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!

FOR FUN ONLY

and to also spread awareness as to why im slow on LAIKA content as of late;

im fighting for PH’s upcoming elections, and I SWEAR THIS WILL BE THE ONLY POLITICAL POST ON MY BLOG BECAUSE ITS MY FUTURE---

so, as the trend goes,

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT ASSOCIATING LAIKA'S NAME IN THIS CAMPAIGN. ALL THIS IS COURTESY TO @evenceflux18's ART TO SUPPORT THE TANDEM FOR THEIR CAMPAIGN.

Hiraya Manawari @hiraya-m - the network I created for the Filipinos.

And no, we will not disregard the country's dilemma. Loud and proud alam namin ang ipinaglalaban namin dahil kami mismo ay may mga pangarap na gustong matupad. Munti man ang komunidad pero lahat ng ginagawa natin ay para sa atin. Para sa ating kinahihiligan, sa ating kinasasayahan, at sa mga pangarap na ating ikakamit.

Ipaglalaban ang Pilipinas.

Hindi mauulit muli.

This election anxiety is taking a toll on me so here’s smiling Ohm in pink to give sunshine to me and everyone. 🌸🌷💕

Bu hayat bize birgün bakar elbet

Titindig para sa kapwa Pilipino

Frame by: Japet Hosiah Peña

I will always be proud that I am part of this movement.

Thank you to my President Leni Robredo & to my Vice President Kiko Pangilinan 🌷🌱

— Hangga't may kabutihan, hangga't may pag-ibig; Liwanag ang mananaig… 🎶🎵 . . . #halalan2022 #election2022 #inked #votewisely #LeniKiko2022 #KulayRosasAngBukas #sagobyernongtapatangatbuhaylahat #hopeful #maypagasa (at New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdVRloMr47k/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

🌸🌷🌷 "Sa Gobyernong Tapat, Angat Buhay Lahat! At siyempre, ipapanalo po natin ito para sa lahat! #IpanaloParaSaLahat #LetLeniKikoLead #LeniKiko2022 #KulayRosasAngBukas #SaGobyernongTapatAngatBuhayLahat #LenSlide #SiKikoAngManokKo #KakamPINK #LiwanagSaDilim https://t.co/3ZRPos7Xsd (at Cordon, Isabela) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdUcxCGPcZ0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Ang tagal kong itinago kung sinong iboboto ko. 🤫 Maski mga kaibigan ko, nagtataka kung sino. 🤔 Ganon ako katamad makipag-balitaktakan! Hahaha! 😅 At muntik ko na syang hindi iboto dahil sarado ang Ayala nung isang gabi! Hirap na hirap akong pumasok miii!!! 🙄 Muntik pa kong maglakad mula Magallanes hanggang Ayala na naman! Buti na lang di ako na-late talaga! 😤😠 (Aagahan ko talagang pumasok mamaya shuta) You may not be my Vice President last 2016, but you are my President this 2022! 🌷🎀💖 #LeniIsOurPresident #KulayRosasAngBukas #IbotoNa10Pilipinas #SaGobyernongTapatAngatBuhayLahat Sa mga kaibigan kong iba ang ibinoto, friends ko pa rin kayo. 🤗😇 Kung ayaw nyo, lakompake valakayodyan! Hahahha! 😂 Ang eleksyon na ito ay hindi para sa ating mga kandidato, kung hindi para sa ating mga Pilipino. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 🤍💛💙❤️ #Halalan2022 #First6Voters #FirstAndLastPost (at Barangay San Vicente, San Pedro City) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdUGHO9vG7ldPi2fzISY7MSbUkX5IvIx7rDpGE0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Today, the Philippines will vote for a new President. A very crucial election that will determine the future of my country. It is a fight between good and evil: truth vs lies, easy dirty money vs hard work, traditional politics vs change, despair vs hope, dark vs light. Life is not fair, and unlike in the movies, the good doesn't always win. So we pray and pray hard that hope wins and the Almighty will take us out of the dark. #4tsphotos #letlenilead2022 #letlenilead #ipanalona10to #lenikiko2022 #kulayrosasangbukas #liwanagsadilim #sagobyernongtapatangatbuhaylahat #kakampink #dapatsileni #philippineelection2022 #election2022 #elections #philippineelections #rosas #campaignmaterials #campaign #volunteer #volunteerism https://www.instagram.com/p/CdTsiKbhcMS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

"Sa Gobyernong Tapat, Angat Buhay Lahat!" 🌸🌷 @lenirobredo @bise_leni Titindig ngayong May 9. Iboto ang tama, may nagawa at may magagawa. UPIlaban na10 ‘to! Ipanalo na10 ‘to. Piliin natin ang Pilipinas! Tara, samahan ninyo kami na kulayan ng Rosas ang ating Kinabukasan! WIN or LOSE! We are part of history! 1,000,000 people!!! first time ito! MATALO man kami, hindi kami nag sisi manindigan!! Thankful ako sa maraming kakampink na kakilala namin mapa fb man or personal. We love you VP Leni! Naniniwala kami sa maganda mong intention💕💕 #LetLeniLead #LetLeniKikoLead #LeniKiko2022 #KulayRosasAngBukas #SaGobyernongTapatAngatBuhayLahat #LenSlide @dapatsileni @lenirobredotayo @teamlenirobredo @mgagwapoforleni @lgbtqiaforleni @theatreforlenikiko @youthvoteforlenibacoor @kpopstans4leni Single yarnn jowain nyo na lol ☺️ (at Glorietta Makati) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdRu9Rlv_HaNHAbRotQV0yAUK0Pca3BOeVK3EA0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

"In an honest government, we lift up each and every Filipino life!" I am #ScorpioSky, 1/2 of the Inagural AEW World Tag Team Champions and Current 2x #TNTChampion supports the candidacy of VP #LeniRobredo and Senator #KikoPangilinan along with the Troops of the Senatorial Slate for the country that we have been long yearning. Come on, join us in turning our tomorrow into the color Pink Rose! 🌷 Get yourself this Twibonize frame at: twb.nz/kulay-rosas-ang-bukas-2022 #LetLeniKikoLead #LeniKiko2022 #KulayRosasAngBukas #SaGobyernongTapatAngatBuhayLahat #LenSlide #SiKikoAngManokKo #LetLeniLead #ProfessionalWrestling #AEW #AllEliteWrestling #Wrestling #AEWDynamite #AEWRampage #Kakampink #LeniLiwanagSaDilim https://www.instagram.com/p/CdNQe2lPIg0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Hi, I'm Bevs and I am voting for LENI RODREDO and KIKO PANGILINAN https://t.co/xw4Dlwk1jQ #LetLeniKikoLead #LeniKiko2022 #KulayRosasAngBukas #SaGobyernongTapatAngatBuhayLahat #LenSlide #SiKikoAngManokKo #twibbonize https://t.co/RE5rG0E7KR https://www.instagram.com/p/CdLK5x9PTBDF6ApKZarYM8vXEWn8Prh8QTA-SE0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=