Happy Independence Day! (And a Google Doodle for Us!)

This year's Independence Day feels different, probably because we are all looking forward to a fresh start with the proclamation of President-Elect Noynoy Aquino (congratulations P. Noy!). It's probably the same feeling that our ancestors had 112 years ago.

Last March I had a strange conversation with an elder in Cebu. He was trying to convince me NOT to vote. He said it was useless since nothing would change anyway. Well... my bottomless optimism got me through almost 4 hours of waiting in line just to vote. And I'm definitely not stopping by just voting because I told myself I will try my best to serve my country in however little way I can. I hope that old man will realize that if he wants to see change happen, it has to start with him.

"Be the change you want to see." (Saw that on a shirt yesterday).

Happy Independence Day everyone!

Tibay ng Pilipino

I think Filipinos are the most resilient people in the whole wide world. We always find a way out of difficult situations. We are flexible. We easily adjust to situations. We complain and rant, but we always find humor even in tragic situations.

I was born during the era of Martial Law. I remember my Dad was part of the fact-finding commission of Ninoy. I remember my Kuya spending his birthday in EDSA (I). I remember sending my birthday food to soldiers during the 1987 coup d' etat. I remember being a poll watcher for PPCRV. I remember my Mom being part of the secretariat of Sen. Jovito Salonga's presidential campaign. My first vote during the Sangguniang Kabataan elections. My first presidential vote. The lightning rally I joined in Quiapo. EDSA II.

And then my priorities changed. I couldn't spend as much time outside as I used to. Gone were the days that I could just up and join FGDs and attend rallies, but I realized that there are things I could do for my country in my own little way. And I think the most important thing I decided to do was STAY.

It's midnight and I know I'm rambling. But I guess I just want to celebrate all the good things we still have as Filipinos. We have love. We have our family. We have each other. And we have HOPE. We can do this!

And I would like to thank Google for our very first local doodle! Super duper hugz!