MANILA, Philippines -- A time-travel skit on the alleged scams of the Arroyo administration had the crowd in stitches at Friday's youth-led protest action at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

The fast-paced role-play performed by the University of the Philippines Repertory, which had a lone narrator doing all the voices and two actresses exaggerating their moves, was about a curious girl from the future who traveled magically to the past, witnessing one scam after another in her quest to find Arroyo's "mole."

The crowd laughed heartily when the girl realized that she did not need "magic shoes" to get to the end of the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, which was "so short for its overprice."

It was one of the more applauded performances in the rally dubbed "Katotohanan, Katarungan, Pagbabago! Ipaglaban!"

Featuring rock bands and youth leaders, the protest action was held to express outrage, demand truth and accountability from the government, and call for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales, director of the Manila Police District, estimated the crowd at 3,000 to 4,500 as of 5 p.m. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. placed the number at 8,000.

Said Youth Act Now spokesperson Alvin Peters: "The youth and students came here of their own volition despite sabotage attempts, black propaganda and other threats. This is the real unity walk of the youth, led by the youth, for the youth, and not just for self-serving photo opportunities."

As agreed upon in a dialogue with organizers before the rally, uniformed cops stayed away from the rally area and merely watched from across the road.

The protest anthem "Bayan Ko" was sung at about 7:30 p.m., after which the crowd dispersed peacefully.

Interfaith prayer

The rally had a somber start, with representatives of the Catholic, Christian and Muslim faiths bowing their heads in fervent prayer.

Student leaders from the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, Adamson University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippine Christian University, and University of the East took to the stage to read a "declaration of unity" seeking truth and accountability from national leaders.

Rock music was interspersed with performances of militant groups, speakers lambasting the government, and even a performance by a cheering squad from PUP.

After the bombast, a hush fell on the crowd for a ceremonial breaking of bread that was shared by all to a plaintive rendition of "Pag-Ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa."

At the end of the first part of the program, doves and green balloons signifying hope were released.

Almost suddenly, the mood took on a more energetic quality for the second part of the program dubbed by organizers as "a youth festival of protest."

Rock and anger

Rock bands like Datu's Tribe, Republika de Lata and rapper Gloc9 were among the performers.

Pinoy punk group Music Front fronted by Arnold Morales (formerly of the Urban Bandits) played two Pinoy punk classics from the '80s, "Nagpapapansin" and "No Future sa Pader."

The Jerks also performed two of its popular songs--"Sayaw sa Bubog" and "Rage," which echoed Dylan Thomas' raging "against the dying of the light."

UP's Kontra Gapi also made its presence felt.

"Panahon na para magalit tayong lahat [It's time to be angry]!" vocalist Chikoy Pura told the audience.

Later Pura told the Philippine Daily Inquirer: "We are here not just to perform. At least, we are four more warm bodies. This is the best way to contribute to the movement. We all have a part to play."

Solidarity Philippines' Fr. Joe Dizon, who hosted the first part of the program, said the youth were playing a vital role in the "GMA Resign" movement.

"I am really excited. The youth are energizing the movement," Dizon said.

But he also said the youth, as well as the other sectors, should pause and reflect on the state of the country during the Holy Week.

Dizon said protest actions would continue after Easter Sunday.

"The youth must lead in the search for truth and justice. It's their future at stake," he said.

Bayan's Reyes said the "issue" was "still Mrs. Arroyo."

"The demand is still for her to step down from office as one way of making her accountable. There is no truth to Palace claims that the issues against this regime will die a natural death. The issues remain, and so the protests will continue," Dizon also said.

CBCP president absent

From the religious sector came Archbishop Oscar Cruz and Bishop Teodoro Bacani.

The "surprise guest," Jaro Archbishop and Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Angel Lagdameo, could not attend because of an ailment.

"He was really looking forward to coming over," said Archbishop Cruz. "He's in the hospital receiving intense medication for a pulmonary ailment. He was very sorry that he could not come. I said he need not go since there were other opportunities to do so. He's sending us his blessing."

Despite Lagdameo's absence, Cruz said the rally still made a strong statement that the people were no longer content with the administration.

"This is to show the administration that [the movement] has begun and it has not ended, that there are other things that will happen with all peaceful means and civil moves," he told reporters.

"The truth is the administration is morally bankrupt, and it has lost the moral ascendancy to govern. I'm one of those asking for [Ms Arroyo's] resignation because it would be very hard for a government to govern if it is no longer credible and people no longer respect it," he said.

Lim's welcome

Among the other prominent personalities in attendance were whistle-blower Jose "Joey" de Venecia III, his stepmother Gina de Venecia, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza, Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, Cibac Rep. Joel Villanueva, United Opposition spokesperson Adel Tamano, and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who delivered the welcome remarks.

"It was [Andres] Bonifacio who said no greater love can one have than love of country. if Bonifacio were alive today, he would join all of you who stand for truth and change," the mayor said.

UP Student Regent Terry Ridon said the rally might be smaller than the Feb. 29 gathering in Makati City, "but the promise is not the numbers but the intensity."

"It's important to end the semester with a bang. After further enlightenment during Holy Week, there will be a rebirth and renewed protest actions," Ridon said.

He said similar protest actions combining militancy and music would be held in Boracay and Puerto Galera, popular vacation spots.

Mary Grace Llamanzares, daughter of the late presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr., told reporters that she was "happy that the youth understand the real issues and that they, along with civil society groups, are getting involved."

"I want to emphasize that it's important to invest money for the future, but whatever we save would only go to waste because of our corrupt leaders in the government," she said.

Indefatigable

On stage, Llamanzares urged the youth to continue demanding truth and accountability from the administration.

"Continue doing what you're doing. You're on the right track," she told the crowd in Filipino.

"The youth are simply indefatigable. They have a lot of energy and creativity," said UNO's Tamano.

Said Archbishop Cruz: "It feels very good. I feel the energy of the youth."

Joey de Venecia said the youth comprised "half" of the movement calling for Ms Arroyo's resignation.

"I was just walking to the venue, and I felt the energy and the electricity," he said.

De Venecia said he came to the rally to support the youth.

"Laban ito ng kabataan at mga estudyante (This is the fight of the youth and the students)," he said. "Contrary to what Malacañang is claiming, the youth of today know the real story. You don't even have to explain it to them. And I'm glad they're doing their part."

Said businessman Henry Kahn, one of the organizers: "The youth is what this country is all about. The future belongs to them."