For nearly a year now, the information on these pictures had been kept secret from my side of the family and most of my friends. A few friends and relatives did find out several weeks before elections through inconspicuous news articles online that they stumbled upon. I had my reasons for keeping mum about hubby's and my brother-in-law's political bids. If your family is a lot like mine, you'd understand why. Part of our campaign strategy was changing the mindset of people, opening their hearts and minds to what truly mattered. It was a different way of doing things given the limited resources we had.
Although the brothers failed in their election bid, they were successful in imparting themselves to the people of Southern Leyte and in letting them know that there is an alternative to the status quo. In hindsight, we bring with us numerous lessons and realizations foremost is that change IN men is not an overnight thing...it's a long and tedious process, one that maybe this experience allowed to begin. That in itself is a great achievement. Another huge success is embarking on a campaign that wasn't anchored on money but rather taken on foot and human energy. Presenting oneself to people face-to-face, going from barangay-to-barangay mostly on foot was certainly unorthodox but it was done.
After the election dust has dispersed, it all boiled down to what the people wanted and last May 10, the people of Southern Leyte made their choice. To a vast majority, the status quo was something they still could live with for the next 3 years.
To our friends and family, who in one way or another gave their support, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. For everyone who prayed for our safety during the entire campaign period, daghang salamat!
Let me take this opportunity to thank the following people...
For their financial pledges and support:
Mrs. MARNIE H. GORDON-SAMBALIDO and the GORDON Family (Olongapo)
Mr. and Mrs. NONI LEGAS (Sultan Kudarat)
Atty. KATE A. GO (Cebu)
Ninang GINA T. FUENTES (Davao)
Ms. ARACELI A. ESGANA (Cebu)
Engr. BRYAN REROMA (Canada)
Ninong and Ninang JOJO & CHICHI MACHACON (Davao)
Ms. JASMINE N. ONG (Quezon City)
Mrs. CHARITO C. NOVIO (Manila)
Mrs. ANNAZELLE C. TALUSAN (Quezon City)
Mr. and Mrs. ALFREDO P. RODEN, SR. (Cebu)
Dr. MINDA CORPUZ (U.S.A.)
Anonymous Donor (Cebu)
For volunteering their time, effort and energy during the campaign period:
Mr. and Mrs. ARTEMIO O. RODEN (Bato, Leyte)
RICHARD, REA, RAFFY M. RODEN (Bato, Leyte)
Mr. and Mrs. LOLONG R. CELDRAN (Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte)
LENLEN PELIÑO (Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte)
JANET PELIÑO (Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte)
MARIO (Bato, Leyte)
Pastor RON (Pintuyan, Southern Leyte)
Pastor VERTUDAZO (San Ricardo, Southern Leyte)
Mr. and Mrs. ROMULO ALBA (Butuan City)
DXKS (Surigao City)
For their prayers and words of encouragement:
Mrs. HIYASMIN LEDI C. MATTISON
Mrs. CHRISTINE MARIE VALENTINE V. ELUM
Mrs. ZAIDA C. ASIS
Atty. RAYMOND Q. SALAS
Ms. VICTORIA ESTACIO
Mrs. SESET G. LOPEZ
Mrs. RIZALIE BERNS D.J. TAMBIS
Mrs. GELLANIE R. TIBAYAN
Mr. RONALD REYES
Mr. JULIUS J. RODEN
Mr. ALFREDO J. RODEN, JR.
Mr. and Mrs. JEFFERSON J. RODEN
Mrs. EMIE R. LLANILLO and Family
Mr. APOLONIO RODEN
Mrs. LOLIBETH M. BUCAG
Mrs. MICHELE LOUISE RADAZA
Mrs. JENNIFER SOLIVEN
JARRED ANDREI, CAITLIN ALYSSA and CATHLEEN JANELLE V. RODEN
