To the Filipinos messaging me today over the ongoing election results (and for the foreigners to be aware of our political situation),

I feel you — this is humiliating, painful, and devastating. A legacy of dictatorship back on the seat of power, over hundreds of reported bribery and cheating cases with evidence, an election committee with their own preferred people, actors and abusers over human rights lawyers, history forgotten and rewritten.

But let's never forget that we're on the right side of history. My first vote was for someone with the best possible credentials and character, along with a colorful senatorial team with great campaigns.

We'll grieve this time around, but let grief turn to anger and let anger turn to hope for a better future.

I'll always remember how every university banded together for her; how professionals and celebrities chose her and her team. I'll never forget the flash mobs singing peace hymns in malls, markets, and streets; the house-to-house campaigns where my friends ventured to the most unreachable places; the sports games where everyone wore pink instead of their school colors; the crowded rallies where food and water were passed around, and not a single wallet was stolen.

We turned a political campaign into a movement for change and love — and I'll always be proud of that. We made the right choices. We did what we can. That, in itself, shows promise for our future.

For brighter futures, laban lang, Pilipinas! fighting! 💗

we planted roses

now we only have thorns

The Philippines' 2022 election was rigged and marred with violence, and now the son of a dictator we ousted is being put into power again.

Banner ver:

me everytime i hear about the philippine elections in the news

Post-election thoughts.

may 14, 2022.

I heard a lot of people say that this year’s election was the most toxic one because not only that it ruined relationships and caused divisiveness among people with different political beliefs, but this was also the election where a huge amount of data and information amplified by social media was dumped in front of our screens. 

Which one is true? Who’s telling the truth? Which one is fake news? 

With all these discussions about how exceptionally turbulent and mentally abrasive this election was, I find myself on the other side of that spectrum where I just completely disagree. Looking at it from the gaze as an ordinary citizen, I saw that this election actually had its own fair share of silver lining amidst the negative reception that it got from people who welcomes “good vibes only". Toxic positivity, I would say. For me, this election was a great eye-opener because it magnified who we are as people. It’s like a giant microscope that zooms in on the deepest parts of our sense of humanity on what we think about the value of human life in general. Our principles, our morals, and our beliefs were candidly revealed in public and on social media when we don’t even intend to do it just by merely voicing out and sharing commentaries about the future leaders we support and those that we think shouldn’t be running in the first place. It’s funny, strange, and disappointing at the same time that we see people that we really looked up to are also the same people who support and echo sentiments that are built on sexism, misogyny, and patriarchy and blame the elections and branding it as “destructive” for their inability to have a civilized and democratic dialogue. These are the same people who use the word “opinion” as a defense mechanism and to gaslight any dissenting reactions to their misinformed posts and declarations on social media especially when they are, mostly out of love and care, fact-checked by their friends and families. 

If there is one thing that stands true to me about this election, for me, that is the test of our ego. 

How willing are we to let go our of our preconceived notions and accept facts and truths as it is? How willing are we to listen and tear down age and generational gaps amongst our friends and families when someone tries to debunk obviously fake news and propaganda from some people's machinery of vile trolls?

 I’m reasonably convinced that it’s actually not politics that separates people or breaks families or friendships, but it’s our failure to acknowledge the complexity of our choices and our beliefs and that we, as people trying to be better citizens in this country, should know how to effectively communicate with each other and agree that our opinions should be based on facts while being mindful of our privilege.

☾

It’s confusing how some would constantly say to accept defeat when you’re not competing in the first place and it will never be because all of these are bigger than us. I’m not gonna use this opportunity anymore to “talk back” or “hit on” people who mock and celebrate the pain and the disappointment that dominated our spirits this election week. On the contrary, I want to encourage everyone to acknowledge that this time in history is undeniably more difficult. It is undeniably more stressful. It is undeniable that there is uncertainty. But it is also undeniable that we endured them all and we are stronger because of them, and I hope we continue to use that strength to fight for what is right, to amplify the voices of the unheard sectors of our society, and most importantly, to not let anyone or any entity disrespect the people who fought for our freedoms and diminish the important lessons of our history by being on the lookout for each other from the threats of historical revisionism. With everything going on around us, what lies ahead is yet to be known, but I trust that we will continue to strive to be the best versions of ourselves, bearing and defending truth against powers seeking to undermine it.

Lastly, I would like use this post to thank VP Robredo and anyone in the Pink movement. 

Tumindig tayo ng walang pag-aalinlangan at mas titindig pa tayo sa bawat pagkakataon. Nagsisimula pa lang tayo at hinding hindi ko ito malilimutan. Ang namulat ay hindi na pipikit. 

A part of me is also grateful with people from other political colors. I may be firm that I disagree with their political beliefs, but without them, I wouldn't have this epiphany in my life either and this ability to distinguish the line which road and side of history I am willing to take.

Sana patuloy tayong mamuhay na maging mapanuring Pilipino. 

Para sa lahat. 

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

☾☾☾

Pictures from Pink Solidarity Walk Muntinlupa Day, NCR South Grand Rally in Pasay and Miting de Avance in Makati

Collage from my Instagram: joshleyson

*Side note: this is an edited post. Originally published as a "campaign" post for Leni but was changed entirely into a "reflection" post instead.

HIRAYA MANAWARI FOR LENI-KIKO

Even in the smallest ways, we want to support and cheer for our tandem that we believe and trust to change the governance in our country in the best ways. The elections are a week away and we remind our fellow Filipinos through our network to learn each candidates' background, platforms, and credibility and vote wisely and for the better of our country.

Para sa ating kapwa Pilipino at para sa ating minamahal na Pilipinas!

Di man tayo pinalad, patuloy tayong titindig. Tuloy ang laban. ✊🏼

it's Cain here. i'm back for a bit.

to the Filipinos, to my Filipino followers.

i know. i know it's hard. it's difficult to see the partial count results. it's okay to cry, it's okay to feel angry, it's okay to feel sad, it's okay to feel hopeless.

i'm here. your Kuya/Ading Cain is here. i'm sad, angry, and devastated too. grabe, nakakaiyak. i'm in the restroom crying because i can't let my family see just how affected i am. (they're that kind of Asian family.)

things will definitely change after this month. and it might become difficult to adjust, and to let everything sink in.

but there's still hope. the official count is starting, and we can still call the odd things out. we have our voices, and we can use them. let's speak up for what's right.

to the adings, the youth of the Philippines:

i am so proud of you.

you showed that you truly are the hope of the nation. you are wonderful kids, and you all stood up for what's right, for change. change for the better.

everyone, just feel what you're feeling right now though, okay? let's be careful with what we post for now. you're free to rant under this post of Kuya/Ading Cain, okay? no toxic comments. no bullying.

there's still hope, kababayan. sana mapanalo natin to, para sa Pilipinas.

P*TANG!NA!

‘Di ko na ‘to kaya! (i can’t do this anymore) Bruh the fucking election here in the Philippines, what is happening. I am ashamed that several countries are judging us right now. Anyway, here’s a mood board that embodies how I feel as of today:

MGA TUMBLRISTA!

Tara at tumindig rin tayo dito sa Tumblr para kina LENI-KIKO!

You can use this link for Leni-Kiko display picture frame.

twb.nz/kulay-rosas-ang-bukas-2022

IPANALO NA10 ‘TO!

I just know Cale Henituse is a kakampink. fight me.

March 15, 2023

Museo ng Pag-Asa houses the people's campaign during the electoral period where Leni Robredo run for presidential election. On their page, they mentioned that all of the people's hope, love and creativity continues to inspire their work and most of what they received - gifts and tokens, represents their hometowns and cities.

This place has always been in my bucket list and I made it a point that I will spend time to visit. It reignited the flame that I lost years and months ago as I walked to see the people of the Pink Revolution, as it was called during the campaign where millions believed on one Leni Robredo. It is indeed a memorable experience and will now be part of my core memories of time spent in the Philippines.

I am thankful to Christian who helped me navigate the place as I am really no good with directions and spend time to accompany me on the day of visit, and to the staffs who spread warmth and welcomed us with all smile. It is not dead yet. What Leni started already ignited a spark to all of us,

Hindi na muling pipikit ang mga namulat.

#VesPartiEver will always stand for Leni. - Chino Louise Jolas Pueblo Capacio Fact Checkers For Leni Gamers for Leni Komiks for Leni Angat Buhay

#kulayrosasangbukas #kulayrosasangbukas🎀🌷 #museongpagasa #philippines

06 tw: PH Politics

One last political post before the day! I know that a handful of my followers aren't eligible voters, so please do share to your family and friends that will vote.

Here are my senatorial bets for this election! :) Let's not hyper focus on the president and vice president alone.

Specifically, I'm especially for Hontiveros, Diokno, Colmenares, Baguilat, and De Lima!

🌸🇵🇭

Stages of grief, but make it VP Leni

I am full of hatred and anger right now pero sabi nga ni VP Leni “MAS RADIKAL ANG MAGMAHAL”. Salamat VP Leni, Senator Kiko, at Tropang Angat pati na rin sa mga kakampinks na tumindig. Ang hirap lang tanggapin dahil hindi lang yung kandidato mismo ang ipinaglalaban namin ngunit ang buong Pilipinas. Para sa gobyernong tapat, katotohanan, at hustisya ang aming ipinaglalaban. Naniniwala ako na mayroong dayaang nangyayari. Dahil sa mga maling impormasyong kumakalat sa internet, ang mga namulat ay pumikit ulit. Itinakwil ang nakaraan na dapat hindi kalimutan. Ang siyang mulat ay naging bulag. Paalala lang para sa lahat, kailanman ay hindi nababayaran ang prinsipyo at pagmamahal sa BAYAN.

TAYO’Y TITINDIG PA RIN PARA SA HUSTISYA AT PARA SA MGA API. Inang Bayan, ika’y aking mahal.

Artist @margauxjanelle

Hindi pa tapos ang laban.

Tayo man ay nalulungkot sa sitwasyong hinaharap ngayon pero may ipaglalaban pa tayo.

May pinaglaban tayo at ipaglalaban pa rin.

Kakayanin natin ito para sa ating kinabukasan.