I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you 💗🌸💖

i'm gonna go fucking insane fuck the m/arcoses <33

HINDI KAMI IN-DENIAL

BBM supporters now call for "respect for the vote of majority" as if they had given the same to VP Leni for the past 6 years. They cry to respect democracy yet frontrunner Bongbong Marcos called for a recount for the 2016 elections. He did it 3 times. He lost 3 times. Until the end of the campaign period for the 2022 elections, he still claims that he lost because someone cheated.

For 6 years, his supporters never respected VP Leni. Now they ask the same from us as if Bongbong is not guilty of maligning the vice president's name. I can and I will respect BBM as much as I could but I will not pretend that everything is alright. Most people from his team never even addresses VP Leni as vice president. I often hear BBM's spokesperson address VP Leni as Mrs. Robredo.

They say it was a clean election free of irregularities yet they fail to address how there are cases of electoral board staffs shading ballots in some precincts; they claim that it's the smoothest election in history yet ironically declare failure of elections in 14 barangays in Lanao del Sur; eight members from the Marcos clan was elected. As the May 9 elections ensue, multiple people all at different parts of the Philippines would claim that they voted for BBM but the receipt would have Leni's name—this conditions the mind of gullible Filipino voters that VP Leni was cheating. There are multiple videos of vote buying (most of these videos were already taken down on the internet).

Imee Marcos, eldest sister of Bongbong, is the chairperson of the senate committee on electoral reforms.

As the election was undergoing, BBM supporters would continue to mock us, shame us, and invalidate all our claims.

Their camp refuses to address how BBM would face US district court's contempt order.

People call for accountability from their family but they were silent.

They say there is no ill-gotten wealth. His words were "I cannot give what I do not have," but the missing Picasso painting glares at us when him, his mother Imelda, and his son Sandro was recently interviewed.

Left picture shows Imelda in their house during an interview for The Kingmaker documentary. On the right, the paintings were replaced because the PCGG tried to recover the paintings from the Marcoses. Imelda refused to admit that the painting was in their house to begin with even though earlier recording for The Kingmaker tells us otherwise.

This is their recent interview (May 12, 2022). The Picasso painting is back!

Right now, Bongbong is already portraying himself as a generous leader and I fear that someday, more of my fellow countrymen forget how this family refuse to be accountable.

I have said this again but I will say it again: the morale of the education sector is low. There are teachers who are ironically Marcos apologists but there are more of us who are frustrated. A lot of students are losing their motivation to continue. They see no point in putting efforts to their education saying that if the highest governing body lied about receiving a college degree (he didn't) yet still end up successful, then truly, this is a country that never cared for its civilians to be properly educated.

He plans to appoint frontrunner vice president Sara Duterte as next secretary for the department of education. The same woman who punched a sheriff years ago. The same woman who wishes for mandatory ROTC because she only see students as avid critiques of the government. They tell us that the youth has too much freedom and lacks discipline and it will break my heart if they weaponize the ROTC program against our students.

Miriam Defensor-Santiago was right. Stupid is really forever.

I will never thank BBM even if he does a great job. It is his job and responsibility, after all. His actions will forever be the bare minimum until he finally had the guts to acknowledge the atrocities of their family.

PH Elections 2022

I have to post this. It has been a long night here in the Philippines. We're currently having our presidential elections, and the frontrunner (and expected to win by a landslide) is a former dictator's son, who lied about having an Oxford degree, allegedly a coke addict, with no strong record of achievement in public service, in his years as a congressman and a senator. Our vice presidential frontrunner is our outgoing President's daughter, like her running-mate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Sara Duterte has questionable credentials. She is a lawyer facing a disbarment case, and once punched a sheriff for exercising the law. Both Marcos and the younger Duterte are backed by the outgoing administration of Rodrigo Duterte. Under the elder Duterte's leadership, the war on drugs happened. Under said "war on drugs" Duterte promised to eradicate illegal drugs, once and for all in the Philippines. He also promised to "end crime" in 3-6 months. He promised to "jetski" his way to protecting our seas from China. However, instead of going after giant cartels, his presidency claimed countless innocent lives, mostly members of the lower class, in Filipino, "mga miyembre ng laylayan," the poorest of the poor. (Read: Kian delos Santos). Under the Duterte administration, the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.– who was toppled in a dramatic revolution in 1986–was buried in the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani (National Heroes' Cemetery). This act happened so brazen, so evil, like a thief in the night, just like how the Marcoses managed to escape the country on the eve of Feb. 25, 1986, the Filipino people were left aghast and deeply offended, betrayed. How can they bury a man–who pillaged and raped his country of its resources, stole $10B by the end of his regime, killed 3,000 people, tortured 34,000, silenced press freedom–in a plot where supposed heroes and veterans who have actually done good for their country? It's maddening. By allowing the Marcoses to bury their father in a heroes' cemetery, the Dutertes handed one of the last nails in the coffin to reinforce a Marcos comeback in the highest position in the country. This is not something that happened overnight. This was years of manipulation, fake news, gaslighting, and rebranding concocted by the Marcoses, with the help of Cambridge Analytica. Big tech like Facebook and Tiktok are complicit in this scheme by letting online trolls paid by the Marcoses parade online with their fake news and historical revisionism. Because of this plot, the Marcoses gained a massive following of misinformed folks who are mostly poor, with no proper access to education and information. What's even more heartbreaking is that the Philippines' education system has also failed in protecting its history because of inaccessibility and poverty caused by, guess what, corruption!

Hope is barely scraping by. We're calling this election rigged because of broken vote counting machines, rampant vote buying and illegal campaigning. Our Commission on Elections is headed by three Duterte appointees, and a former lawyer of younger Marcos. The official logistics partner in this year's election is a known ally of the outgoing president. The Senate's electoral committee is headed by Imee Marcos, the sister of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Falling behind Marcos' bid for presidency is our outgoing Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo. Leni is a dream candidate, with a "fine record in public service and no taint of corruption." Leni led a massive pink revolution, earning support from the youth and the working class. She and her ally, Kiko Pangilinan who is vying for the VP seat, led thousands in provincial rallies, and close to a million people in their final meet last May 7. It's heartbreaking to see this come to this because we have the perfect candidates on paper and yet we are being robbed once again by the same people who brought this country to ruin.

I cry while I write this because this is how I watch my country fail my generation, the future generations, the poor, and the disadvantaged. Through Facebook memes and TikTok trolls who revel and praise a thief and liar as their president.

last night was VP Leni and Sen. Kiko's thanksgiving event at Ateneo. I was sadly only able to watch the livestream while the rest of the fam (also kakampinks!!) went there. even through the screen, you could see the sadness and disappointment of the attendees and even the performers. people were crying early on.

but despite all of this, the gratitude was apparent. it was indeed a thanksgiving event, not just from the candidates to their supporters, but the supporters to each other. even in the live chat, we were all thanking each other.

because we've all been brought together by someone who gave us hope. someone who has done nothing but genuinely care for people in her many years of service.

in her speech, she acknowledged our grief, but also said that the work doesn't stop here.

she then announced that the Angat Buhay program of her Office of the Vice President would transition into an NGO after her term ends, with the goal to be the largest volunteer network in the country.

she said that this NGO will aim to help everyone in need, regardless of who they supported. it was such mom behavior, chiding us since a lot of us were saying how we wouldn't help Marcos supporters who suffer under his reign 😂 but honestly expected, because who else would call out this behavior other than the one who famously said, "Mas radikal ang magmahal." ("It's more radical to love.")

I think aside from the fact that it's Marcos who's winning the elections, part of why we're experiencing so much grief is because we've been shown a glimpse of how someone with integrity can actually be in the government, continuously serving the people despite challenges. and it's inspired people to help as well. we actually started hoping for a better government, but instead, we're getting something worse than what we already have.

it's okay that we're grieving. let us grieve for how majority of our population have become victims of disinformation and how we've been cheated out of clean elections.

but, as she said, once we're ready to wipe our tears, we need to prepare ourselves because we still have work to do. Sen. Kiko also said this is only the beginning of our fight. we may have lost this battle, but the war has just begun.

"Ang namulat, hindi na muling pipikit." ("Whoever had their eyes opened would never close them again.") our awakening is not just for the atrocities of martial law--a lot of us were already aware. but our awakening was also for this education crisis and the extent of the spread of disinformation.

"I hold it true, whate’er befall,

 I feel it, when I sorrow most;

‘Tis better to have loved and lost

Than never to have loved at all."

- Alfred Tennyson

we'll always have grief for what we could've had. but so will we have this awakened love for our country forevermore.

let's take care of ourselves, then we move forward with each other with love and hope in our hearts.

maraming salamat sa pagtindig, mga kakampinks! tuloy tayo lumaban para sa lahat.✊🌸

p.s. UP FIGHTING MAROONS WON IN UAAP FINALS LAST NIGHT TOO!! THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1986, THE SAME YEAR AS EDSA PEOPLE POWER!!! if that isn't a great sign idk

A voter's perception (Election 2022)

After keeping my calm during the campaign period and staying away from political tweets every day for my inner peace, I honestly had enough after seeing the disappointing results wherein candidates with questionable backgrounds were leading.

Due to this, my perception of people I know who voted for those candidates is tainted. I cannot fathom how they still root for the obviously unqualified personalities than those with so many qualifications for the jobs. I unfriended many Facebook friends including my relatives and can't help but hold a grudge against them. I mean, how can they be so blinded? Yes, we should follow the government but if we see something wrong, we're the ones who should stand up and tell them they made a mistake.

We shouldn't tolerate them. Yes, everybody has a chance but if they refuse to change and be accountable, why should we trust them?

When the opposition side is already celebrating and mocking us for who we support, that's just mean.

When we're campaigning they said, we should focus on our own candidate and stop accusing theirs. (tho, that's just stating facts)

Now that they're winning, how come they're so focused on our losing candidate and mocking us?

What a bullshit. Anyway, I know supporters have differences too. Some really went out of line but in the end, I'm proud that I'm not.

I never called anyone 'bobo' or 'tanga'. Just blind and close-minded, because they really are even if they are presented with facts and evidence.

I wish people learn to have a long patience and think first before saying things. But honestly, I kinda understand their anger and tiredness of explaining when the other party's not even exerting effort to explain issues. That's not fair but we should remember...

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his soul?" -Mark 8:36”

We should be educated and well-mannered at the same time.

Maybe I'm too emotional

But your apathy is like a wound in salt

Maybe I'm too emotional

Or maybe you never cared at all 🎵

As I am unfriending on Facebook, I wonder about the views of my closest friends. I'm aware some of them shared the same beliefs that I have. Some, I have no idea. They never shared their opinion. Just that they know they are privileged. I admire their honesty but I wish they also made the right choice or at least took even a little time to know the candidates even if they're mostly busy. I admit that I didn't speak up a lot about my candidates publicly before as well. (I just believe I could do more to improve myself on my own too.) But just like my opening statement, I've had enough. Silence speaks a lot too. I just really wish they gave a hint about their beliefs too. I understand that they are scared somebody would question them but what are they afraid of if they feel confident about who they support? (I may have been silent during the campaign period but elections are the most relevant time to speak up. And I hope they did.) Their silence is really more confusing that it lets me down a little bit too.

Speaking up about political matters on Twitter exhausts me too because there's too much tension. I also feel like tweeting something is so easy and I don't have enough time to process everything. Through Tumblr, I think I found the safest platform for me to speak politically. This doesn't end here.

"Walang nasayang, Hindi tayo nabigo, Ang pinakamahalaga, Hindi pa tayo tapos, Nagsisimula palang tayo." - VP Leni Robredo

sa work a friend of mine is bbm tapos may friend kami na anti marcos dati na naging pro-marcos at madami daw syang alam na facts and nag research daw talaga siya for years kaya sya bbm ngayon. since i'm anti marcos, my friend suggested na mag debate kami ng friend ko na yon para magkaalamanan na.

i said no.

sabi ko yes, anti marcos ako and si leni ang presidente ko pero hindi ko na sasayangin ang oras ko sa taong hindi na bukas ang isip. sa totoo lang dapat naghihikayat ako, tao sa tao kung baga, kaso kasi may mga bbm supporters na talaga na hindi mo na mapapakita sakanila ang katotohanan. sayang, no?

akalain mo yun, nag iwan daw ng pera si marcos para sa taong bayan bago siya mamatay at pumirma daw ang mga senators noon at bawal daw galawin ng kanyang pamilya yon. - what i answered here was "asan resibo? kung alam nila yan bakit hindi alam ng bansa? bakit hindi pinag aralan? bakit hindi nilagay sa mga libro? at kung talagang totoo yan bakit hindi na lang ginamit para mabayaran ang utang nila na hanggang ngayon taong bayan ang nag babayad kung para nga talaga sa atin yon?" alam nyo ano sagot?

sinabi lang daw sakanya ng friend namin na yun.

guys, alam ko some of us are not interested to learn or read about politics. alam ko minsan boring, pero para naman yon sa atin. please let's learn from trusted resources hindi puro sabi sabi lang.

as of my friends sa work na puro bbm, ang sakin lang naman is mag spread ako lagi ng facts about the marcoses and of course yung credibility ni VP Leni. pero makipag bardagulan? oo, nakakagigil pero sabi nga ni VP, mas radikal mag mahal.

if ayaw nila makinig, ipaglaban na lang natin sila.

THE PINK MOVEMENT

                                   (artwork by Tarantadong Kalbo)

Kamusta? Been a while! I know that the 2022 election is over and this might be late but I just gathered all my energy to post this long planned post that I kept on postponing because either I do not have the enough time or I am still trying to find the right words to use.

To share, it took me more than 2 weeks to come up on how to go about this post. I have to make myself embrace the mixed emotions of anger, disappointment, tiredness, denial, understanding and so on, so I can come up with a better headspace.

Despite having a week after the election, I am still trying to figure out what to feel, what to say or heck, even on what stage of grief I am now. But before I discussed my “post-election” emotion, allow me to take you to the start. On how this People’s campaign or Pink journey started. Or at least, my journey on being a proud Kakampink

If you happen to know me or you’re one of my social media ‘friend’, you know for sure that I am a critic. I voiced out the wrongdoings of the government and call them our for their injustice. I feel like being silent is a guilt and I do not differ to those who's taking advantage.

I remember getting a question from one clever friend who I will vote if in case. I said I don't know yet. As there is no official candidates yet, I said I don't know. Then she mentioned the daughter of the current President we have. She bring up Leni too. She said she heard news about her but VP Leni doesn't have an impact for her. In my mind, "Ghad- Not another Du🐢".

Throwback to 2021, I’ve been researching, silently reading the possible Presidential runners for the upcoming 2022 election. I realized we're all ignoring VP Leni Robredo. It is no secret for me how she managed her job so well despite short to no budget at all. How she act quickly during pandemic. I can go on for hours on the achievement and actions she and her team have done. So, when she declared her decision to run, I am one of who's celebrating. I remember putting a plain pink photo on my IG stories. Letting everyone who can see who I will vote for.

I may need to post another story on what she have done or what is Angat Buhay program because that’s a whole long topic. But if you are one of us, you know. Among all the final candidates, she is the most deserving. 

Fast forward to 2022. What I thought of the few, is actually a millions. This even brought me, my sisters and our cousins closer too! To be a part and be involved on the rallies, the house to house campaign, the solidarity walk, the miting de avance - is something that is embedded to my heart forever. The glimpse of hope that is getting bigger and louder as May 9 is getting closer. To see the what they called modern bayanihan, to witness the generosity of every stranger, them lending a hand, the genuine smiles, the different faces of hope, chanting, feeling empowered because finally, and hopefully, there’s a change. I will forever be proud. Habang buhay!  ♡

(Next few post is about the different event I attended. This letter is a reminder that for some time, may kasama akong 14 million na lumaban para sa’yo, Inang Bayan.)

Pink Crusade

Vice President Leni Robredo-The Lady in Pink

(Photos are from Vice President Leni Robredo's FB page, mine)

The past two years have been a whirlwind of events that helped me become more socially aware. It is not a secret how the current administration has made disappointing decisions. Led by President Duterte, the country is in shambles. However, one person has been an anchor of light for so many Filipinos. That person is vice president Leni Robredo. When she announced her presidential run while donning a pink ribbon, her supporters and I felt the warm embrace of a hopeful and rosy tomorrow. I saw it. When she announced her candidacy, the streets turned pink, social media feeds run rose, and people once again flashed the “Laban/L “ sign. As a kid, I felt that whatever I had dissented for the past months might actually have a chance of being revoked.

For eight months, Vice President Leni became the principal of one of the most passionate campaigns, or as some of her supporters even call crusade, to the Malacanang. As she roamed the country, the vice president captured the hearts and minds of her supporters who saw that there is power in collective strength and that radical love is the key to meaningful discourse. Consequently, she managed to ignite the senses of some of those that previously doubted and despised her. I saw it. I saw how people shifted their support for her after VP Leni showed what the Philippines could be if our leaders are champions of human rights, truth-tellers, decent, and sensible. However, the poisons of disinformation and ignorance of social events caused a much greater wave of hatemongering and divisiveness. Sadly, these poisons were able to reach the margins of communities and further fueled the machinery of her rivals.  This unfortunate event ultimately led to VP Leni’s defeat in the race. Although the vice president lost her presidential bid, I believe that no number of votes, synthetic or authentic, can equal the amount of love and hope she and her supporters give to each other. From all her massive rallies, she was able to mobilize tens of hundreds of thousands to stand under the heat of the sun or endure rains for hours. All those bravery became one of her trademarks in her campaign.

I can personally attest to what I have said in the previous paragraph. I firmly believe that Vice President Leni Robredo is the true winner of this election because I saw first-hand how she was able to invite Filipinos, especially the youth, to take part in all that is happening and be more socially aware.  I can attest to all the love her supporters are giving to her because I am one of her supporters. I attended her last major rally in Bicolandia last May 6 here in Naga. It was a hot and humid day. The streets of Magsaysay Avenue were filled with all sorts of pink, flowery decorations. Additionally, a massive crowd wearing different shades of pink shirts and costumes jammed the roads. I saw it. I saw how people are actually willing to brave the heat of the sun and the smelly, sticky feeling of their fellow supporters just so they could show their force for VP Leni. Although the large crowd could be attributed to her holding her final rally in her home court, I believe that people went there not only because VP Leni is from their neighborhood or was a classmate or a woman they saw on a regular basis when she was still a local, but also because VP Leni was able to bring a slew of celebrities with her who, like her, brought joy, entertainment, and hope to the people. For my part, I personally went there to see her and listen to her speech. I was excited since I knew it was going to be in our local language, Bikol. And I must say, I was not disappointed. After long hours of waiting, standing closely to sticky and smelly strangers, smelling the scent of brewing coffee, listening to the chants of people-shouting and screaming with them, and even dancing with them, I felt a refreshing breeze of hope. I like to relate her speech to a Bicolano dish, Laing. Her speech was savory-it made me crave good governance. Her speech was tasty —the way she spoke and her words were two things that made the whole Magsaysay Avenue listen. Lastly, her speech was spicy —like a true Bikolana, she did not mince her words and finally clapped back at all the lies her rival had been spewing at her. VP Leni, at that moment, was the ultimate rose.

Election day came, and I cannot think of the exact words I have felt during that day. I was anxious about the news about voting irregularities. But I was even more worried about the results. After nervously waiting for hours, when the first numbers were flashed on the television, I knew and realized that the poison I spoke of previously had gone too far. Sadly, VP Leni lost in the number of counted votes to someone who lazily campaigned in the last months and banked entirely on his dictator namesake. I was unable to process my emotions at that time, but when VP Leni talked to us at two in the morning, I was in awe. It is true that even in the most difficult times, she shows up. When she later said to wipe our tears and pick ourselves up for the work upon us, I saw the hugeness of her love for the country. All in all, I attribute to her my political awakening and sense of being a Filipino. She helped us glimpse at what we could be if we worked together and practiced radical love in everything we do. VP Leni may not become the 17th President of the Philippines, but she definitely was and is the country’s silver lining.

A Battle Well Fought

I asked myself many times, “why am I doing this?”. I didn’t get the answer immediately, it took a while. I longed for an answer and the world gave it to me little by little as the time went by.

In our family, I was the only kakampink. It was undeniably hard, and scary, and bothersome. It was like going to the war alone, with bravery and integrity as my only weapons. When I attended the event of VP Leni when she went here, I remember my nanay asking me as I was leaving, “pila hatagay to haw? ano na to makuha mo?”, I said “Wala ya ah, matyagan?”. I expected her to react positively, but then she said, “te man gali. uyang lang na sa plite. Ano klase gadgad na?”. At that very moment, it was clear to me that we indeed have different perspective about politics. Well, I couldn’t blame them. Vote buying has been around a long time ago, especially in local elections. But, God, I was disappointed.

My brother, whom I don’t have a very good relationship with, didn’t play fair. He would play insulting videos of VP Leni on our TV and laugh uncontrollably. When watching news about VP Leni, he would say the the grossest and most insulting words I could hear from a public servant like him. He removed all the tarpaulins hanging at our gate and put them alongside the garbage. I don’t know what his point was for doing those things. I think he expected me to choose his candidate over VP Leni. He was wrong. His actions just made me not want his candidate more. As a young woman, who saw (and still sees) VP Leni as an inspiration, I was insulted and humiliated by his misogynistic behavior. I didn’t badmouth him or argue with him. I did not step down to their level.

Up until now, I still do not know where I got the courage to be so vocal about my support to VPLeni, knowing that it could’ve ruined my relationship with my family and friends. Perhaps it was because I saw how strong VPLeni remained even when she was harassed, red-tagged, insulted, and put down. Perhaps I was just so sick of how bad and dirty the previous administrations were. Perhaps it was because I knew that that fight was a fight for a future that awaits me. 

The first time I saw VPLeni was when I attended the Grand Pasasalamat in La Paz. The moment she stepped on the stage, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She really has that effect on you that would make your heart beat faster. This sounds like a corny love letter, but trust me, this is true. When I heard her speak, every word that came out of her ever so genuine mouth reached the deepest corners of my heart, it made me cry. Her presence was so comforting and empowering that I wouldn’t mind standing under the scorching heat of the sun for a long period of time. I really don’t get where all those people who hate her are coming from. 

I admire how determined VPLeni was even when the world gave her reasons to give up. She tirelessly went to different cities and towns all over the Philippines to acknowledge her supporters. She didn’t mind posing for pictures endlessly just to give happiness to people. She didn’t bother to painstakingly hug a random person just to make them feel appreciated. She did not hesitate to shake the hands of thousands of people even when it could’ve bruised her hand or arm. She did not stop delivering her speeches even when she started losing her voice. She did everything the other candidate couldn’t do. She did all that for the country.

 Everything that VPLeni did empowered me. It gave me hope and assurance that I can have a better future. That’s why I did those things. Even when uyang lang sa plite. Even when I was alone fighting. Even when I was insulted and made fun of. Even when it means crying every night because of anxiousness. Even when it means standing for long hours. Even when I lost my voice due to cheering and chanting. What I did was nothing compared to what others have done, compared to what VPLeni have done. But, I did all those because I knew it was the right thing to do. Because my candidate was clean and because she was worth fighting for. Because the Philippines was worth fighting for. Because I knew that my future self would thank me for doing all this. I would never ever forget this. This is always gonna be one of my proudest moments.

Indeed, it was a battle well fought.

...It took me days to accept that we lost. I tried my best to look at the brighter and more important things–it wasn’t easy. But losing the election doesn’t mean that I should lose hope as well. VP Leni has shown me that there can be hope everywhere, we just have to do something to ignite the fire of hope that’s already in us. She showed me how to remain courageous despite how hard our battle can be. I’ll never stop fighting, not when every voice is very much needed now. I fear for my future. And you can’t expect me to just sit here and stay silent.

Last night while I was tulala here in my corner, I laid my head on my table and saw the note I pasted on my wall. It was a quote by VP Leni saying, “You do not lose sight of what you believe in, you do not lose sight of the goal. You drown out the voices, because there are bigger battles to fight”. I felt like she was there, talking to me. Dios mabalos, VP Leni. Dios mabalos.

Looking back, I often see her, Sec. and former Mayor Jessie, and the kids wandering around Naga. I often see them during PTA meetings, family days, and other school events in Universidad de Sta. Isabel. Tricia was a former classmate from grades 2 - 6, that was in 2001-2006. And even then, their family was among the ordinary families in Naga - going to church, strolling in malls, eating out, and this is not a surprise -- you can also see them at the bus terminal, waiting for their ride to Manila. It was so amazing that a former classmate and her mom are now in the headlines, about to become members of the first family.

There was also an instance in 2013, VP Leni, was a congresswoman back then, she was a guest in the same event I volunteered to participate in. The event "Parangal sa Mga Manghahabing Bayani" was an event to recognize the jute weavers behind a homegrown bag brand - Mr. Kengkoy. The humble congresswoman appeared in the events hall wearing a simple black dress, who just came from another engagement that day. She was calm and very soft spoken, and very, very humble.

Fast forward to 2017, I luckily bumped into VP Leni and Tricia at the bus terminal. I was with my parents and sister. My papa and mama were pushing me to talk to Tricia to have a picture taken with VP Leni. I was really shy but ended up doing what my parents asked me to do. It was a very short kumustahan. Tricia just said that it was really a long time since we met in person (I think that last time was when we were in high school, we did some grade 6 class reunions). She also asked me where I am currently working. And I just answered briefly. I was REALLY shy. My parents were also able to talk to VP Leni saying that me and Tricia were grade school classmates in USI and have been in school events with her and Sec. Jesse. VP Leni responded that she remembered seeing my parents too! And yes, her memory is really sharp and even if she's the second highest official of the countrty, she's still very humble. And as were leaving the bus terminal, we also learned that my ate, who was also travelling to Manila for work was luckier because she got to ride the bus with VP Leni, Tricia, and Jillian.

February 8, 2022 was the kickoff rally of VP Leni, Sen. Kiko and the Tropang Angat in CamSur. I was so excited to go to work that day because I it feels festive, seeing all the preparations made in various towns in CamSur and Naga City. I was also monitoring the Facebook live feeds in my computer while working. I really felt the joy that the Bicolanos experience during fiestas such as the Peñafrancia Fiesta held every year in September. But due to the pandemic, the festivities were suspended. As soon as my work ended, I and my bestfriend, in our hot pink and old rose shirts, decided to attend the Grand Rally in Plaza Rizal. We carpooled and parked the car at SM City Naga and walked going to the venue for we were assuming the entire Panganiban Drive will be closed, or if not, we'll be stuck in traffic. Slightly tired from our walk, we decided to eat our snacks to fill our tummies before joining the crowd of Bicolano Kakampinks. Naga Garden, known for serving delicious mami and siopao, was filled with people - young and old, wearing their Leni shirts of different designs and shades of pink. "Wow! Solid! Lupet!" That's what I was thinking. I was full of hope and am very proud that VP Leni, the most qualified and competent presidentiable is from my hometown - Naga City.

** Online rallies. News on the upcoming election. Trolls/bashers **

I just recently attended the One Pink March, the second grand rally of Leni-Kiko and the Tropang Angat. I was really eager to attend the said event and even signed up as early as March. Belonging to the employees who work in shifts, I eagerly requested and insisted that I may be on off duty during the grand rally, May 6, 2022. I even bought three kakampink shirts and pink items to show my support. I hate being in crowded places, being under the heat of the sun, and being stuck in traffic but I didn't mind those simple discomforts. I just wanted to show my support and let my candidates win for the Philippines - for a better nation! And that flame of hope lit up when VP Leni decided to run for the presidency in October 2021. She has been working tirelessly, showing resilience and resourcefulness to every calamity, fighting corruption, aiding the pandemic, and helping each and every Filipino live a better life. But despite doing an excellent job, she became the center of fake news and trolls.

Election Day - May 9, 2022

EXCITED! I left the house after eating breakfast and without taking a bath yet because I wanted to vote already! I waited for an hour for my turn (I'm kinda lucky my voting precinct isn't as crowded as the others) but didn't mind the waiting time and the summer heat. And then, my turn finally came! I WAS HOLDING THE BALLOT AND THE MARKING PEN! I WAS A BIT TENSED that I might invalidate the vote! I might commit an undo-able mistake in shading the circle. BUT I WAS FULL OF HOPE! I was very happy to have casted my vote to my most deserving candidates. I was proud of myself for not messing up. I am a voter. I was a proud Filipino. When I got home, I was monitoring the updates via twitter about VP Leni and the other presidentiables. I was also excited that I might bump into VP Leni somewhere in the streets of Naga. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. I wanted to see my beacon of hope so baaad! >.<

Loads of Disappointment

The results of the election was a disappointment. It crushed the ball of flaming hope in me. I was devastated. From the time the first partial unofficial result went out, that was just 3% of the election returns, until the votes of BongBong Marcos reached 30M, I can hardly look at the figures. I can't look straight at the monitor. I was brokenhearted but still hoping that there are glitches in the results.

The day after the elections, a thanksgiving mass for VP Leni was held at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. I had the leisure to attend to it but I was really tired, devastated, and heartbroken. I didn't go. But I passed by the streets of Naga, it was still filled with pink banderitas, ribbons, ornaments, tarpaulins, and murals. I also passed by the Solid Leni Bicol Headquarters in the Carmen Hotel. Everything was still intact but there's a big thing missing - the excitement, joy, and hope that was birthed during the campaign period.

I reached home and opted to attend the thanksgiving mass virtually. I can still feel the sadness. And it might even be sadder if I was physically present in the Cathedral.

Coping Up -- dream about VP Leni :)) FB live, pink museum

Pasasalamat -- Angat Buhay Foundation

I wanted to meet you in person, my beacon of hope! :D

AI: Comparing VP Duterte’s Security Detail With That Of Leni Robredo — Apples And Oranges!

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The noise about Vice President Sara Duterte’s security detail versus that of former VP Leni Robredo is much ado about nothing. We asked our in-house AI (Artificial Intelligence) to comment about critics making that comparison. This is what AI said: “Comparing the security details of VP Sara Duterte and Leni Robredo is like contrasting…

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TO LIVE FOR THE HOPE OF IT ALL

It will probably make sense someday --- sooner or later. The torment of just trying to deny how exactly I am feeling right now, I hope it will make me understand when the time is right.

There’s just a lot of things happened lately, you could certainly help me where to begin.

May 9, 2022

I would like to begin with the idea there is still hope even a part of me lost it. With just the amount of time, effort, commitment of people I met during the campaign period of our country’s election days was unexplainable. From ten group of people doing house to house, to hundreds of volunteers who would heartedly share their service, and to create and start something that is worth fighting for, it absolutely taught me to love selflessly. It was never easy. It was a very bold and brave step to even act upon it. I think this has gotten through me when Covid-19 pandemic happened, especially when my previous media company where I used to work was shut down primarily because of the ex-president, Duterte, along with some of his cabinet members. There were actually 11,000 employees who were laid off, feeling devastated and hopeless. And they just couldn’t do anything about it.

 I remember one time, my former boss was calling me wanting to help the victims of the typhoon Ulysses, in which by the way affected our region,  only was able to reach limited areas because there was no more network to report about it. This was one of the most frustrating things that you’ll ever get to realize that government and its authority has the power to control your life. With the kind of people who gets to lead us like this, even if you want to succeed at its best and ideal situation, I think it’s only possible when “good luck” allows you to be.

Maybe it wasn’t an accident after all – to be given a huge opportunity to lead a community that hopes for a brighter future. I was blessed enough to spend time with students who even make absences for their classes, just to go around rural areas to let VP Leni be known.

I’ve been with mothers, who would either prepare snacks for younger volunteers or produce personalized  items, front liners who would set up tarpaulins in front of their houses – basically to support the “Leni-Kiko” tandem. I think my most favorite part was to actually sail a boat to get to another town to talk to the people. It had me the fire to keep going – to let people somehow listen.

One of the most exciting experiences I had was also to organize people’s rally, the sleepless nights of going around towns to deliver what was needed for the production. The courage of just standing up in front of more or less 10,000 people, hosting and leading the people with so much passion and grace, this is what you call bravery. It was one of the best and greatest production moments I’ve had in my life – considering I work in an events industry.

And then VP Leni entered the stage – it was emotional. The brave north once stood up for what is right and moral. It wasn’t even about the numbers anymore, the fact that people from the North came and listened on what Leni – Kiko has to offer, this only explains that people could actually be collective. That love could be received from and to the people.

One of the humbling learnings from this experience I will forever cherish is acceptance. The moment we watched the news and knew the results, our hearts were literally broken. It was even more painful than breaking up with a partner. I honestly didn’t want to believe at first but I was just in denial. You know that’s part of the grieving process – in denial.

 Maybe there are things that are just out of our control. There are things that we could only give ourselves so much, but it’s always worth the risk. My dad once said to me, “How will you know if you never try?”

He’s right. We can always hope for the best things to happen and that is still unseen yet.  Maybe this isn’t our time yet. As long as there is at least one willing to stand and fight for good, we will try until we get there.

As a young professional, starting to explore what's ahead for her it's really disheartening to see the election results.

Spent 5years to get a college diploma

months of review for board exams to get that Professional license

Months of job searching. Since most jobs needs an experience , some are not but has very low compensation. Imagine working at ayala makati with a 10-13k monthly compensation. Wala ng natira parang bayad pa lang yung sa bahay and utilities. Decided not to look a job in the city. Go back at the province and look a job there. Finally landed to a job with a good compensation. Tax is deducted even before I received my compensation.

Then here is a son of a dictator, 6years jobless, faked his diploma eventhough he has all means to finish school. He has a record of not paying his tax for 4 freaking years!!! The nerve to run for precidency.

Naiinis ako, bakit? Simpleng mamayan hirap maghanap ng work kase di sya pasa sa qualification. May hit sa NBI . Pero eto tatakbo sa highest position ng government?! How ? And the people choose to believe all those misinformation spread all over the social media .

Sabi nila "try to search for his achievements mga nagawa nya pero di binalita" i tried but still I can't believe. They did that to cover what happened on FEM leadership. They didn't even said sorry for the ML victims.

Sabi din nila "Magaling naman si Leni, kaso yung supporters nya" I agree there are some supporters na sobra naman na nga. Pero on the other side ba walang ganon ? They even did a series . Calling VP as lugaw. WOOOW! If you are for the Philippines you're gonna look for a good governance. Alam mo kung gaano kapalpak ang gobyerno natin.

The VP has done so much for her position. She served the people. She can do so much! Sinayang natin. I along with the other 15M ay uhaw na sa good governance. Gusto maranasan yung magandang pamumuno , yung gobyerno ang nalapit at hindi ikaw.

I'm grieving for my motherland. Sinayang ng natin ang isang Malinis na pamumuno

A KAKAMPINK'S REALIZATIONS

March 12, 2022

Never thought I would be invested on this elections when I purposely tried being silent during the campaign period. I only watched debates and followed them a bit on social media when we're a month away from the elections but still, I became invested. I'm one of those who felt so emotional and tears up when the results are just coming in.

It's not that I'm ungrateful for what we have in our country but it's the HOPE I saw in the eyes of passionate kakampinks rooting for VP Leni Robredo. She painted a picture of what our country could be when she's elected as the president.

As a Christian who just became spiritually alive recently, the results really dismayed me. I thought my faith was strong enough but turns out, I just never experienced and felt something this extreme to become disappointed. Maybe because it's not only my future that depends on it but the FUTURE OF THOSE IN NEED. (Yung mga nasa laylayan na nga ika nga.) The Angat Buhay Project is really great since it's like a positive 'Sana All' for every Filipino.

Because of this experience, I had the chance to reassess my character. I admit, I slightly let my emotions get the best of me at first. The SCORPIO in me literally went out AGAIN. I planned on holding a grudge to those I knew who voted for the leading candidate. I even unfriended a lot of my relatives. I don't really care because I don't actually use Facebook often and share something so I doubt if they will notice it. Maybe they will. I don't even plan on going to family events as much as before too. If they had the chance to confront me about it, I'll just simply make an excuse like really? I have no idea because I don't use facebook much since I'm busy. Lol.

The closest apologist from my family is my older sister. The middle child since I'm the youngest. We're a family of five and the rest, we're proudly kakampinks. She's married and her husband is also an apologist. We had to hide our disappointment during their stay in our house since my sister went home in our province just to vote. I'm really sad and angry on the inside because I look up to her but she disregards all the red flags on her candidate. I tried being distant to her and make excuses but then she treated us on a family dinner. It's bittersweet because I was reminded that she's the one spending on my school allowance as well. They left and that's the time we have a family talk of kakampinks expressing our dismay and anger. It's funny how we're the ones who stayed silent when it's our home at all. My parents are civil to them and I'm actually the only one who had to put an effort and fake it. Over time, I guess my hatred will fade but I'll never forget everyone who supports questionable candidates. That's for sure. Anyway, it's a relief finally talking to my dad, mom, and oldest sister who shares the same sentiments like mine. It's comforting to know that atleast, we got each other. Just sad about the only one who isn't and building her own family already. I don't wanna imagine how difficult it must be for those with majority family members as an apologist in a household. If you are, stay hopeful. You're not entirely alone.

HERE'S A POST THAT COMFORTED ME THIS MORNING BT DUBS!

As I've said, I had a difficult time processing what's happening in our country.

It came to a point when I felt my faith in God is slightly fading. I know everything has a reason and He has a PLAN for us. It's always God's will that's gonna happen. I think it's easier for me to accept the hardships I personally face but imagining those people who suffered in the past and potential people who's gonna suffer in this term is just too much for me. Even if doubts are starting to drown me, I still kept praying. I know about He's will. That He planned this. It's just one of those hard to accept situations that's testing us but I'll get pass this. As always.

So I prayed, with a heavy heart and sometimes as I teared up...

I ask for forgiveness for not completely accepting and trying to understand what's happening. I also ask for His patience on me. Because I feel like I failed Him too since I thought my relationship with Him is deep enough. But I guess it's not. I know He's the most patient and merciful God so I feel at ease too. I know I'll overcome this emotions. Besides, it's written a lot of times in the Bible that it's okay to tell Him our feelings, our desires, our cries. To share our burden with Him. With that in mind, I know this unfamiliar feelings of mine relating to politics are VALID and NATURAL.

SUMMARY OF WHAT I REALIZED THIS ELECTION WEEK:

1. I'm gratefully privileged and I care a lot too for the common good of people and our country.

2. I need to improve my character even more and manage how I react to things I can and can't control. It's always the reaction that I have the control not the situation.

3. The journalist in me is blazing again. It's good to write about things that really matter and I should continue it more consistently.

4. I should trust God's plan even more, even on national/global matters as well.

5. This is a time of realization. I really hope people who voted for the leading candidate learns too and stop being so blinded.

In conclusion, Bishop Rey has a point. Maybe God never really meant for Leni to win. Her mission was to waken us up. Because SHE REALLY DID. She won the hearts of people.

YAKAP!

Re: Unafraid and Unbowed

To: VPLR When I was younger, politics intrigued me so much although I had no idea what the campaigns and elections were for. I just knew that my parents and neighbors were rooting for someone to win; like rooting for Manny Pacquiao win his boxing games. So as soon as I grew old enough to understand what politics is, I made it clear to myself that I will never be a politician, nor should I dream of being a politician.

My earliest memory of politics was during the 2010 campaign period for the national election. I still remember that commercial of the late President Pnoy with Bimby saying "noynoy", posing with an 'L' sign. During that year, I knew I wanted the man to win because the "noynoy" thing was catchy, the 'L' sign was cute, and neighbors are saying he's nice, that his parents were one of those who fought for the country during Edsa. I didn't even know what Edsa was but they said he's nice and that they want him to win. The newly graduated from kinder version of me even posed with an 'L' sign for a picture; initiated by me, of course.

My earliest memory of political involvement was during the 2013 (or was it 2016? I am not so sure) campaign period for the local elections. I remember rooting for liberal party and attending the miting de avance at the Filinvest Grounds because mama said there's free food so I should tag along. I knew that wasn't the reason why she made me attend the miting de avance but that was the only reason for me, who prioritizes playing at all cost, to get convinced to come with her. We were there, front row even. We wanted Mayor Fresnedi to win because we believed that he was better than the then politicians seated in the local seats. It was proven to be true when his term started. The choice to root for him, made by my parents and most neighbors, were worth-it. We felt the change coming through the certain projects that he lead. That was the first time I learned the essence of voting for the correct people. Also, it was still a fight with the 'L' sign.

In 2016, the campaign season for the national elections were so stressful for me. I knew I was rooting for PRRD because my AP teacher said so, but I wanted to root for sir Mar because he's from Liberal, but I also wanted MDS to win because she's a woman icon to look up for for a young girl like me, or Sen Grace Poe because she was my favorite senator. It was stressful enough that I didn't really focus on the vice presidentials; but I knew I didn't want the big bad man with a big bad clan to win. In the end, I was fine with whoever will win, as long as they'll do their job properly as a President.

VP Leni, I had no idea who you were. I didn't really care that you won, but it did matter that your votes outnumbered that of who I didn't want to win so it was okay. And you're from Liberal and they trusted you so I thought I'd trust you, too. !! But I am not a dilawan, if by dilawan people meant someone who is a loyalist. I just trusted those who are chosen by the yellow colored partylist. !! During the past 3 years of your term, I didn't really care much about politics. But looking back, from now, I really admire your bravery on how you used your voice, even if, especially when, your opinion is opposing the views and decisions of the highest ranking official in the country. I started following you in social media and tried to take a peek on what you were doing as Vice President in 2020, when the bulkang Taal erupted, and the trolls calling you lugaw was as in as the news of the volcano erupting. That was the first time that I probably defended you online. Then, my support for your initiatives continued as the months progressed.

We had this community pantry in our nearest church wherein we get goods almost every other day when the community pantries started. Back then, we didn't know that some, if not most, of the goods were from the OVP. Thank you. For choosing our parish as one of the recipients of the donations in the OVP. We would've starved to death if it weren't for the goods.

I was one of the many people who rejoiced over your announcement of your decision to run for presidency. I remember sitting in front of my laptop, anxious, waiting for your decision. Then the line came out of your lips. Lalaban ako, lalaban tayo. We needed someone who would beat the big bad man with a big bad clan once again. That was my mindset, back then. Because I didn't really believe that you could lead. I didn't know much about you or what you did or what you do. Then, I did my research. Watched your interviews, listened to your podcast. The way you talk about your staff, about the Filipinos, your compassion to help those who are in need, iyong na sa laylayan, to word it the 2016 VP Leni way, moved me. You had short term plans, and long term plans for the country. That was the moment I knew that you can lead the country. That was the moment I knew that I was going to another fight with my ever-favorite 'L' sign. This time, not standing for Liberal, but for Leni, who was a vessel of hope to the Filipino people.

I greeted the news of you gracing our city with your attendance for the cityhood anniversary with excitement. I made sure that I would be attending and asked my parents for permission as soon as I heard the news. I was happy they allowed me to attend. Seeing my co-Filipinos offer food, drinks, candies, pamaypays and even rides for free were inspiring and motivating enough for me to believe in humanity again, Haha! and that bayanihan is still alive, even more, today. I was so happy to see you up close as I continually screamed MAMA LENI I LOVE YOU!!! among the crowd. For a split second, our eyes met, even. Actually, it shocked me that you were happily and carefreely interacting with the people. Your van's door slid open, and you reaching out to as much people as you can. Even my mom said, when I showed her a video that I took, Hala, hindi siya natakot baka hablutin siya ng tao? It was a funny question, but the unspoken answer resonated how and who you are as a person. That made me admire you more.

I always thought that politicians were only after the power, money and making little decisions that cause ripples on the lives of millions. But through you, I realized that some of those who work in the government genuinely serve the people too. I still don't want to be a politician, by the way. But now, I think the most important thing I learned from you is that the government officials are supposed to serve the country and the people and not the other way around. Thank you for making me see that.

The 2022 election's results were so disappointing and devastating and made me wish and pray that I was born years earlier so I could've contributed a vote for you, Sen Kiko and tropang angat. Maybe, it was because of the fact that I was already seeing the pink future ahead of me, with you leading with the rest of TRoPang Angat, so clearly that I got so disappointed when I got the opposite result. However, quoting the ever-so beautiful song Rosas' line,

Huwag kang manghinayang. Hindi tayo nabigo.

nope, I'm still devastated with the results. Charot!! Hindi ako nanghihinayang na lumaban ako kasi lumaban ako para sa tama. I'm confident with that. Hindi ako nabigo kasi marami akong natutuhan sa mga kasama kong lumaban. I learned how important it is to volunteer especially when you have the capacity to help and lend your hand or your whole self; and I think that that quality that I developed when I joined this fight will forever be etched in my soul. That spirit of volunteerism will always be part of me and I will bring it with me until we finally have that pink future within our grasps.

VP Leni, thank you for saying yes to God's call to make you a public servant. Thank you for your 6 years of service as the Vice President of our country. Thank you for being His vessel of hope. Thank you for sharing His love to the Filipinos through your tireless devotion to your work and to your service to the Filipino people. I want to meet you someday and tell of these to you face to face to tell you that you have awaken the pinay in me and that you made me love my country even more. True to the words of Taylor Swift's song Long Live that has been used in several edits regarding this One Pink Fight, I did have the time of my life fighting dragons with you.

Pinipili rin po kita. At pipiliin kang lagi.