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Sunday, May 8, 2016

Election

Some thoughts while on the train on my way home. 

May 9, 2016. Millions of Filipinos will cast their votes to elect a new set of government officials. This is so far the most intense election I have ever witnessed. Everyone is so passionate and wants his/her voice to be heard for the sake of our country, the Philippines. At some point, I blame the social media for the occassional chaos it brings during the campaign period, but at the same time, this is the easiest medium to defend and sell our chosen candidates

salamat


songs of democracy 
different voices, same tune 
Philippines' rebirth

Before I proceed further, allow me to say Salamat Po (Thank You) to the current adminstration for all things they have done to our beloved country. It is far from perfect and lots of things still need to be improved but overall, I am a satisfied citizen.  

As an OAV (overseas absentee voter), I voted few weeks early. It was my first time in Japan after a decade of staying here. Before I fill-in my ballot, I studied the platforms of each candidate, researched further if I needed more information, listen to opinions and discussions of others. But ultimately, the final decision was mine. 

Of course, I want my candidate to win. But I only have ONE vote, like anybody else. All I have to do is to respect and accept the decision of the majority, whatever that is. After all, everyone wants a better Philippines. 

I also pray for a clean, violence-free and honest election and hope that all broken relationships caused by this election will be healed. 

At the end of the day, after the last ballot is read, you can either enjoy the sunset, have a sweet dream or start reflecting on what you can do to support the new administration. Don't forget to help yourself too. 

God bless the Philippines. 
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Mabuhay ang Pilipino.

Salamat sa pagbasa. (Thanks for reading)

/totomai
2016/05/09

26 comments:

  1. may the wish of the voters be fulfilled...love the haiku...

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    1. Thanks Sumana. I think this will be the tightest election. Looks like the country is divided.

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  2. "respect and accept the decision of the majority"
    I actually remember when we did that here in the USA, but it has been a long time since we did. "Different voices, same tune" resonates as well. It's good to see you! I hope it works out well in the Philippines.

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    1. Salamat Susan. Yeah, wish I can write frequently but not so much time lately. Hope the elections in the USA will be scandal free too.

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  3. May the votes bring forward a worthy selected candidate..!!

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  4. I heard about the voting on the radio... And from the past I know how happy that there are votes to be cast...

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  5. Social media is a good platform on which to voice what is right - particularly when it is done so well

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    1. Absolutely Jae. But it has been abused lately with misinformation. Well, I guess that's a part of making the campaign interesting.

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  6. Yes, indeed I think that the social media plays its part in the election chaos one country or another. I do think we have to take the process seriously AND study the platforms of candidates as you do & not just get swept up in the promises. Because of your poem, I will take particular note of your election tomorrow!

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    1. Thanks Mary. Your election is coming soon too, right? Yeah, it's very important to do your part in knowing the candidates and their platforms.

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  7. Voting is an orchestra, indeed. We can all play different instruments, sing with our own voices, but in the end the only thing that makes the melody true and whole is if we all work towards making the song one we can all be satisfied with.

    Love your haiku.

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    1. Thanks Magaly. One big concert. Your comment reminds me of that powerful ending of the movie Whiplash.

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  8. God bless the Philippines. Thanks for dropping in at my Sunday Lime today Totomai

    Much love...

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  9. firstly, i like the haiku. :)
    do not underestimate that one vote. it all adds up. we have quite a sizable population of Filipinos over here (my neighbour is one) and i think they are quite excited over the election too.

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    1. Everyone's so involve with the election. I hope we will respect the outcome. Thanks Ds!

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  10. Beautiful haiku....I send prayers and good wishes for a peaceful election, and that all will work out in your election and that there is healing. Here we are reaching a sad state with ours....so much hatred is hard to bear.

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    1. Oh so true Donna. I also read / watch US election related news anf it's also very intense. Hope you'll have a peaceful one too

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  11. I hope the elections go well, Totomai, and are held fairly. I love your haiku!

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  12. The dance of democracy..such a beautiful thing when it works fair and true.

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  13. I hope for a peaceful transition in your country. all the crazy stuff (like people being killed for their choice of candidate) is beginning to be a worldwide norm.

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any thoughts to distill?

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