More than 20,000 people gathered at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Saturday for the People Power 40 Kick-Off Concert, a vibrant and groundbreaking celebration that marked the start of the 40th anniversary commemoration of the bloodless revolution that restored democracy in the Philippines.

Based on estimates from the Quezon City government, the crowd swelled to over 20,000 during the event organized by Mayor Joy Belmonte and the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG), alongside Senator Bam Aquino and the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership (KN).

Carrying the theme “Awit at Aksyon Kontra Korapsyon,” the concert departed from the traditional somber tone of past EDSA People Power commemorations. Instead, it offered a lively mix of performances by singers, rock bands, rappers, stand-up comedians, dance groups, and drag artists, bridging generations and connecting audiences of all ages.

Acoustic icon Ice Seguerra opened the main show with a heartfelt rendition of “Bayan Ko,” written in 1928 during the country’s struggle against American colonization, accompanied by a light show at the Quezon Memorial Circle pylon.

“Mag-iisang daang taon na, kinakanta pa rin natin siya. At nalulungkot po akong kinakanta pa rin natin siya. At ang hirap kasi, noong sinulat ang awit na yun, malinaw kung [sino] ang kalaban natin. Pero ngayon mas mahirap dahil, sariling lahi natin ang tumatarantado sa ating lahat,” Seguerra said.

Elmo and Arkin Magalona honored their father, Francis Magalona, with performances of his iconic hits including “Kaleidoscope World” and “Ito Ang Gusto Ko.” Stand-up comedians Alex Calleja and Red Ollero brought humor to the stage, while Ebe Dancel, Amiel Sol, and Nica Del Rosario delivered crowd favorites. Rapper Pio Balbuena and hip-hop group Morobeats electrified the audience with politically charged performances calling out corruption and foreign aggression.

The night also featured LGBTQIA+ dance troupe Femme MNL, rock band Chelsea Alley, OPM legends Janno Gibbs and Ogie Alcasid, and Rivermaya with the Quezon City Symphonic Band. The Magalonas closed the show with “Ito Ang Gusto Ko,” followed by a 10-minute fireworks display that lit up the Quezon City sky.

Talent manager Ogie Diaz, Mama Loi Villarama, DJ JhaiHo, Bea Binene, and Iza Calzado hosted the event, while the pre-show included performances from emerging acts such as Madeline, Hey Moonshine, Stonefree, and TSN Drag.

📷 People Power 40 organizers