila, Philippines. Late last night at 11 pm Manila time, the 3rd World March for Peace and Non-violence held its closing ceremonies in San Jose, Costa Rica. This after traveling for three months, marching across the world, visiting countries in all the continents (the Philippines included). All to wholeheartedly bring a much-needed message of peace and nonviolence— making a call to end all wars and armed conflicts, to eliminate all forms of violence and nuclear arms– for these harm the lives of humans, of life on our planet and home.
Thanks to today’s technology, the closing ceremonies were livestreamed on Youtube. This allowed me on the other side of the globe and other World March proponents and supporters to experience the closing ceremonies as if we were experiencing it live.
Watching the live streaming video of Plaza Roosevelt, Montes de Oca, where the activities would take place shortly, I and many others were seeing final preparations being made, talks being made, while waiting for peace marchers to come after walking, marching from five points.
Yes, there were friends speaking and everything was in Spanish, which I don’t fully understand. But I was happy and grateful to see the faces and hear the voices of companions and supporters from different parts of the world coming together to mark this important milestone. It was another milestone in the peace-building process that started with the 1st World March for Peace and Non-violence 15 years ago.
While watching and waiting, vivid memories of the first World March in the Philippines were “live-streaming” in my mind. The preparations we made, the events that carried forth our feelings and sentiments for a world with peace and non-violence, locally coordinated by my partner in life together with dear friends in the Humanist Movement gave me a transformative inner experience of peace and unity that I still carry in the depths of my heart. Such that, when the 3rd World March came this year, we once again welcomed the World March, with peace-building activities in three Philippine cities—Malolos, Baguio, and Sagada.
As I listened to the speakers as they shared their experiences, what I could take away or feel was a deeply felt thanksgiving for everything that the 3rd WM brought and can bring. The speakers came from other countries (one from Pakistan who spoke in English). I may not have fully understood what the speakers were saying but I could feel their convictions and sentiments, of a future where generations could live a life of peace, without worrying about the well-being that everyone, just by being a human being, can experience and enjoy.
There were people walking on the grounds of the Plaza where there were many paintings and drawings adorning the walls. They were vivid paintings of peace as envisioned by children who drew what peace meant to them. There was a band who played music that anyone from any part of the world could enjoy, a singer and a dancer to enliven the Closing Ceremony.
It was early morning here in the Philippines when the WM closing activities ended. But I could feel, deep in my heart, that the future was opening—a bright future where no one needs to worry about one’s safety and can live with dignity and respect. A future where no one needs to be afraid for one’s well-being and the well-being of one’s loved ones, the neighbors, and society.
To the World March Base team…
To all the volunteers and peace advocates from all the countries who welcomed and supported the 3rd World March for Peace and Non-violence, sharing this message of building a better world, a world where all human beings can live with dignity and in peace…
Gracias!
Maraming Salamat!
We can continue working with the mission of humanizing the earth, helping to end pain and suffering in ourselves, our loved ones, our communities, and our societies.
May peace, force and joy be with you and your loved ones.
