Because He has Plans for Me

For the past few days, I kept asking myself why we meet people who are not meant to stay in our lives. I tried to convince myself it is because the Lord wants to use the person as an instrument to mold us into a better person in the ministry which we are working on, whatever may that be. It is actually so easy to say but I can't convince myself hard enough to believe in that reason. With this verse, I have been reminded that no matter how much we don't understand what situation we are encountering right now, the Lord always has the BEST plans for us and won't give us that situation if He knows we won't be able to handle it.

As I quote Mother Teresa, I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much. 

Jollibee - Choose happiness

I'm a proud Pinoy kid and still getting kilig seeing this bee! Haha 😍 #makajeje

Okay, so some things I realized today. We can choose to be bitter or we can choose to be happy. I could be bitter being in an all familiar place with an all familiar food in a super loud place. I could have faced my device the entire time the program was running. Or, I could be happy seeing this all time favorite bee dancing and entertaining around making kids and adults alike happy. 

And I was happy! In fact, happier than I should be given that I'm categorically an adult in a kid's party. (Nibalik pagka gamayng bata in other words) Haha. That may be because I saw my baby happy and was playing with this bee. My nephew, the celebrant, was happy with the bee. Everyone seemed to be in happyland!

So with healthy precaution, let tomorrow worry on it's own. Today, let's choose to be happy. I just lost a very dear friend last week, Marchan. He would have said the same thing. Choose simple happiness. 😊

Little One's Baptism and a Series of Abundance

As this big day for my little one comes to an end, I can't help but reflect. After abruptly deciding to have LO baptized just three days before the event, it has never been in the picture to celebrate this day with quite a number of guests because of financial constraints. The gathering should've been just us, the parents, and the godparents without any other mundane cutesy preparation after LO receives his sacrament of baptism. 

Parenting101. Moving on from the blues @Day15.

I always wanted to finish my masters degree, pursue a career in development work, travel inside and outside the country, explore more interests, meet more idealistic people and the list goes on. I sure do envision having a family of my own someday but I thought I could get away with the poop and the nappies and just leave the raising up of the kids to the household help just like what society thinks of what an empowered career woman does. 

Now that parenting happened to me, a mom of a 15 day old tiny human being, all of the above mentioned have changed! Note that I have literally NEVER touched a newborn my entire life. In the environment where I grew up, there were no newborns to touch with in the first place. I want to be hands on with everything that concerns about the baby even if I have the slightest idea of doing so. I want to free myself from the guilt of being selfish to prioritize other things but not my own little baby who depends on me. I can't even bring myself to think that a stranger will take my place and do the loving instead! No, I just can't leave him like that.

Everything changes once the baby arrives. Mainly, the priorities. Family comes first now. And when I see my two boys bonding, I know I am where the happiest I will be. The dreams I used to have are now carefully incorporated with the welfare of the baby and my kids to come. This is just the beginning. I am excited of what God's plan for me and my family is! 💙

Almost there, Baby Z!

Taken at thirty five weeks and three days (04-19-15).

Room 907 Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, Cebu City.

So there, the photos are already laid out for every stumbling soul to scrutinize. There's no turning back now. The anxiety of being judged is there. But to fear is nothing if truth sets us free. Yeah yeah, we got church married but not the grand one. Not the one that he and I excitedly planned and talked about before he came home from overseas. Baby Z happened, that's why. The wedding was just a handful and a half of guests who were there to witness. Nonetheless, and what is more important is that, the ceremony was binding. Papers and all and of course the priest's blessing - which means we were able to receive the holy Sacrament of Matrimony.

Children Taken for Granted

Meet Princess, my little buddy at work. 

 

This is probably her first time seeing a crayon, and posing in front of a camera too (by the way she growls at me. Lol) Princess often knocks at the glass door of our office around ten in the morning, sticks her face on the glass wall and calls "Ateeeeeeeee" referring to me. Haha. She's often accompanied by her 4yr. old brother (who looks nonetheless good despite the dirt all over them). I was charmed by Princess not only because she looks very cuddly and malambing but also because she (and her brother), unlike the other street kids, doesn't ask for money or food but just for my attention. She smiles and laughs whenever I play and talk with her. She doesn't necessarily respond but you could tell by the way she smiles that she's enjoying the conversation. When not in the mood, she would just ignore my attempts to annoy her and holds her tears under her breath which might be because her brother is with his other playmates. She's so clingy! 😊 

NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING - January 30, 2015

So many opinions and sentiments about the Mamasapano Massacre and all deserve to be heard.

The blame game will not do any good nor change what has already happened. But finding out the facts will help give justice for all.

First, PNoy washed his hand out saying that it wasn't necessary for him to give the operation an approval. In the same speech, no words of console came owning accountability and responsibility to the fallen soldiers. Second, he opted to attend the opening of some new car factory in Laguna instead of showing his support and compassion to the bereaved families. And third, while being late at the necrological services and having had the audience wait for him to arrive and give his eulogy, gisingit pa jud niya ang story we've heard a thousand times about his father, about his family, of which we citizens don't care as of this moment because more important issues, such as giving justice and solace to the families left behind, need immediate attention and solution.

The death of these soldiers indirectly affects us who are far from the battlegrounds in Mindanao not just in terms of economy but this also reflects the kind of leaders we have who are the frontliners in resolving conflicts in different areas of the country and in bringing prosperity to it's people. Now, more than ever, is the time when we need a strong leader who can stand firm and protect the well-being of his countrymen. But, #nasaanangpangulo?

Given that the government will continue the peace process, may this tragedy mark the limitations of the BBL setting an autonomous region which includes these armed men while bearing in mind their capacity to kill even their own brothers for the sake of what they call freedom. Those barbaric rebels will always and always find a cause to fight for even after the GPH gives them what they want. Surely, this massacre has been the result of greediness of people who are already in high positions who just won't get contented and satisfied that even giving education and liberty to their constituents is being deprived. Justice, equality and human rights, these are some of the plights which our Mindanawon brothers and sisters are calling for.

The #Fallen44 are not just the victims here but their families, friends, the young generation and the elderly who will nonchalantly wake up to gunshots and bombings around them without the assurance of seeing a brighter tomorrow. And those two high profile terrorists who were supposed to be served with warrant of arrest? Who has the concrete evidence that they were captured and killed during the encounter?

Funny that I said so many things, yet I don't want anything to do with the cross that they're carrying. Or to say the other way, more of being grateful that I do not have to go through the same misfortune as our poor brothers and sisters who are in the battlegrounds have. May the lives lost in this tragedy and this decades-long conflict not just be numbers and go into waste, but may genuine peace be achieved. The manner of the massacre should be a reminder not just to our high ranking government leaders and lawmakers, but also to all of us Filipinos to do each of our duties and obligations as citizens of our dearly beloved Philippines, upholding the truth, freedom and justice, even at the cost of our own lives.

"Peace can only be attained if there is sincerity embedded in the hearts of men."

Breathtaking Love

A picture truly paints a thousand words. And sometimes, it only justifies less than a pinky finger's length the emotion depicted on it. Life is not always painted with peaches and roses. Yeah. But when there is beauty to appreciate, life is always worth celebrating. There are also those instances when a moment is better experienced than see it from someone else's perspective. One can only be at the edge of another's vast horizon. Being able to see such with someone beside you makes it even better. See that umbrella being held by a gentleman for his lady? ☺ 

People should see how much love and peace there is to take in than the dirty piece of hatred wanting to ruin the life that Jesus has designed for us. Love can't feed us, yeah. but passion makes us do beautiful things with beautiful results. When everything else may seem to crumble, there is always, and always, something wonderful that is in store for us. Funny how the things we are not able to understand when we follow His will, turn out to be the most fascinating spin that life has to offer!

In Aloguinsan, fishermen are given an alternative livelihood when there are no fishes to catch or the waves be too strong. Bojo River offers ecotourism where fishermen not only shows off the beauty of their local place, but also educating tourists how environment should be preserved and protected. Many species of mangrove which have grown in this riverbank have housed several species of water animals which helps maintain the livelihood for the people and a maintain a healthy marine ecosystem. Their roots are of great help to prevent erosion during heavy rains and other parts of it have different uses to offer. What is important in ecotourism is that the beauty of nature should be preserved and for the people to appreciate its wonder and raise awareness about environmental protection. 

"This is the only earth we have. we can only protect it when we develop a relationship with it." Truth be said, Mayor Cynthia Moreno is very passionate in empowering the communities involved by reaching out to sustain the needs of this tourism activity which in turn helps the members of the community improve their state in life and promote ecotourism activity. What makes her exceptional is that she sustains the needs of the community first before the interest of the capitalists. Or maybe politics has had too many scandals aired in the media but not really the improvements they have made? Maybe there are just too many critics and a little too few of praisers for the benefit of what is good? 

Constructive criticisms are always important, yeah. But nowadays, too few good things are being broadcasted. As for Ate Marivic, my tourguide in the little banca, the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association, an LGU supported people's organization, has truly helped her sustain the daily needs of her family especially that her husband has already passed away because of an accident. Beautiful stories should be told more often, such as the lives that every activity has touched.

Did I say too much? I actually just wanted to say how breathtaking the love of the Lord can be!! :)

Musing on the Ambivalence

I HAVE TO RESIGN IN THIS KIND OF JOB. Sooner than later, I have to. With the kind of life I want to live, that is an eminent fact. They said, there's no better time for change than NOW. Or not really. Word just got in from the great Bo. He said, stop comparing and start living! If I do this, I'd be happy to spend money I have not earned in whatever ways I wanted without having to feel guilty about it! Will that ever be possible.... 

Going back to this kind of job. I think it is totally a waste of time and talent to work just to earn money and not enjoy doing it. That for me is life lived to barely exist. I also know for a fact that it when someone is doing something, he should make the most out of it or give his best in doing the job to avoid regrets and maximize his potential. So the thing is, the evil lurking in my mind says that I haven't given my best in this job, the one which attempts to solve the phone calls coming from irate customers who thinks the world is against them just because they're not getting what they want. And I can't blame myself. I never want to work for those kind of people! Who does anyway? But here I am with the exact kind of job description which I am whining about. In the end, I could choose to love my job and make the most out of it. Or stop this madness and find the courage to do whatever is needed to have the world at my feet.  It takes a big leap of faith to embrace change. Great things come with change. And all great things never came easy. 

Or maybe I just overthink? I must submit my resignation letter. YES.

How Things Are Gonna Be Like

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So this is how things are gonna be like. I just hafta keep on checking this sweet damn thing so I'd have an idea where the waves will send him next. This is so not gonna be easy and I have never imagined falling for someone with anything to do like this - an indefinite LDR with a high risk kind of job. All I wanted was someone I can simply spend the rest of my life with..

I have this nick of ending stuffs when I don't see any use of it's prolonged existence, not even giving at least a second look back. Say how I didn't want to settle for anything less for the past, what?, four years..

But it's different this time. I wanna give this my best shot. A shot like I've never made before. Why? It might be because I saw a flicker of genuineness and sincerity from him and I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt though we've only known each other for roughly three weeks before we became official. 

Sure I have constantly thought of losing hope if this relationship might even last for countless times with endless questions lingering around, as it is young and is so much vulnerable and prone to doubt. I can't be blamed. It's a natural emotion of a person whose heart has been played upon overtime. Okay, so I've got myself to blame for allowing that. And so I'm scared to give the wrong guy another precious chance and eventually get disappointed and break my heart again. I know myself well enough to know how far I'll go, and maybe sacrifice, for love.. It also doesn't help that I don't have a lot of people I can confide to, not that I need a lot of them anyway.

I have my hopes high that this LDR will work out, that we will find ways to keep in touch. Hence, I keep on convincing myself that it won't be so bad after all. That missing the person you chose to love would just be one of the perks. 

Example.. Kana ganing feeling nga super nka gimingaw sa pila na ka weeks without commu then one morning u rcv an iloveyou msg from him? astang wai kasudlan and kalipay and super kilig!! HAHAH K. And of course, that knowing he's safe pud. Pag nagka commu na, it really feels like the heaven is rejoicing when all doubts and uncertainties are being taken away just because of a simple affirmation and sincere assurance you've wanted to hear. I guess that alone can already compensate for the time that he was gone.. 

I love him and will do anything for our relationship to work ♥ :)

2nd Monthsary Skype Date ♥

PS. 

So, it goes like this, if heavens would allow, forever. Pila na pud ka tormenting days, or weeks or months, ko maglaum ug maghulat - with or without prior notice?! Hunahunaon nalang nako ang global warming, gender and development, quantitative research, statistics and probability, public ethics, deprived basic human rights, MDGs (hapit na raba 2015), youth org, from Tarryn Fisher to Malala Yousafzai and the guy named Rockstrom who worked his probably nonexistent social life to set standards for environmental management and business accountability which less than ordinary human beings haven't heard of, computer networking, dealing with hotels' crappy ISP and LPCs ug ang pagkaon sa pantry nga ugh, forced diet lang. All those among other things not essential enough to be listed though time consuming i.e. sleeping, eating, shopping, sleeping, eating and reading. Posting an absolute ranting stat in FB. Not to mention, learning how to drive in a 20kmph traffic and park smoothly for the nnnth try, all at the same time.

LOVE, I would like to believe, transcends communication and distance. Okay, fight! 💜

Mulling over and Being an LDR Newbie

Written below are my existent thoughts in print.
A prayer has been guiding me lately:

Dear Lord, please grant me SERENITY to accept what cannot be changed, COURAGE to persevere of what can be and WISDOM to know the difference..

My mind has been kind of distraught lately. I recently figured out it might be because of changes that are ever inevitable and my resistance to compensate. I have been contemplating for a while now on submitting my resignation to FUEL. Now that the Praise and Worship Concert has been successful, God's work was victorious after all, as it always have been. But the stained relationship I have with the rest of the coordinating body, the stained trust I have left for them and how we get along is not the same as what we once had. They're complicated people and as much as I try to figure them out, being superficially indulged becomes unnecessarily apparent from them. Sure I have to consider that they are also flawed, as much as I am, but egotism is something which I don't want to waste my time on. I've learned that we can doubt people, but when the intentions are purified, the Lord takes over and places everything in the right track. God chooses different kinds of people to serve Him. This difference should be taken to compliment each one's strength and weaknesses. To submit my resignation or just to forget about it, that, as I mentioned earlier, am still mulling over.

1st Christmas together circa 2011

I've learned that the world can never be perfect as much as we dream it to be and as it once was, but the Adam and Eve stuff had to take place and punishment should be realized. Imperfection is deliberate for us to be reminded to call on our Creator when things seem to go out of hand. Having to accept the fact that the person you chose to love, and fell in love with, will only be occasionally there beside you at times when you need him the most is not easy. The very first person you want to call when anything, however irrelevant happens, won't be there, maybe temporarily, to listen. Just when you're supposed to be happy that you've finally found someone whom you can see yourself spending time in the future with, unchangeable circumstances i.e. reality has to knock and say "Hey, enjoy the time that you're still together. He'll be back in the middle of the ocean anytime soon and you won't hear from him for a couple or three weeks again." Easy. Easier to get discouraged. But the amount of anticipation or love (yeah) however cheesy and cliche it may sound and whatever inexplicably auspicious emotion exists in between, is much greater than letting go of a treasured relationship. It sure does require a huge dose of faith, trust and patience but the reward is beyond comparable than it's cost. Cge nalang, I couldn't see myself with someone else other than this guy who lost me in his charm, wits, humor and principles :)

Heck, it has been barely a week since this LDR I have with the sailor guy but it already feels like forever! When he was still around, I already missed being with him in a nine hour span from work. I was giddy everyday for my shift to end. What more could happen during a two-three week duration before I could hear his voice again and a tormenting nine month before I could hold him again. To top that, this has to go on until death do us part! Assuming that we end up getting married in which we already made plans. Awwwwe. Some things are truly easier said than done. I've figured that the key is never to forget to look up and call upon His Name when things get rough. And a bunch of faith to face everyday being the best person one can be! xoxo

1st Skype Date on board <3

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I've just finished reading The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. Guilty to say, it was my first ever book read by the acclaimed author. I might have been too busy in the past but yeah. Well I've just rekindled my bookwormy self so Im'ma be reading tons of stuff from now. The Last Song brought me into tears, more tears that I have shed when I was reading The Fault in Our Stars. I endlessly cried starting from the part when Ronnie found out that her father was sick. From that chapter on up to the last page, I cannot keep my tears from falling even when I was taking calls. It was just soooo heart breakingggg! Perhaps it is inevitable that we try to relate our own stories with the characters in the book. I couldn't agree more about summer flings (sembreak / vacation fling - LOL) and a daughter's love to her parents. So yeah, I think I'll catch myself reading more books these days.. Goodreads is my favorite now! xoxo

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Last week, our monthly sched at work has been disseminated. I initially flunked in despair seeing my name at the 6PM shift. What have I done wrong? (Of course I know: I came to work tardy almost everyday for the past month and my relationship skills with ze workmates hasn't been at it's best just because I'm not into small talks, but still!) Good thing two other agents felt the same, at least for the sched part. Now I'm back to the 6AM shift! Hooray! The night diff could've been a bit tempting but the long term effects were far more valuable. I can still live a normal life being in the morning shift. I'm aware that I gotta be thankful with this perfect 6AM Fri-Sat rest day sched and should not take this for granted. It's just that everyday uncertainties takes it toll at times. Justifiably being needy, it still could've been better if boyf was around. xoxo

Words. Uncertainties. Complacency.

Writing is all know and probably all I ever will. Quotes are words we wanted to say ourselves. 

Nothing is making sense but relating to pages of books rather than actual daily existence. Yeah, most of my surroundings - work and organization/community related - bear me interest no more. Graduate studies gets me going. All I want to spend my time is with my unreachable boyf who is literally-in-the-middle-of-the-ocean-and-I-can't-complain-about-it, my aging parents who I should be pouring my attention to or ideally, spend time with my own beloved self and READ more.

Something is bothering which I don't want to acknowledge though taking the time to write about it means it sort of matters. I am bothered of what has to become and more of what to do in what will become so I won't be anxious and all fidgety and spaced out like what I am now. It bothers, whatever "it" is, because of the fact that life is composed of decisions per muscular movement based and those decisions should lead to making one's self relevant enough to take care of things which has far more relevance i.e. world peace. I don't even know what "it" is exactly about.

I suck at work: in the attendance and friend-making department. Like totally. I am tardy almost everyday and I'm usually offline in our company messenger. I'm okay with the technical stuff I guess; I am able to cope. But not at engaging someone in a coversation about it - which sucks 'coz I am looking forward to having a stimulating conversation with someone about computer networks and stuff.. But yeah, basically I am in the phase of not wanting to face reality heads on. Just me and my usual things-will-come-into-place complacency and the temptation to tell myself that I cannot decide on my own - which of course I am very capable of. Something tells me that I am better than what I think I am but I cannot find the spark of audacity so I can do better. What I know is that I need to improve on getting my attendance back on the right track and be more sociable maybe. Live more in the present than worry about the future or regret about the past? I'm not sure why I've been aloof lately thus ignoring people and other circumstances but I am also certain that I am not here to please anyone. 

Right, I need ze boyfriend just for the sole reason of his sheer existence.

xoxo

The Need to Go Back

I just got back to work from my four-day voice rest. I nearly didn't want to show up today! I guess I just had a great time during that "short" vacation. But of course I need to work now else I won't have any salary to keep me alive.

Basically, I spent those four-day "rest" with my beau, (ahh it feels good to say that!) who took care of me least I can ever imagine. If only there wasn't a need to think of the future, I could've cuddled with him thy kingdom come. Y'know not stay away from his side for what seems like forever. But let's go back to reality, we need to work our energy off to survive in this crazy world. Before I met this guy, all I wanted was to be of help to those who are less fortunate than I am. When he came, not that I lost that passion, but my priority seemed to drastically shift into making him happy. Everything else like career pursuance, higher education, organizational activities and all other stuffs seemed pretty less important - aside from my parents though, relatives and a few friends. Makes me just want to settle down...

We both have different orientation of how to perceive the world but it still boils down to being responsible enough to take care of your own self and those who are around us. 

My anxiousness to settle down rounds to the uncertainties of what has to come. 

• Giving up the organization I promised the Lord that I would serve, and of the disappointment I would get from my fellow officers if I leave them in the air (as much as I already want to) 
• Work, it's not as exciting. It has come to be very routinary and the vast scope induces very less enthusiasm. Whether it has something to do with my workmates or not, the absence of fulfillment wants me to go out and just explore. Did I mention I have issues with being attached to the people around me? Yeah.
• I really wanted to get involved in development work / research study / government participation and of the like. What's keeping me from doing that is, maybe, I don't know where to start. With the graduate studies of Public Management that I am taking up right now, I can't seem to come up with decent/acceptable-in-such-level requirements which are being asked from us. Most probably because I am not in the field yet and/or I don't have any background about the subject. That, or I just have less courage being carried around.
• Gettin' preggo. It is literally the last thing in my mind right now. 

Beau makes me very happy nowadays that I don't need to put the interest of others above mine. His mere presence gets me lost into another kind of dimension wherein I can pretend that it can be happily ever after by his side, just him and me, and that no amount of effort/hard work needs to be exerted. But of course we know there is. And such knowledge has to be credited to our friend named Reality. Reality of having to choose a daily decision in making the world a better place to be - in our own little responsible way. ♥

Partying. What If's and What nots.

Last Saturday night, I went out with my cousin and two of her friends. Later on, her, shall we say - fling, came over bringing another friend. That was one hell of a Saturday night I'll never do again - though it was sumkindasortof fun. But I'm going nowhere if I do that too often, hell maybe.

Not-so-loved-and-taken-care-of cousin has been bugging me for a while now that we go out and party. I know she means well. She's my only cousin in my mother side who actually reaches out to me. One reason might be because we're of the same age but we have a totally. different. personality. Things which don't run in the blood. Drinking, smoking, partying, not to mention the f word, is just her kind of FUN, but definitely maybe not mine - or not anymore. Not that I'm coming clean or something, I have to admit I willingly did those things before, but I am supposed to be done on that phase of my teenage days and I am striving to become better.

Network Configuration and Public Management

So basically,  I'm currently stuck in limbo into relating both subjects:

VLAN Network Switch Routing

VS.

Scoial Development esp. in alleviating the Poor

I Beg To Fall In Love With Thee, My Lord

I beg to fall in love with thee, my Lord

With every breath of life I take

I beg to fall in love with thee, my Lord

Its every beat, I to thee forsake

For even if my thoughts fall short of knowing you

And even if my will runs terrified

Your passion thins the darkness of my soul

Sheds it light, breathes it life, stills the murmur of the night

For even if my heart falls short of loving you

And even if my spirit hides away

Your love for me surpasses all my fear

All I do, all I am, all that I can ever be

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4DB4FD8rHY
Lyrics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ay1dJlkHcM

Of moving on and a new chapter ahead ❤

"You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won't happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, "I don't care how hard this is, I don't care how disappointed I am, I'm not going to let this get the best of me. I'm moving on with my life." ― J. Osteen

Thank you to that awesome guy up there who allowed me strength to accept what I thought I cannot. Yes, I have moved on with my life and will continue to keep moving forward. Time runs even without the people we want to be with, life goes on even without the things we've always wanted to have. Working for the best, prepared for the worst. Keep living, head on. ☻

LOVER and GIVER

A quality of a great lover is being able to GIVE.

Sometimes we give, whatever in kind it may be, without being reciprocated and we only get hurt in return. But then again, the good news is that we are able to share our blessings, not that we are the ones who need to ask.

Jesus loved us by laying down his life for us. We were loved without being asked for anything in return! And the best part is that He continues to love us without getting tired!

May we be able to share this kind of love to our brothers and sisters..

God loves you! Spread the love! And oh, Happy Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus! :) ♥

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=571923339505652&set=a.303050809726241.74749.107374112627246&type=1&theater 

Talisay City's Candidates' Forum

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2013/04/29/debate-turns-yell-match-279935

April 27, 2013 - Talisay City

It was a Saturday night perfectly apt to go out with friends. Instead, I chose to stay at home with my parents. Good thing was that my dad was planning to attend to this candidates' forum which was held at the covered court beside the city parish. This has been organized by the brotherhood in cooperation with the Knights of Columbus of which my dad is a member of. I had my hopes up that I would be able to witness a stimulating activity and learn more about the running candidates.

Much to my surprise, once the forum ticked off, only few candidates were there and mostly were from  the Liberal Party. Only one sole councilor candidate, Mayor Fernandez, from the rival party came up. There were no whereabouts for his other partymates, or perhaps they just had prior engagements which they need to attend to. 

The candidates started to introduce themselves in a three minute time allotted to each of them, of which I found unnecessarily long. Most of them only blamed and pointed out issues and flaws in the current leadership instead of presenting concrete actions and solutions to solve them. They did give an empty promise that the city would be in better hands once they're elected. Well there were few, and I mean FEW (less than the number in your one hand, THAT few) who presented their plans and visions if given the chance to be elected as an official. 

Given that, it was exceptionally amusing how their supporters cheer for them, loudly, even when their speech, which was expressed in vernacular, didn't made any sense. What was more annoying was that the supporters were too noisy cheering for their candidate that the speech of the said person won't be heard in the area clearly. I was shaking my head with disgust the entire time I was there (it was my first to attend such kind of gathering by the way) knowing that these candidates would vanish into thin air from the streets right after election time. They'd be comfortably sitting in their AC office and forget what they have promised during the campaign period. Every single time. And people don't learn from it. Most of those who were there were the masses. People who give an impression that all they care is the fame and fortune of the candidate. They can't even keep their mouth shut and open their ears all the while the candidate is delivering his piece. For all we know, those same supporters are the very people who complain about how they merely survive in a day to day basis. Both scenarios, the candidate giving his empty promise and the supporter cheering albeit the content of the speech, are very disappointing. 

Who expects change when people themselves play the same game with the same distorted rules?

Upgrading the Qualifications of an Elective National Official

          Even before the implementation of the 1987 Constitution, politics in the Philippines has long been influenced as to who already held positions in the government. But as time progressed, we notice that there are many  new names wanting to involve themselves in running and making laws in our beloved country, or so we assume..

          It is evident, especially in this on going national elections, that these aspiring politicians are backed by different organizations and party lists. With this in mind, we can say that these figures have been chosen as the best representatives from the organizations where they respectively come from. If not coming from various organizations and sectors, most national candidates have already held a position in the local government. Having an experience as a leader, whether  serving a private or a public domain, is an important factor in being qualified to run as a national official. This experience can be further used as an asset once such will be elected in the seat. Having none on the contrary, even in the private sector, hinders an official from genuinely understanding the concrete needs of his fellow citizens and thereby unable to formulate laws in addressing their urgent concerns.

          Along with this experience, the track record and scholastic distinction of an aspiring candidate should also be scrutinized as this is an important factor of his ability to serve the people. Age won't matter as much once his track record will be reviewed as this will prove how much he's done as a good citizen of the republic. Scholastic distinction, not necessarily pertaining to honors and awards, this may also be being active in organizations with various causes, is also considered an important factor in being considered as a qualified national official. This would reflect his interests which in turn can affect his decision making in the position he would be elected to.

          Most importantly, it would be helpful if a national candidate presents his plans, platforms and proposals even before being officially seated so that even at the earliest time, citizens would be able to assess, and judge,  whether that aspiring national official has the heart to serve the country and the people because in the very first place, they are elected in order to make the country a better place to live in and to help the citizens progress individually and not leaving anyone behind.