Day 32: Juana Change - A CHANGE OF HEART

Juana Change is at it again!

This time the tables are turned...she's doing the satire on the very person she chose to support during last year's elections.

By the looks of things, she fully regrets that decision...

Day 181: Dismayed and yet...hopeful...

(photo courtesy of REUTERS)

Today marked an important day in the country's history...President-elect Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, nicknamed Noynoy/P-Noy was sworn in as the Republic of the Philippines'  15th president. 

During the recently concluded national and local elections, I was quite vocal about my personal choice for the country's top post and P-Noy it definitely was NOT. I didn't think he had the qualities I was looking for as the country's leader nor did he have the necessary qualifications and experience to run a troubled nation such as ours. I still stand by these beliefs but I also have to acknowledge and accept that the greater majority of Filipinos have spoken and made their choice.

As I was watching the live coverage of the Inaugural Ceremonies, I cringed at how a dignified event turned out to be more of a Wowowee episode. Even the President's Inaugural Address left much to be desired. Sure, it was done in Filipino but a close scrutiny of the content would reveal that it was nothing but a well-dressed can of empty promises, nothing concrete nor measurable. 

More focus was given on non-essential things like "wang-wang"...as President, P-Noy should know that there are certain security protocols that cannot be compromised, the highest position in the land need to be protected (for all citizens sake). C'mon! There are more important and pressing problems that need attention...focus!!!

I watched and as I continued to do so I got more and more dismayed and frustrated...with what I've seen and heard, I'm expecting the new Aquino government to fail but I have to remain hopeful and prayerful that it doesn't...for all our sakes.

Day 133: Now it can be told...

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 

Day 131: Right to Suffrage

After nearly two decades, I find myself lining up once again to exercise my right to vote. There were a lot of differences this time around - for one, this is the first time in Philippine election history that an automated election process was conducted, another thing is that I shifted precincts from the city in 1992 to the barrio in 2010. I didn't experience the crowded feel and confusion I did when I voted in QC.  There were only about 500+ registered voters in our clustered precinct so the line was pretty much shorter than in most areas and there was quite an order and organization in both the people and the process.  

It was fun to observe both the old and young alike experiencing pre-voting jitters...unsure of the process and yet excited to exercise their right. To most, the PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scanner) was like an alien monster that they had to overcome only to breathe a sigh of relief upon seeing the word "CONGRATULATIONS" on the screen as soon as their ballot was fed into the machine. Lining up may have lasted hours but the voting process itself took only about 5 minutes or less. The elderly certainly changed their initial impression of the automated election process once they experienced how easy it was compared to the old way of doing things.

It was far from perfect and it was not without its share of problems and criticism but certainly, this year's elections was a huge step towards a better election process in the future.

Day 130: PILIPINAS and SoLey...on a balance...

This is the paradise in SoLey that's awaiting a bright tomorrow...Together with the rest of the nation, its future is hanging on a balance.

Today is Election Day...Go out and exercise your right to vote!

Your country and fellow Filipinos need you to make a stand for a principled choice. Whatever happens to us and the future generation lies in your mighty hands.

I pray that tomorrow will be as clear and as beautiful as what you can see here. I see hope and peace on the horizon. May God keep us in the safety of His bosom and may He bless us all!

Day 128: A Song of Hope

The very first time I heard this song, it moved me to tears. Listening to it awakened the dying embers of my love for country. More than anything, it gave me hope...it gave me reason to believe I can dream again - not for myself but for my children and theirs. 

Before viewing the video, look at the lyrics below first, scan one time. Then play the video while looking at the lyrics. *** I purposely blocked out the lyrics containing names so as you can appreciate the song for its message and not as campaign material.

Regardless of who you're choosing to lead this country, may you find strength, inspiration and hope in this song as I have.

BAGUMBAYAN

Jose Villanueva III

Gumising ka na, buksan ang iyong mata

Sabayan ang pagsikat ng bagong umaga

Bumangon ka na, wag kang mag-alala

Sa biyahe ng buhay kasama kita

Sa hamon ng bukas, sa bawat pagsubok

Abutin ang tagumpay hindi tayo susuko

Ikaw ang pinaka–hihintay mo

Ikaw ang pagbabago, tayo ang pagbabago

CHORUS:

Bagong bayan, bagong puso,

Bagong pag-asa, bagong kamalayan

Pilipinas tulong-tulong, hindi uurong

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…) Repeat 4X

Gising, bangon, tumayo na

Harapin mo ang bagong umaga

Sumabay ka na tatagan ang iyong puso

Manalig, mangarap hindi ka mabibigo

Tayo ang makabagong bayanihan

Tayo ang bayani ng bayan

Ipagmalaki mo ang iyong kulay

Ngayon natin ipakita ang ating husay

Pumiglas sa gapos ng kahapon

Wasakin ang pader ng iyong utak ngayon

Sa pag-asa na bukas taas noo

Matayog ang lipad ng pangarap mo

Sa bawat laban lahat tayo ay bida

Sugpuin ang kalaban, ang tuso, ang siga

Panahon na para buhayin ang pangarap

Tayong lahat magsisilbing liwanag.

CHORUS (REPEAT 2X)

Bagong bayan, bagong puso,

Bagong pag-asa, bagong kamalayan

Pilipinas tulong tulong, hindi uurong.

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI (woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI(woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI(woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang bagong bayan… (woooh… woooh…)

GORDON AT BAYANI(woooh… wooooh… )

Tayo ang pagbabago

Ngayon na ang pagbabago, Bagong Bayan

Gordon at Bayani. Tayo ang pagbabago

Ngayon na ang pagbabago, Bagong Bayan

Gordon at Bayani.

Day 126: Changing Our Mindset

Panic mode is on. It is evident by the exchange of misleading information and proliferation of fear-mongering elements. Yes, it is apparent that the COMELEC has bitten off more than it could chew and partner Smartmatic is probably calling on all gods and goddesses it could to aid them in the final stretch to the Philippine elections. Maybe the commission didn't prepare as keenly as they should have...maybe not enough tests and trial runs were done...this is reality but it won't help the nation's cause if we follow the others' lead in scaring the voting public by crying "Go back to manual process!" or "Postpone the elections!" or worse, "The automated election process is a sure failure!". Let's give it a chance. The concerned people from both the COMELEC and Smartmatic are doing everything they can to give us a process that will ease the elections this year. It's going to be our first time to have an automated exercise, it's bound to have growing pains and we'd probably have a bumpy ride. Start-ups are like that. You can't expect perfection the first time around. What you do, is learn from your mistakes and move on.

Let's rally together and be part of the solution instead of passing the blame. The buck should stop with us. We can do our part by calming people down and assuring them that steps are being done to ensure a smooth and fraud-free automated elections. Let's support the COMELEC and Smartmatic and cheer them on. Those people must be very stressed out already by now, they need lifting up, I'm sure.

Lastly, on Monday, May 10, let's exercise our right to vote and show our support despite all the problems and limitations of this new system. This early, let's change our mindset from being passive and complaining to being proactive and solution-finders.

(Photo above is courtesy of www.botomoto.com)

You may find a related post I also wrote on this topic at the Bagumbayan Blog here.

Day 125: Adornment

I'm wearing something new that I consider to be a statement (a very loud one, in fact). I take pride in wearing it. From whom I got it from is a wonderful story...

As my little girl Cailie and I were riding a tricycle to summer school this morning, I noticed that Jayr, the driver was wearing something bright on his left wrist. I couldn't see it clearly at first but when I saw the letters R, D and O, I already had a pretty good idea what it was. 

So, I asked him, "So you're for this guy?" (I of course, asked in Bisaya)...to which he replied, "Oo, maayo gud siya...daghan na siya nabuhat sa atong nasud." (Yup, he's very good. He has accomplished a lot for our country already). He asked me if I was also rooting for the guy and I said yes, of course and told him my awesome experience when he visited our city. When he noticed that my wrists were free of adornment, he gladly offered to give me his bright red baller ID. According to him, he probably has 4 or more at home so it's a pleasure to share one with someone who also believes in his candidate.

And so now, I proudly wear my very own GORDON baller ID...a gift from a fellow supporter. 

Day 123: Being an Online Volunteer

Being a full-time and hands-on Mom of three children under the age of eight, I kept on wondering how I can lend a hand in helping out my presidential and vice-presidential candidates in their campaign. I wish I could go out like all the other volunteers and hand out flyers and talk about the credentials of Dick Gordon and Bayani Fernando but I can't since the kids would be left by themselves. 

As my friends and family can attest, I've been doing my share of online campaigning through email, Facebook and blogging. I didn't realize I could be an online volunteer of Bagumbayan-VNP too. So when the opportunity to contribute to the campaign through blogging arose, I didn't hesitate to lend a hand.

The Bagumbayan blog featured my very first election-related entry from this blog and today I wrote my very first post as an online volunteer. It felt great to be able to help in my own little way, even just causing small ripples in a vast body of water. I just hope and pray that by reading these online entries, many more people will be encouraged to think and base their vote decisions on principle and track record.

(Photo above is borrowed from Mr. Roman Po)

Day 120: The TRANSFORMERS have my vote

In ten days, the Philippines will choose its national and local leaders in an election that is said to be unprecedented since this will be the first automated elections in our country's history.  All camps are giving that final push to their campaigns to make their respective candidates known, felt and heard.

As I've mentioned in my earlier blog post, this is the first time in almost twenty years that I've been active and cared about any Philippine elections. It was a case of "once bitten, twice shy" for me. As a young adult, I looked forward to the very first opportunity I had to exercise this right and was really very excited to do it.  However, when subsequent elections didn't bring about competitive choices and some of them wreaked of being rigged, I just lost hope. 

I believe it is motherhood that has led me to be proactive once more about the future of this country.  I have three young children whose future hangs in the balance. As their parent, I have the obligation to make the right choice towards progress of this nation. I don't really care for me anymore, I doubt if I'd still be able to see the Philippines great again in my lifetime but I care about my children and theirs so they may be the ones to enjoy the fruits of my choice. I've been quite vocal about who my choices are for the two top positions in the country.

Having worked in Human Resources, I know the rudiments of job application and hiring. If you distance yourself and really just think about it, the elections is just a nationwide job application exercise. A bunch of people trying to get into a limited number of job slots, right? These are the processes in job hiring and what I think are their equivalent in modern day election process:

1. Job Application/Job Fair = Filing of COC's

2. Testing (Verbal/Non-verbal, Personality/Psych) = don't you think there should be?

3. Preliminary Interview = Forums

4. Comprehensive Interview = Debates

The applicant advances to the next level only if his qualifications and performance deem him fit to do so. A government position is really just that - a job position and Filipinos play the part of HR during elections. If you owned a company and you were hiring to fill in critical and vital positions, would you choose applicants who are merely popular, rich, "well-connected",  or religious/morally-upright? Or would you choose based on credentials, personality, past performance and the ability to blend into your organization? When certain candidates begin to refuse psych tests and turns down invitations for debates, you've got to know that those are 'red flags'. What have they got to hide? In my line of experience, those who got the job were those who really had something to show in terms of ability, talent, personality, leadership and passion.

So when I used the same method dictated by HR practices, I came up with my own choices for the top positions of this country - RICHARD GORDON and BAYANI FERNANDO. Both have proven track records in terms of holding executive positions, have stellar background/foundation (RJG in Law and BF in Engineering), have shown their unique personalities that get the job done, have exhibited passion in whatever endeavor they undergo and can truly be called leaders of our time. They've faced every forum and stood at every debate, standing behind their plans and programs for the country. No other tandem is as ready, prepared and able to put into action their words as these two. Whatever the rest are still promising to do, RJG and BF have already done and can duplicate for the rest of the Philippines. In my mind and in my heart I believe that. Choosing DICK GORDON and BAYANI FERNANDO is a choice I can be proud to tell my children, a choice that I know can change their future.

There are still many who are puzzled and undecided. Spend the remaining days before election time to scrutinize all those who are running. Maybe the best way is to get hold of that side-by-side comparison of achievements and platforms, cover the names and faces and just look at what each one has got to show. Then pray for discernment. Only then will you get your answer. 

Day 112: Up Close with Senator RICHARD GORDON

The day started out as an ordinary Thursday...I accompanied my older daughter to summer school and planned the rest of the day like I always do - pass the time with the kids during the 5-hour brownout, have our meals, take our afternoon nap, catch up with online work and duties and conduct online classes.  However, today took a different turn...a few days ago, I found out that Sen. Richard Gordon was visiting my city but I didn't know how to get details about his itinerary.  Fortunately, some online friends helped me out and managed to hook me up with the people preparing for the senator's arrival.

While waiting for my daughter to finish her class, I received information about Sen. Gordon's itinerary.  I was pleasantly surprised when the coordinator asked if I wanted to meet him? Of course!!! With the info on hand, I went home with my daughter to fetch my son and younger daughter.

When my eldest asked, "Where are we going Mom?", I told him "We're going to spend some time with Senator Richard Gordon." To which he asked, "Who is he?"  And I replied, "He's a senator of the country who is running for president, our family is supporting him."  When he asked why, I said, "Well, he is the one who can help our country become better, become as progressive as Singapore." Wittingly he said, "Oh, I'd love that..."

Our group of four trooped to the airport to find "red shirts" patiently awaiting the "Kidlat's" arrival.  In full force, all four of us were also in red to show our support.  Since I haven't been active in these kinds of things in a long time, I expected security and escorts to keep us in arm's length from the coordinating group.  But no, we were let into the plan for the day. How wonderful was that?

It was great to discover that a couple of my co-BCBP Breakfasters were also staunch Gordon supporters.    It took less than an hour before Sen. Gordon and his entourage to arrive.  Upon his arrival, my camera never ceased clicking...

Surprisingly, his entourage was composed of a small team of volunteers...true volunteers! His assistant was a teacher at my alma mater who I think just took a leave to help out in the campaign.  How cool is that? He wasn't heavily guarded, I actually didn't notice any for the people who met him became his guard, his shield.  Despite the scorching heat of the sun, he brought out his beaming smile and warmly shook the hands of people he met along the way.  Mind you, he asked the names of people as he went past them.

First stop was at the civil aviation office for a mini press conference with local media.

  

Excerpts of his responses are here:

From the airport, the convoy of volunteers and supporters went to the local Magic FM station along J.C. Aquino Avenue.  Since the space there was quite small, most of us just waited for him at the lobby of the building. After the radio interview stint, everyone beelined for Marjorie's at Imadejas Subd. for a quick late lunch.  It was over lunch that the good senator proved he wasn't camera shy as click upon click and shot upon shot, he managed to beam his million dollar smile and trademark thumbs-up sign for every person who wished to have a photo taken with him.  And although pressed for time, you wouldn't see him rushing or denying people of the opportunity to converse with him. He was open to conversation, in fact I thought he genuinely loved a good banter. I also observed how attentive he was whenever someone would open up certain issues about the city or region.  And mind you, he took notes.

After everyone had a chance to recharge, off we went again to another radio interview, this time at Real FM over at PECIT. Even though, the day was proving to be quite long and tiring already, Sen. Gordon didn't show a bit of stress at all.  In fact, he was as passionate (if not even more so) with his words as he was during his first press con.

The final meet-and-greet session was at Alicia's Resto where he faced an audience composed of local businesspeople, masses, teachers and the youth.  Upon seeing that the table and chair set up for him was up on stage, he immediately instructed for the table and chair be brought down directly in front of the audience.  After being introduced, Dick Gordon did what I thought was pretty cool and heartwarming - he sat there, on top of the table, relaxed to face the questions from his audience.  It was like an ordinary "no holds barred" barangay meeting or like a brainstorming session at the workplace.  His words that struck me most were these: "When I am your president, you will see me just like this, visiting you maybe every two months, if possible.  I will ask you - Kumusta na kayo? Kumusta na ang Butuan? At kung meron magsabi, katulad ng isang negosyante dito, pagpalagay mo...Naku, yun BIR dito kinokotongan ako...Ora mismo, ipapatawag ko yang taong yan para malaman kung ano ang nangyayari." 

"I will be a 24/7 president, I will be on radio and tv at least every week; I will make use of all forms of media and technology to make sure you see me and you can communicate with me.  You can contact me on my cell, basta huwag lang kayo hihingi ng load o mountain bike at bawal mag 'I love you' kasi selosa misis ko."

It was a candid outpouring of his desire to serve this country and its people.  And every time I'd hear his voice break, I knew it was out of frustration that a lot of people are still gambling away the future of this country and the younger generation.  Here is a man, raring to WORK and DISCIPLINE our country and our people to bring us back on the world map...and yet, many question his winnability.  That's it?  You're banking the entire future of our children and grandchildren on the question of winnability?  He has the track record, the experience and the qualifications, let's make him win! 

By the end of the day, I would have wanted to follow his convoy all the way to Cagayan de Oro but I had 3 young children to take care of so I had to beg off.  With a tight embrace, I wished the great senator well for the duration of the campaign.

My continued prayer is for more and more people to get enlightened and seriously look at the qualifications and platforms of all the candidates - national and local.  As Sen. Gordon has said over and over, "You don't even have to choose me.  But the least you could do is think it over and make a principled choice, a principled vote."  

When he left Butuan City, his only reminder were the words, "HUNA-HUNAA" (in English - Think, in Tagalog - Mag-isip).  And that's exactly what each and every qualified Filipino voter should do in the next two weeks.

Day 107: Betrayal

I received terrible news today that literally broke my heart.  I knew that the world my hubby is entering is a dirty one but I never thought we'd be receiving a blow so great as this one.  The person we trusted and had faith in betrayed us...with such great timing and swiftness!  

I could accept it easier had it been anybody but for someone who calls himself a man of God, it is unthinkable!

You know who you are...you've hurt our family badly...you may think you won the battle, but you haven't won the war!

I just pray that the Lord goes easy on you when judgement time comes...

Day 100: My Election Journey

To jumpstart the 30-day countdown to the May 10 elections, I'm publishing this as a repost from the original Facebook Note I posted on my profile...

 
Lessons from the Campaign Trail: MY ELECTION JOURNEY

My Business with Villar

This has been long overdue. I’ve been mentioning several times on my Facebook profile that I will share my journey in choosing the future leaders of this country. In exactly one month from today, we will have our first automated elections and we will be deciding the fate of the Philippines once more.

Prior to this coming elections, the only time I exercised my right to vote was in the 1992 elections. As a first time voter, I had so much hope and vigor. It was during the Ramos administration that we achieved being a tiger economy. We were about to take off when it was again time to choose a new leader. I didn’t bother voting during the 1998 elections, of which Joseph Estrada was a strong candidate. Suffice to say, I lost confidence and hope then.

The Philippines went downhill from then…Fast forward to around late 2008 when certain personalities began to send feelers regarding possible candidacy as President for 2010. One of those whose name was beginning to make noise then was Senator Manny Villar. I thought to myself, “Wow, entrepreneur…self-made, rags-to-riches…pwede, parang may liwanag ang bukas ah.” And so by early to mid-2009, I had my eyes on Villar for the presidency. It was also during this time when I started researching about his background. Was he really that poor Tondo boy portrayed in that very first ad he came out with with Boy Abunda then interviewing him? I began to take off my rose-colored spectacles to finally see who and what my very first choice was. The C-5 controversy was also one of biggest issues that didn’t sit well with me. It wreaked so much of him being a shrewd and strategic businessman. It dawned on me then that “My gosh! He’s a businessman, he will treat the presidency and the country just like a business.” That can’t be good. In one of the most recent interviews that featured his wife, Rep. Cynthia Villar, her responses confirmed my fears. More than once, she said that they are businesspeople kaya di sila basta basta gumagastos or nag iinvest lalo na sa usaping pang kampanya. And when asked about their love story and relationship, her reply was so businesslike too – “We, Manny and I are a match, pareho kaming may interes sa negosyo, we think alike.” I didn’t feel nor see anything that would indicate of love or emotion then. The image of Barrack and Michelle Obama then came to mind…I thought, what endeared them most to people aside from Pres. Obama’s qualifications was the true emotional chemistry they had as a couple. You could see that they loved each other genuinely. I didn’t see that with Manny and Cynthia. I thought, theirs might have been a business marriage to begin with. And so, I was left with doubts…

Noynoy and his bombshell of an announcement

It was 3rd quarter of 2009…I have to admit, I was one of thousands of Filipinos who mourned the death of the late President, Cory Aquino. During her funeral, a sense of nationalism started to burn in my heart once more. It had the makings of what I felt during the 1986 People Power Revolution. And wow! That feeling was awesome! I thought, something big is going to happen…people are starting to question…starting to get impatient and frustrated with the current state of the country.

And bang! Weeks after, Sen. Noynoy Aquino came out of nowhere to announce his bid for the presidency. I thought…”There you go! Finally, a hero out of the ashes…” My doubts then started to turn into hope once more. That yearning and pride of being a Filipino began to once more burn in my heart after decades of slumber. He began saying that Filipinos can now dream again…those who want to serve the country need not be pedigreed nor rich…”Kahit sino, basta gusto at handang maglingkod sa bayan, ay maari nang sumubok at mangarap.” This was the battlecry he said of his party then. As a congressman and senator, Noynoy Aquino wasn’t much a personality I knew about… I thought maybe he was just shy or softspoken. I was hoping his true statesmanship would come out shortly after his announcement to run. After all, he is Ninoy’s son, right? I waited, and waited, and waited…forum after forum, interview after interview, debate after debate…I was hearing the same things over and over and him clutching a paper that looked so much like a “kodigo” every single time didn’t sit very well with me. His answers were always motherhood statements, “de-numero” and “praktisado”…I was looking for the “how”, his exact plans for the government and all he could muster was “Hindi ako magnanakaw…” Ok…corruption is a big problem of this country but it definitely is NOT the only problem and it can’t be solved by saying you wouldn’t be corrupt.

The final nail to the coffin was something personal. People close to me were planning to run for local posts in a province and at the time, Noynoy and his Liberal Party were the ones who showed hope for virtual unknowns and green apples. Di ba nga, sabi niya, “kahit sino ka pa, pwede ka nang mangarap”…And so they applied for party nomination. When the deadline for filing of candidacy was already nearing, news broke left and right about personalities jumping ship from the administration party to LP and likewise for celebrities gunning for local positions. Left and right too, Noynoy and Mar began to raise the hands of these people…old political faces changing ships, celebrities with ties to Noynoy’s uber popular sister, Kris. LP was approving nominations left and right…of these people – ones with pedigree and popularity. And so, what happened to my family members who were unknowns? With no nomination in sight and the deadline finally came, they instead chose to run as independent candidates. The hope and light that Noynoy and LP initially rallied about turned out to be an empty blackhole. Clearly, it wasn’t about ability and willingness to serve the people that was important…it was who you know, how many know you and how much you had.

Just in time…The Transformers: GORDON-BAYANI

I had always been an admirer of Sen. Richard Gordon. Likewise, I had high respect and regard for MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando. Even though their names would crop up every now and then about possible run for the presidency, it wasn’t sure then that they actually would. And so while I was dealing with the Villar and Aquino chapters of my election journey, their names remained on park bay with me.

On December 1, 2009, Sen. Richard Gordon and Chairman Bayani Fernando, filed their certificates of candidacy for President and Vice-President, respectively and aptly named their team, The Transformers. They finally sealed their fate. And from park bay, their names captured top spot in my mind and heart. From the start, I noticed theirs wasn’t the traditional campaign. They simply did away with the strategy of numbers by not having a senatorial line-up. It was simply a tandem of Gordon-Bayani. Every opportunity to talk, they grabbed…every forum, every interview, every debate…they were there…oh and yeah, even those that didn’t push through because the top candidates backed out. What the other candidates had in terms of money, pedigree, popularity and machinery, they made up for by walking, talking and being with the people. Following their campaign sortie schedule, you’d be surprised if these two were still getting enough rest as they would fly in or drive to one city/town and in several hours they’d be in another place. No posters, stickers, fans and t-shirts were being given away…if you wanted one, you were free to download their templates online and had them done yourself.

At the onset, I admired their “no-nonesense”, straightforward plans regarding the country’s pressing problems. With every issue, they had a specific and measurable plan of action. Definitely, no motherhood statements whatsoever. In my journey, the only thing I wanted most was for my candidate to answer the question “HOW?”…Give me specific ways to counter the main problems of this country. And please, enough of the “Labanan ang korupsyon” and “Tapusin ang kahirapan” slogans…PAANO NGA?

Listen to both Sen. Gordon and Chairman Fernando every time they have an opportunity to speak out to people…they both go to the specifics…even if some of those measures will mean hard work, discipline and sacrifice for the Filipino. Never did I hear them promise that that like superheroes, they would eradicate corruption and poverty…their battlecry has always been VOLUNTEERISM and A CHANGE IN MEN. What they’re offering the country and Filipinos is the opportunity to change philosophies and beliefs – “pagbabagong magmumula sa puso at diwa ng bawat Pilipino”.

Many people get swayed and attracted with promises of other candidates that would seem that “magiging sitting pretty na lang ako…si _________ at si __________ naman pala ang tatapos sa problema ng bansa.” How is that possible? No one man can do that. It takes each one of us under a clear and competent leadership of one to begin a change that will be lasting and complete. Most of those I know who do not favor the Gordon-Bayani tandem say that “mahirap na…magiging iron hand sila”…Wait a minute…don’t you think that is exactly what this country needs? We’ve become a country who has totally forgotten what true discipline is. We’ve gotten used to the short cuts, under the table management. Is this the kind of mentality and state we want to pass on to our children and grandchildren? What’s so bad about discipline? Is it because discipline will mean we have to get up on our feet to work and exert effort? If that’s your answer, then tama nga na tawaging TAMAD ang Pinoy. Have we lost all sense of decency and integrity now that we are satisfied to just sit pretty in one corner and watch some “hero” miraculously save us from hell?

I would gladly go with that person who says, “I need you to partner with me in changing this country, I cannot do it alone.” That is the right choice - he who needs every Filipino man, woman and child to become a partner in nation-building and the reinstatement of discipline and law. We have a stake in this country so we need to take up our role in making sure it gets a bright future. We have the moral obligation to bequeath a country that our children and grandchildren will be proud of. With an open heart and a sound mind, I am proud to be a partner of GORDON-BAYANI in their quest to achieve a Bagumbayan.