On the morning of May 10, 2010, I shot out of bed, threw on some clothes and walked to the precinct with my family. When we got there, the line was steadily forming, and some of our relatives and employees were already there. My number was 138. It took us about an hour and a half, maybe less, and the volunteers were really helpful and accommodating. I’m glad for that, but I also wish that it was like that in other parts of the Philippines.

Waiting in line. There weren’t enough chairs, so we stood in the sun for a while.

My cousins, Badge & Marc (who lent me his camera) were done by the time we got to sit down.

Badge’s.

Marc’s.

Sister.

Another cousin, Sylvia. (She’s “Ann” to us, though. Haha just saying.)

Parents! & my kuya.

Hehehe.

Stalker shot of Butch Dalisay! Because I’m creepy like that.

Success! Honestly, every time that panel came up on the PCOS machine,
the volunteers would congratulate you! Seemed they were more excited for it than we were. :)
My sister was the first in our immediate family to vote. :)

My lolo voted, too!

Intense campaigning! I don’t usually pass by this street when I go home,
so I was surprised at the volume of the campaign materials.
I wish I took more photos of more places, though.

My dad & my lolo & his driver.
We walked them to my lolo’s car.

Matching umbrella! Hehe. That’s not his candidate’s color, though. Just saying.

Then, we walked back to the house. This pretty tree grew in our street.
I have no idea what it is, but it’s nice to look at.

I’ve been hearing about all sorts of stories about the elections today, naturally. And even though we’re not really united in who we want to vote for as the leader of this country, it moves me so much to know that we are still united in that desire for change. Sometimes, I think that some people neglect to realize the power of their votes, but I’m glad that there are more people this year, who are risking their safety and their comfort to go out and make a difference for the future of this country.

We’re all tired of the crap that this string of weak and ineffective leaders has been putting us through, and I’m so proud of those who are moving and doing their part to make a change, to attempt and make the Philippines a better place. Good governance, I believe, will make such a big difference.

To the Filipinos, I really, really am proud of all of you. Despite election-related violence, rampant cheating and questionable candidates, we’re still holding on to the hope of change, beecause we can see it happening. It’s so frakking near us, we can taste it. I’m praying for this country, and I’m praying for the leaders that will be elected. And I’m praying for the grace to accept whoever wins, for greater faith in God, regardless of who wins. This is such a beautiful country, marred with moral bankruptcy, greed and the power-hungry politicians that seek to serve themselves over the citizens they are supposed to lead.

The world has so many misconceptions of Filipinos, and many, many ugly stereotypes, but we know who we truly are, and what we are capable of. Let’s prove the world wrong, because the battle isn’t over yet.