As the cameras rolled and the simulated chaos of Vietnam unfolded in the Philippine jungle, a very real and equally dramatic event was unfolding across the country. News trickled onto the set of Platoon – whispers at first, then more concrete reports – of a revolution brewing in the Philippines. It was February 1986, and the nation was rising up against the long-standing rule of President Ferdinand Marcos.
What was most remarkable was the nature of this uprising. Unlike the violent conflicts they were depicting on film, this was a revolution driven by the power of the people, a non-violent surge of civil resistance. It had begun in earnest on February 22nd, fueled by years of Marcos' autocratic rule, allegations of widespread corruption, and the outrage over the recent snap presidential election where Marcos claimed victory amidst accusations of massive fraud against his opponent, Corazon Aquino, the widow of the assassinated opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr.
Hundreds of thousands, eventually millions, of Filipinos took to the streets, particularly on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), a major thoroughfare in Metro Manila. They came from all walks of life – students, nuns, priests, ordinary citizens – unarmed but resolute. They formed human barricades, blocking military vehicles and confronting soldiers with prayers and songs. The movement gained momentum as key figures like Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Lieutenant General Fidel V. Ramos withdrew their support from Marcos and joined the protesters. Even Cardinal Jaime Sin, the Archbishop of Manila, played a significant role, calling on the people to support the uprising through radio broadcasts.
For three days, the world watched as this incredible display of People Power unfolded. Despite the tense atmosphere and the potential for violence, the overwhelming majority of the protests remained peaceful. The images beamed across the globe were of Filipinos facing down tanks with flowers and rosaries, a testament to their courage and determination to reclaim their democracy without resorting to bloodshed.
As the days passed, the pressure on Marcos intensified. The United States, a long-time ally, began to distance itself from his regime. By February 25th, it became clear that Marcos had lost the support of his own people and a significant portion of the military. Faced with this overwhelming opposition and the threat of further escalation, Ferdinand Marcos, along with his family and close associates, was finally forced to leave the Philippines, going into exile in Hawaii.
Alex Hayes, along with the rest of the cast and crew, followed the events with a mixture of awe and disbelief. The stark contrast between the brutal war they were portraying and the peaceful revolution unfolding around them was striking. Alex found himself deeply moved by the resilience and unity of the Filipino people. It was unbelievable, he thought, that such a significant political shift, the end of a two-decade-long dictatorship, could occur with so little violence. It was a powerful reminder of the extraordinary power of collective action and the human spirit's capacity for peaceful change in a world often marred by conflict and bloodshed.
*******
March 16th arrived, marking the final day of filming for Platoon. The grueling months in the Philippine jungle had forged strong bonds, and the wrap party that evening was a testament to that shared experience. Oliver Stone with a proud smile, raised a toast to everyone's hard work and dedication.
Among those celebrating were Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, Forest Whitaker, Kevin Dillon, Keith David, and a young actor named Johnny Depp, who had also been part of the film. Alex watched Johnny Depp interact with the others, a familiar feeling tugging at his mind. He couldn't quite place it, but it felt like he'd heard that name before, perhaps from his dreams. There was something about the young man's intensity and quiet charisma that made Alex think he might be a star one day.
Later in the evening, Alex found a moment to speak with Oliver Stone. "I'm heading back to the States tomorrow," Alex informed the director.
"Already? Got your ticket sorted?" Oliver asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Alex shook his head. "No, I booked a private jet."
Oliver raised an eyebrow, a look of mild astonishment on his face. "A private jet? Just you?"
Alex chuckled. "Nah, Forest, Berenger, and Dafoe are going to join me. Figured it would be easier for everyone. You're welcome to come along if you're finished here."
Oliver shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Appreciate the offer, Alex, but I've still got a bit more work to do here. Post-production is just beginning."
Alex extended his hand, shaking Oliver's firmly. "It's been an incredible experience, Oliver. I have a feeling we'll work together again sometime."
"I hope so, Alex," Oliver replied, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "You've got something special."
The next morning, as the sun began to rise over Manila, a private jet carrying Alex Hayes, Forest Whitaker, Kevin Dillon, Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, and Johnny Depp, lifted off the runway, leaving behind the humid air and the memories of their intense journey into the heart of darkness.
*******
After settling into the plush seats of the private jet, they relaxed, a collective sigh escaping their lips. The contrast between the luxurious comfort surrounding them and the past two months of grueling existence in the harsh jungle was stark and brought a silent appreciation for the simple pleasures they had been missing. As the plane soared above the South China Sea, Forest Whitaker turned to Alex. "So, what's the plan once we touch down back in the States?"
Alex leaned back, a tired but content smile on his face. "First things first, I'm going to spend some quality time with my family, friends. And of course my girlfriend. Then there is the Oscars. And immediately after that, I start filming The Color of Money."
Tom Berenger, who was flipping through a magazine, looked up. "Is that the Martin Scorsese film?"
Alex nodded.
Willem Dafoe chuckled. "Man, you're going from one intense project to another. You don't catch a break, do you?"
Kevin Dillon chimed in, a hint of playful envy in his voice. "I wish I was that busy! Working with Scorsese and Paul Newman... what an incredible opportunity?"
"Yeah, it's pretty amazing," Alex agreed, a genuine sense of excitement in his tone.
Forest then broached the subject on everyone's minds. "So, what about the big one, man? You think you'll win the Oscar for Best Actor?"
Alex laughed, a self-deprecating sound. "No chance."
"Why not?" Dafoe asked, genuinely curious.
Before Alex could answer, Berenger interjected, "Because he's still a kid. The Academy usually goes for the more seasoned guys."
"Exactly," Alex confirmed. "I'm just twenty-two. And let's not forget the 'Teen Idol' tag that's still kind of stuck to me. I doubt the Academy members will hand it over on my first nomination. Plus," he admitted honestly, "I don't honestly think mine is the best performance among the nominees."
"So, who do you think will take it then?" Kevin asked, leaning forward.
Alex paused for a moment, considering the other nominees. "Well, the competition is pretty stiff. You've got William Hurt in Kiss of the Spider Woman, Harrison Ford in Witness, Jack Nicholson in Prizzi's Honor, and Jon Voight in Runaway Train."
He then offered his analysis. "If you go by what the Academy traditionally leans towards, I think we can rule out Harrison and Jon. Both their films are essentially thrillers, and Harrison faces a similar issue to me – it's his first nomination in this category, and he's often seen as more of an action star. Plus, Jon's film, while powerful, is definitely an action thriller." The others nodded in agreement with his reasoning.
"So, that leaves William Hurt and Jack Nicholson as the main contenders."
After their conversation One by one, the actors drifted off to sleep in the luxurious comfort of their seats, a welcome change from the hard ground and humid nights of the Philippines. After nearly fifteen hours in the air, the private jet finally touched down at Los Angeles International Airport, bringing them back to the familiar lights and sounds of Hollywood.