First Time Voter

I hope everybody eligible voted today! :)

(Photos taken by Bea)

Revisiting Nueva Vizcaya

I was running late. I agreed to meet Gil before four in the morning to catch the first bus to Nueva Vizcaya, but at that time I was still at home rinsing my face, I think. I hurried and went to the Baliwag terminal first because he said we had a lot of competition for seats at Victory Liner and maybe we had better chance sat Baliwag. But their first trip was at 7 am, hindi pwede, so I went to the Victory Liner terminal afterwards. Luckily we got into the next bus to Cagayan Valley at 5:30, in very good seats if I may add.

Vivian is a dear, dear friend from high school who just finished her Biology degree from UP Diliman. Being among the kindest souls on earth and a magna cum laude, she got accepted to the UP College of Medicine for this coming school year. We've known each for more than half a decade, and I have seen her bloom to the more beautiful and more edgy (who knew?) person she is today. Her party is the reason we got together this weekend.

By two in the afternoon we were at the 24/7 Inn and Resort. We had a lot of time before the celebration dinner, so we went around first. Frankly, the last time I was in Nueva Vizcaya was about three and a half years ago during Vielle's debut. Aside from Vivian's Karlo, I think I needed to take a look around as well. Familiar places were not so familiar anymore, a lot of things have changed: there were indigenous houses on display at the Capitol; our old boarding houses were improved; some eating haunts were still there, some have closed down; our old Pisay was empty because they moved to Masoc; Solano now has a McDo, and lots of other details that weren't there before.

Night time came, and it was time to party. Good thing I brought an extra blouse because there was an unwritten dress code, plus I think all the doctors from Nueva Vizcaya were there. There was a short program, but most of the time was spent on eating and chatting. Food and drinks were plenty and good, I don't think anybody left unsatisfied. The buko lychee pandan salad was the highlight, it was super yummy! After the main affair, we stayed up til morning playing cards: poker when we were still wired and silly games to sillier games as time elapsed.

I have never attended a reunion, official or otherwise, in Nueva Vizcaya. But it really feels good to spend time with old friends and revisit remarkable corners in the past. Seeing our old building reminded me of stipends, late slips, homeroom meetings and class pride. The streets of Bayombong reminded me how much I appreciate this little town, how everything was a few minutes' walk away and how safe it was there. It was a bit frustrating that some of the residents and nearer towns weren't able to attend the merriment, particularly Nins, Jomax and Ruby. Nins, I think everyone missed you. Jomax, I reckon I understand why. Ruby, I'll see you soon bitch. 

It was a long ride, no doubt. It was out of my way, completely. It was an awesome trip, absolutely. :)

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On an entirely different but equally significant matter, tomorrow is election day. Let us all exercise our right to vote, and vote conscientiously without any external influences. Let us all work together towards honest, peaceful and orderly elections. As the Potterhead in me would put it, "Constant vigilance!"

And finally, I bumped into Dr. Blanca at the resort we were staying at. I'm not sure but I'm guessing he's there on business. He looks healthier.

Sulong!

The highest office of the land calls upon us to apply the highest standard of selection - not genetics, not wealth, not even popularity - just good old-fashioned virtues for which we selected our presidents in the past and made them heroes in out national history. -Gilbert Teodoro

What I look for in a leader can be condensed into three things: competence, effectiveness and integrity. I believe that it is as important to consider a person who is by a good measure moral as much as he/ she is capable, for a healthy and intelligent mind will be resistant to evil and ill logic. Being a student of science and reason, I just cannot forgo irrational thoughts such as false conclusions based on assumed relationships and its causality. I know that there is no perfect candidate and so I will choose based on personal merit, character and true potential not to be blinded by money, popularity, celebrity or peers.

The Philippine national elections is within ten days. With my said criteria, I narrowed down my choice for president to two viable candidates: Richard Gordon and Gilbert Teodoro. It wasn't easy to decide between two very qualified candidates, who were excellent performers in fora and debates as well. It is well known that Gibo is a bar topnotcher, what more do you need to conclude that he's got the wits to run a country? Not to be outdone, Gordon is also a lawyer from UP Law. Basing from experience, one can say Gordon has the 20-year advantage: he's been a senator, an administrator, a DOT secretary, a Red Cross chairperson. On the other hand, Gibo's stint as DND secretary, as NDCC chairperson or as three-term congressman is not to be trampled on.

What sealed the deal for me was that Gibo had the qualities and accomplishments to inspire, coupled with a clearer and more specific platform. He is leading a very good campaign, not driven by hate or black propaganda. He is setting a good example despite all the negative associations made around him. He is admired by people from all sides. I think these made him the better leader, for a man who can inspire will surely catalyze mobility to whatever endeavor he goes after. And for a country hungry for growth, a leader who inspires hand in hand with an effective blueprint can be a huge factor for faster development.

I will vote according to my conscience and clear reason. I will vote for Gilbert Teodoro.

(Photo taken from his Facebook fan page)