on Odette and Ondoy

The first time I encountered Odette Alcantara was when I hosted and helped organize Island Cove’s press con on their zero-waste program. She was sitting in the middle of the panelists, throwing her hands up in the air, and cursing government officials for neglecting the Solid Waste Management Act. “Holy shit,” I thought. “This woman is scary and CRAZY.”

We would meet several times more because I tagged along my dad’s environmental events. Whenever she’d see me, she’d envelope me into a big hug, kiss me on both cheeks, and say, “Nice to see you here, my Anna Banana!” She’d say it like she were my own lola. She smelled of powder and flowers.

When we were planning for the ICC, I knew there was no better person to ask for help that Tita Odette. One afternoon, Ernest, James, Kester and I went to her house for a Solid Waste Management (SWM) workshop. “Tell me why you’re here,” she said.
“Oh, well you know we were gonna lecture in Puerto Galera and—”
“Lecture? Nandito kayo para matuto mag-lecture?”
“Well yes but—“
“If you just want to learn to lecture then you’re just wasting my time. Sayang lang ang passion ko sa inyo and my passion is sacred for me! Ang bababaw niyo mag-isip! Taga-UP pa man din kayo! Nakakahiya!”

This went on for another twenty-five minutes. James and I were already looking at each other na parang shet uwi na tayo huhuhuhu. “LYN!” she barked, calling for their helper. “Mag-order ka ng pizza. Tapos ko na silang takutin.” Then she smiled at us and said, “Ano, okay ba?”
For the next two hours or so, we talked about SWM, and our hopes and plans for this country. It didn’t feel like a workshop; it was more like soul food. She gave us pizza, coffee, pancit, and books. “These are not gifts,” she said. “These are investments!” We left her house feeling like better agents of change, like we could do anything as long as we put our hearts into it. Several days after, she was in our house for dinner. She said she needed to scare us to make sure we were committed, and that we were the most “brilliant” batch she ever handled. “I want you all to be my summa cum laudes, my Anna Banana,” she said while holding my hands.

Last week, my dad called me. I had just been caught by the MMDA for color-coding (OO, NA NAMAN. NAKALIMUTAN KO KASI LECHE.) so I was a bit frazzled. “Ta,” he said, half-laughing. “Namatay si Tita Odette.”
“Ano?”
“Namatay si Tita Odette. Akala ko joke lang.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“Hindi, kanina lang. She was brought to the hospital last night and she died this morning.”
“Oh shit.”
“O nga eh. Putang ina. I’m still in shock.”
“Ako rin.”
We put the phone down and I drove back to UP and started to cry. I never understood why the good ones die earlier. James told me not to be sad. “Ang swerte natin that she shared and passed her passion to us before she died. She lived a good life.” Well-said, buddy. At dahil kay Tita Odette, napa-Ingles ka pa ng bonggang-bongga.

Now this Ondoy disaster. This proves that 1) Facebook is the source of all news and 2) the Philippines can be the capital for disaster relief. My dad says this a lot, and it sounds funny, but what he means is that the other countries can learn from how resilient we are in times of natural calamities. Dito lumalabas yung “greatness of a Filipino.” It’s amazing how much help people are giving. Nuns donated 100k worth of napkins. “Ano yun, pang punas ng basa (Borja, 2009)?” Kris Aquino mobilized Champion to donate truckloads of detergent. “World’s biggest bubble bath? Chos (Jacinto, 2009)!” Yesterday when my friends and I were in line in Puregold buying relief goods, we saw this cart full of coffee sachets, instant noodles, Tang, and… EMPERADOR, GILBEY’S GIN, THE BAR, AND GRAN MATADOR. Kahit sa krisis, pumaparty parin si Ate! Diyoskolord!!!

More seriously though, we see the true bayanihan spirit of the Filipino people. We also see how our love for laughter and enjoyment trumps all disasters. See this video of the kids diving. ‘Wag na nating pansinin si Ate Echosera aka Jacques Bermejo. She knows how much the Filipino people hate her by now. Nakakatawa yung “PWET KA NG CAMEL” comment sa Multiply niya! And while we’re at it, we should stop bitching at Mother Nature and the government. This kind of flood happened in the 60s, so it’s not climate change/Mother Earth telling us it’s the end of the world. And we can’t blame the government for the floods either. Kester texted me: “The reason the flood levels were so high was because of trash clogging our rivers and tributaries. I think Tita Odette is telling us something.”

I think so too.

I have always believed that there was something more that could unite us besides a boxing match and a death of an icon. It’s just sad that it took a calamity such as this to do it. Metro Manila is on its knees. But hopefully we learn and work towards solving the cause of the problem, not just the problem.

My friends and I are heading to DLSZ, our alma mater, to help out in a bit. Viva la nation-building. Stay safe and dry, wherever you are.

saklolo, taklobo! (icc ’09)

I attended my first International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) two years ago as a requirement for my PE class. Well, it was either I go to the ICC as a volunteer scuba diver, spend the weekend on the beach helping the environment or memorize bones and muscles for the finals. No brainer diba? That must’ve been fate ‘cause it was one of those Aha! moments. When I saw how much crap there was underwater, I e-mailed my dad (who was abroad at that time) that I wanted to commit to the protection of the environment. I decided to put theatre on hold to join other nation-building activities. Included in my plan was to apply for the UP Marine Biological Society (MBS) because I wanted to meet people other than my dad who shared my love for the underwater world. But never did I imagine that I’d be one of the organizers of the ICC in just two years. Funny how the world works.

For “Saklolo, Taklobo!”, James and I were co-heads of the Program Committe. It’s not as stressful as it sounds, mainly because 1) I love what I do and 2) I was with some of the best people I’ve ever met. James and I had the same vision: something more long-term than just a clean-up. We wanted an educational component, as well as hands-on experience. To commit ourselves to Solid Waste Management (the root of all environmental evil) we, along with Kester and Ernest, attended a workshop with the queen of SWM, Tita Odette Alcantara (more on her in another entry). We also got Earth Day Network on board, an NGO that recycles tarps into bags. Trivia of the day: tarps are the only non-biodegradable, non-sellable materials (so if you have any tarps lying around, PLEASE DONATE IT TO EDN!).

Five of us headed to Puerto Galera a day earlier to make sure everything was a-okay. Well, six of us if you include TitiBur the Teddy Bear.

That evening was my induction. Kuya Je, food tech extraordinaire, helped me cook my first meal. No, I did not burn the hotel down. The meal was pretty decent. I think… I can get married now. At sa wakas, after ONE YEAR, I can say that I am a full-fleged member of MBS. That’s what happens when you live out of a suitcase for a year–everything gets delayed (wag lang sana ang period). The next day was The Big Day. James, Kester, and Armand each handled a classroom of high school students while Steph and I each took on a class of third graders. I’ve taught kids many many times before, but it was always performing-related so I was a wee bit nervous for this one. I was secretly visualizing my “lecture” and rehearsing it in my head. I love that teaching is learning.

me: ang mga basurang nabubulok ay kailangan bumalik sa mother earth. sino o ano ba si mother earth?
kid: YUNG MAY-ARI NUNG JUNK SHOP!!!!

me: ano ang halimbawa ng mga basurang nabubulok?
kid: MGA PATAY NA DAGA PO MARAMI PONG PATAY NA DAGA NA SOBRANG LAKI SA BAHAY NAMIN!!!!

Well, in fairness, totoo nga naman.

me: magbigay kayo ng mga gawaing nakabubuti sa kalikasan.
kid: maligo at mag-sipilyo araw-araw.
me: huh? bakit?
kid: kasi teacher anna ‘pag ‘di ka naliligo at nagsisipilyo, bumabaho ka so dumadagdag sa AIR POLLUTION! (kulang nalang sabihin niya “DUH.”)

HUWAW! Gold star for you!

That afternoon, the high school students went to the market armed with their tarp bags and gave them away to encourage the use reusable bags over plastic bags. My group also went around the market picking up trash while another headed to the coastline with the same objective. We had to record every single piece of shit we picked up. Ang winner ay cigarette butts and food wrappers/packaging. Reminder: straws and cigarette butts are not biodegradable so please don’t throw them anywhere! Or try not to use straws!

After being basureros basking under the siesta time sun, we headed back to the school for the closing ceremonies that James and I ended up hosting. Kahit spontaneous siya, kering keri. I think James and I were made for each other. Pwede kaming pang noontime show, infernez. The students prepared three intermission numbers for us. The first group had a freakin’ TEN MINUTE DANCE MEDLEY. At ang main star-slash-choreographer nila lalaki (for now ifyouknowwhatimean) na may pitik ang bewang. Sabay pout at chin up. We ended up dancing “Nobodynobodybutchoo (clap clap!)”. Ano ba toh!

my batch, ISDAbest ’08.

When we went back to the hotel, Gene, James, and I decided to eat a pre-dinner meal. This manang selling handwoven approached us.

manang; bili na po kayo… 70 pesos lang.
gene: hah?! ate, ang mahal naman!
manang: eh sa foreigner nga, 150 ‘yan eh, kaya bili na kayo.
james: ay… may tax??!?!?!

WAHAHAHA. That night was spent night swimming with James and Ate Ina and giggling and sleeping by the shore with my batchmates. For mga 2 hours lang naman. Somewhere in the middle, Ning sits up and asks, “How did I get here? Why am I here?” She stood up, brushed the sand off her legs, lay down beside me, and SLEPT AGAIN. Wagi ka talaga Ning.

The name “Saklolo, Taklobo!” comes from the activity on the last day–the rehabilitation of the giant clam garden that MBS made several years ago. There were eight of us who scubadove (ay ginawang verb?). I didn’t have a designated role so I would just help out whoever needed help measuring, pegging, etc. Sounds simple, but add the SUPER KAPOOPER MEGA STRONG CURRENT and the fact that YOU ARE UNABLE TO TALK and you have a CHALLENGE!

the biggest clam was 37 inches!

that’s me on the left, panicking inside

We were all trying to cling on to something so we wouldn’t be carried away by the current. I have the battle scars to prove it: rashes on my arm from accidentally brushing against a fire coral, a wound on my knee, and scabs on my arms. Diyos ko lord! For the love of Mama Earth. Back at the hotel, I noticed that the faucet of the public restroom was leaking. The faucet was broken so I called on an employee and led her to the bathroom.

me: ate tumutulo po yung gripo niyo.
her: oo nga.
me: …
her: …
me: uhhhhhh pwede niyong isara? kasi sira po.
her: (drains overflowing balde of fresh water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
me: HINDI ate paki sara lang yung gripo sayang po sa tubig!!!!
her: (twists turns pounds whacks the faucet and looks at me) ayan, sara na po.

Ay.

I almost didn’t wanna go back to the hustle and bustle of Manila. On the way home we made fun of those who were asleep. (Which is why I spent the trip talking to James.)

that’s THE manix
abrera of kiko machine PDI fame! hahaha loveyou manix

Every time I come from the beach, I always feel a bit displaced in the city. My brain needs an entire day to recuperate. Before we left Galera, I was able to find a few minutes to lie down on a hammock and gaze at the rustling leaves of a palm tree. (Kulang nalang Beer Below Zero at may tagapapaypay sa ‘kin para bonggang-bongga.) I remembered what my American friend told me the last time I dove: “I don’t really wanna go back to America. You Filipinos don’t realize how lucky you are. I only have a few days left of sittin’ around in paradise.”

And I really do think this little group of islands called the Philippines is a paraiso. I’d like to pursue a career in restorative eco-tourism after college and make sure I leave this paraiso better than when I entered it. My next environmental efforts will be volunteering for WWF (and that’s World Wildlife Fund. Wala po akong balak maging wrestler.) and camping in Mt. Fuji for the DENSO Youth for Earth Action a week and a half from now. Until then, I must pretend to be a student and write six papers in ten days. FIGHT!

botante o BOBOtante?

I attended the “Y VOTE? U VOTE!” forum at the UP College of Law on the same day that Noynoy Aquino announced his decision to run for president*. I am, more than than ever, convinced to vote and convince you to register and vote. How can I not be when the panel of speakers included Professor Randy David, Governor Grace Padaca, Ms. Bianca Lapuz, and Atty. Marvic Leonen, Dean of the UP College of Law?

Randy David was the first to admit that it seems more logical not to care about politics. “There are more important matters, such as philosophy and the academe,” he said. It’s funny how the “presidentiables” (that’s Filipino-English right there) are championing democracy when in a Southeast Asian survey, it was the Filipinos who had the least faith in democracy. And to think we were the first Republic in Asia dating back to 1898. But, Prof. David said, we must “understand the promise of politics,” which he defines as, “a mechanism by which society produces collectively blinding decisions.” For the 2010 elections, he advised us not to seek personal traits (“maka-Diyos,” “mabait,” “hindi corrupt,” etc.) but ideas, visions, plans, and programs. We should ask the candidates what their vision for the Philippines is 6, 10, 20 years from now. When Noynoy announced his presidency, the questions were, “Ikakasal ka na ba?” and “What does Kris think of your decision?” Oh kamon! One of the last questions was, “What do you intend to do if you win?” Bakit yun ang huli? Diba dapat yun ang una? Prof. David also reminded us that “making a difference” is not limited to writing down names on a piece of paper come May 10, 2010. It’s also about making an informed decision. (Hold that thought, more on that in a bit.)

RM Awardee and governor of Isabela Grace Padaca is a living legend because she had the guts to go against the 30-40 year political dynasty of the Dys in Isabela. Dy-nasty, she calls it. She was a radio commentator in Isabela for over a decade and one day, she just got tired of listening to people’s problems and people who just bitched and didn’t do anything. She declared to her friends that she would run for the 2001 elections. “Sige Grace, takbo ka!” her friend said enthusiastically. “Kasi alam mo, gustong-gusto ka ng katulong namin!” Well, that katulong along with 55% of the people of Isabela elected Gov. Padaca in 2004. Since then she has paid off 90% of her province’s debt and stopped illegal logging in the Sierra Madre. She doesn’t buy the “I’m not gonna run for public office ‘cause I’m too smart to” mentality. “Then you will be ruled by those who are not,” she said.

Ms. Bianca Lapuz must have said “noh?” in every other sentence. Aside from this linguistic nuisance, she made several salient points. First, that seeking change does not begin and end at voting. “Ang dami nating gustong igiba, wala naman tayong gustong itayo. Ang dami nating gustong tanggalin, wala naman tayong gustong ipalit.” Well said. We can’t wait for inspiring leaders, we have to create an “inspiring movement.” She also said that all the politicians are trapos**, but if they’re willing to seek reform, why not support them? She also talked about junking the “I won’t vote ‘cause I’m moving out of this shithole anyway” mentality because even if you are ten thousand miles away, you will still remit to this country. So kahit nasa Amerika ka o Saudi o kahit anong lupalop ng mundo ka, nakatali parin ang pusod mo sa Pilipinas (insert evil laugh here). Kaya care ka nalang diba?

I loved every minute of Atty. Leonen’s presentation. He commented on the rules that would make one eligible for presidential candidacy. “Must be able to read and write” yung isa diba? FYI to be a UP professor you must first be an instructor (may levels pa ‘yan), get an MA, get published to be promoted to associate professor, get a Ph. D then get published again to be a full professor. “Mukhang kulang yata yung ‘read and write,’” he commented. He then proceeded to show 25 questions answerable by yes or no, meant for anyone who is aspiring for a national political position. (At dapat sagutan sa blue book. Oh yes. HONOR EXCELLENCE!) Directions: “You are to answer this question by yourself without any assistance from any of your immediate family (whether or not deceased), consultants, political or media handlers.” For the Preliminaries, the examinee must provide “reasons for wanting to apply (please avoid the words “change,” “democracy,” “true,” “good,”… “legacy,”…”god told me.”)” The final note: “You do not have to apply simply because your parents wanted you to do so. Again, whether or not deceased. Good luck!” WOOHOO! Isang masigabong palakpakan! The twenty-five questions were on the current issues the country is facing: healthcare, political settlement with the MILF, revising the national flag and language to accommodate provinces/languages other than the Tagalog, imposing carbon taxes, negotiations with the European Union, suspension of Burma from the ASEAN, and the abrogation*** of the DENR to name a few. “If you do not know what ‘abrogation’ means, then you probably have no business running for the Congress, Senate, or President.” Awesome.

I like what Atty. Leonen said in the end: “Don’t treat me like I’m a statistic.” Because I’m not. And neither are you. We’re human beings capable of thinking, questioning conventions, and making informed decisions. After the forum, I realized that it’s not true when people say “vote ‘cause your vote counts.” Your vote, your ONE vote, won’t count. However, if you read up, engage in intelligent political conversations, blog, Tweet, use your Facebook status and convince other people to register and collectively support a candidate, then you can make a difference. If everyone gives importance to their vote, then you have 9 million informed decisions pushing for reform. The youth (defined in the Constutition as 15-30 years old, RA 8044) is 50-60% of the voting populace. Because we have the privilege of being literate and educated, our votes should trump the uninformed, those being blinded by all the uh, colors. Voting isn’t just a right, it’s a responsibility.

*Let’s discuss this when I submit my editorial to Youngblood tentatively entitled “Just when I thought the yellow couldn’t shine brighter”.
**traditional politician
***Which means “to do away with” in case you’re wondering. Kaya ayan, pwede ka nang tumakbo!
(Title of the entry is from a chair in AS. I’m not kidding. Marami akong napapala from reading UP graffiti.)

If you believe in what I wrote, please feel free to repost the entire entry or parts of it, provided that you link me back!
If you would like to disagree, agree, debate, please comment away. I have enabled anonymous, unscreened commenting para ma-exercise ang democracy at free spech. (Chos.) Don’t forget to put your name ’cause I’m gonna delete people who aren’t brave enough to leave their names. Ktnx.
If shy ka naman da
hil mukhang nakakatakot ako (or so MiggyO says), you may disagree, agree, and debate with me through annaoposa@yahoo.com.

I’ll be doing COMELEC volunteer work tomorrow in Paranaque and Muntinlupa. If you need directions to get there (which I got from Lea Salonga. THANK YOU!), just e-mail me or comment here. Hemingway, tama na muna ang pagiging tibak, my next entry will be a funnies videoblog. Promise! Peksman!

Helpful link: http://www.wikihow.com/Register-As-a-First-Time-Voter-in-the-Philippines
To see if you’re registered: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/findprecinct/findprecinct.aspx

post RM-hysteria

It’s easy to read about what went on in the RM awards. It was all over the news. So let’s talk about what the news didn’t say. First of all, my dad was so funny on stage. Lumalabas ang pagiging ADHD niya, waving at the audience, pumping his fists in the air, doing the thumbs-up sign (oh diba kahit wala siyang Facebook marunong siya ng LIKES THIS). You can catch the last five minutes of his acceptance speech here. (The night before I sang at his thanksgiving dinner. I was on the verge of tears when I was talking because I’m a dork like that. After my second song, “Paraiso,” he was in tears din. HAHA. My dad is my liiiife!)

My favorite awardees are Krisana Kraisintu from Thailand and Ka Hsaw Wa from Burma. Ms. Kraisintu told my mom, “I love Filipino food! I can eat adobo everyday!”

she is so cute. kinda reminds me of Edna Mode from the Incredibles.

ka hsaw wa (i love saying his name) is only 39 years old! you can feel his energy and zest for life crackling in the air.

On the way to the awarding ceremony, Uli and I kept singing Manny Villar’s jingle. How can you not love it! “Akala mo petiks, yun pala mali/Akala mo conyo, yun pala laking tondo!” When we saw MV in the lobby of CCP we freaked out and had a picture taken with him. Look at those giddy faces!

akala mo trapo yun pala ka-tropa mo! ✔

Ops I am not endorsing MV (or anyone just yet) for presidency ha! Maraming namamatay sa maling akala. So just visit http://www.akalamo.com for more info (I’m not kidding, it’s a real site!) HAHA!

I gathered the courage to introduce myself to Emily Abrera, one of the people I look up to in the field of the arts. I was all like, “Hi you’re my idol really you are I really look up to you ’cause… You’re the best.” WTF?

The highlight was seeing Sec. Ace Durano. Ma and I are huge admirers (understatement!) of his so we kinda went insane when we saw him. I was all like, “Hi Sir!” and he goes, “Anna! You know, I really enjoy reading your blog!”

WHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTTTTTTTTTTTTUUUUUUPPPPP yan na po ang greatest achievement ko in life!!!! Kung pwede lang ilagay ‘yan sa resume under “AWARDS RECEIVED”!!!!!

I really think he has the coolest job ever: to go around the most beautiful country on earth and improve its tourism. He has done so much to put us on the map and provide employment through tourism, which is how it’s supposed to be. THAT’s what I want to do for a living. I’m gonna work for the DOT in my lifetime. I just know it.

After surveying who else we could have a picture with, Uli bumped into Sen. Pia Cayetano. Literally bumped into her. Tapos itong wa-klas kong kapatid yelled, “RAISA SI PIA CAYETANO O, PA-PICTURE TAYO!!!! MARIEL!!! PA-PICTURE TAYO!!!” RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER HAHA ANG JOLOGS!!!!

I congratulated her for making it to the international Ironman competition. How awesome is that? Hardcore athlete!

At the gala dinner, we had our picture taken with Jaime Agusto Zobel de Ayala who’s overflowing with sex appeal. Tita Chinky calls him George Clooney.

My dad SANG AT THE GALA DINNER! He sang “Usahay” which is like, the national anthem of the Bisaya (next to “Matud Nila” of course). JAZA said they’re gonna change his award from environment to music. Chela!

Papa introduced me to Mareng Winnie, another idol of mine. She advised me to shift from English to Economics. Hmmmm no. Haha. Check out the video of Mikey Arroyo and Mareng Winnie if you haven’t yet. “Sue me!” Tanga ni Mikey. Sana hindi nalang siya nag pa-interview.

LIKES THIS daw, sabi ni former president FVR

and Cheche Lazaro

What an awesome night.

***

I can’t not write about this.

So. Cheche Lazaro. She hosts this show called Media in Focus on ANC. I loved the episode on the National Artist issue because of Sir Dalisay and another man named Alexis Tioseco. (Do watch the video. Very insightful.) Vicky told me that Alexis Tioseo and his girlfriend were shot dead a few days ago. This made me really sad because we need more Filipinos like him: idealistic and passionate. Must reads: his letter to Nika and the extended version of his wishlist for Philippine cinema. I particularly like what he said about the MMFF! True dat. No more Enteng Kabisotes and Mano Pos please! I hope someone from the film/media industry picks up something and makes it his/her advocacy.

when the yellow shines too brightly

Several politicians have changed their minds about the 2010 presidential elections. Ping Lacson was the first to, at the height of the Dacer issue. Next is Binay, because he wants to run as Erap’s VP. Erap said he’s willing to drop out as well if the opposition unites for one candidate. Noli De Castro and Gibo haven’t been making noise, which makes me doubt that they’re pushing through. Today Mar Roxas made way for Noynoy Aquino.

Noynoy Aquino for PRESIDENT? SERIOUSLY?!

Okay. I am aware of what the late Cory Aquino has done to go against dictatorship and unite the people in EDSA and how Ninoy Aquino was assassinated and he believed that the “Filipino [was] worth dying for” but we can’t continue to be blinded by all this yellow! Natatawa nalang ako sa mga proposal to rename EDSA to Cory Ave., Cory to be a National Hero, Cory to be on the 500 peso bill (tacky design, btw), and a Cory Aquino Day (as if we didn’t have enough national holidays). Ma pointed out that we drivers curse EDSA a lot for its awful traffic. Turning EDSA into Cory Ave. would mean, “Tang ina talagang Cory Ave. yan o, ang traffic!” Diba ang panget? And Cory could’ve cancelled our foreign debt during her presidency. And the CARPER issue. But of course, no one says anything about it.

I don’t like the Filipino culture of sanctifying the dead.

This Noynoy Aquino for 2010 thing is pushing the yellow fever and milking it to the maximum level. Yes, Noynoy was in the Congress for several years and served in numerous committees and he was Deputy Speaker for two years but these are merely positions, not concrete contributions to the country. Maybe he has the potential to be a great leader. Maybe. But he’s gotta prove that soon if he wants to rule my country. People have to understand that leadership skills are not genetic. Just take a look at all the parent-child political tandems that have “served” in office. Hello GMA and father! Jinggoy and father! The list goes on. The children usually do not exceed or even match what their predecessors have accomplished (bad or good). Likewise, a real legacy is not inherited, it is earned and made. If Cory Aquino hadn’t died this year, Noynoy wouldn’t even be considered for President. So please lang, buksan natin ang ating mga mata.

The qualifications for presidency are extremely flawed. Uli’s status message captured it perfectly: “thinks there’s something wrong with your country when the only qualifications for president are; must be age 40 and above, must know how to read and write and must be a Filipino citizen.” Democracy is highly, HIGHLY overrated. I wish we had a two-party system to get rid of nuisance candidates. I wish we had candidates who actually talked about their plans and programs instead of their personalities. I wish, most of all, that we had candidates who love the Philippines more than their personal ambitions of being in power. After all, ambition is nothing without vision.

Honestly I think the quote, “The Filipino is worth dying for” is bullshit in this day and age. We’re not. We shouldn’t die for the Filipinos whose goal in life is to be a nurse so they can leave the country, for the Filipinos who have given up, haven’t registered to vote because they don’t give a shit, and for the Filipinos who are just concerned with arriving at a position so they can commit graft and corruption and build waiting sheds with their names on it. Kalokohan.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re in America, Hong Kong, or the Middle East, whether you are an engineer, domestic helper, caregiver, seaman, or CEO as long as you give a good representation of my country. I do believe that it is worth to fight the good fight and be part of a “society trying to make an imperfect country perfect.” It’s worth writing about, talking about, and inspiring others to change their minds through example. The Filipino isn’t worth dying for; it’s worth living for.