Proud to be GREEN

Folks, it’s been almost five months since the May Elections. Oh, I miss it. Not that it’s the only election I’ve been involved to but my president Gibo Teodoro stayed in my memory lane.

“I think it’s time that the Filipinos will be able to judge a person more objectively than mere association. After all, life is not a basketball team all the time.”

When I first learned through the news about Gibo’s candidacy many many months back, I asked myself: Who the hell is Gilberto Teodoro Jr? I haven’t heard of him. And how he suddenly joins the wagon? Because Gibo was a little known name to me at first so I did some research. I found out that he has a quite pretty resume, wow! If my memory serves me right, the first time I heard him speak was during an ANC Forum. His answers were impressive; it was delivered with so much eloquence, sincerity and honesty. Right there and then, I became a supporter, no, a fan. Yeah, he’s worthy of being idolized. That’s when I started to follow him, read articles about him, liked his page on Facebook, splattered his face in my blog, wore a green baller band and anything and everything a fan would do. I would oftentimes engage some of my friends to a debate on why Gibo would make a good president. And most of the time, I win.

During Typhoon Ondoy, the Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro was asked by people around him to ride a rubberboat to be visibly seen for media mileage. He politely declined and said: “If I will ride a rubberboat followed by many, it will defeat the purpose of saving lives… How can we save lives when there is no more room on the rubber boats?”

I’ve also been a supporter of Green Team 2010. I’ve been wanting to actively volunteer in the campaign but honestly between acads work and summer affiliation, there was just no time. But I was really proud to be part of that. I’ve never seen a volunteer group as passionate, well informed and dedicated as Green Team. Such enthusiasm is inspiring and contagious. What’s astonishing is this – volunteers pooled their own monies just to go on with the campaign. Green Team volunteers exhibited volunteerism in its truest sense. And yeah, we were never paid.

“Every Filipino given the chance, given the right environment will outperform everybody else.”

During his campaign tour in Tabaco City (04.05.10), I found myself in the center of a sea of supporters shouting his name and flashing upon him a don’t-worry-i’ll-vote-for-you-‘cos-you-rock smile. I was so close to him- an arm’s reach. And to tell you, his mere presence commands attention. This is something I haven’t seen in a long time.

“I don’t want to run a campaign based on negativity. What sets me apart from the rest is that I run on a platform aimed towards healing past wounds.”

I also attended Gibo Rocks 2010 (05.01.10) even if it means being grounded for two weeks in the hotel for not informing my matron of my whereabouts and for going home late. But still, I am proud to say that “the juice is worth the squeeze”. There, I volunteered myself to give away flyers to folks in Baywalk. It was fun!

Mike Enriquez: Ikaw ba ang mananalo kahit mababa ang rating mo sa survey? GIBO: Ako naman ang number one sa puso ng tao. Mike Enriquez: Hindi naman puso ang bibilangin ngayong election. GIBO: AT HINDI RIN SURVEY.

But few days before Election, I was becoming more hopeless that I can be able to vote. My schedule was full except on May 10 and I was so filthy poor that time. Besides I’m still grounded on the first place. So, my chance of practicing my right to suffrage is next to nil. But in an unexpected turn of events – struck of good fortune! Our matron allowed me to go home and my Tita provided me with a roundtrip bus ticket. Yahoo!

Gibo in Dumaguete: A man who introduced himself as a pastor asked: “How will you eliminate corruption?” Gibo answered: “…It’s just like asking how you can assure us that there will be no sinners in this world.”

I recall waking up very early on the morning of May 10 feeling very positive. I went to the voting precint ahead of my family, excited to vote. The moment I stepped out of the voting precint, feeling of hope and pride that I never thought I had swelled inside me. Maybe ‘cos deep inside, I know I have done the right thing. I stood for what I think is right.

“I am not the President. I am not Senator X. I am not Senator Y. I am not defense secretary this. I am Gilbert Teodoro. I am myself.”

For the next days, I am glued in front of the television impatiently waiting for the result. Days passed and it became clearer to me that I and my candidate had lost the battle. To add insult to the injury, Mr. Mediocrity Noynoy won and surprisingly, an indicted ex-president comes second. What’s wrong with you people? Here’s a candidate offering platforms instead of black propaganda, peace instead of mudslinging, intelligence and competency instead of just plain sympathy and still, you turned him down. You allowed a good thing slip through your fingers again and by doing so you damned us to another six years of shame, blame and dirty politics.

“My campaign will remain to be positive because we need to inspire people, we need to encourage people. We need to help each other and lend a helping hand. It has to be positive because our battle cry is ‘Forward Philippines.”

While hearing him concede, I got teary eyed. It is very rare to see a defeated presidentiable with utmost sincerity and openness while conceding, no traces of hate nor anger. Instead of sourgraping, he accepted his defeat and conceded. He is such a gentleman. It was due to this that he received support and love from me and over 3.5 million Filipinos across the world. And with the way I felt right then, it’s time to concede and move on.

“Corruption is merely A function of what you have to do, and not THE function. If you focus your campaign solely on corruption, then you will just be a crime fighter or graft buster, and that is not what a president is. There was minimal corruption in my department during my time…You’ve done it in your own home and you can export it. Hopefully.”

It was simply astonishing to see and hear fellow Greenies stand up for Gibo and said that they are proud that they have voted for him. I, too, share the same sentiment. Gibo’s fan base increased after his defeat. His most active fan page just reached 515, 843 likes. And then, there were sites that have sprouted for him – two of which are Gibo for Senator 2013 and Gibo 2016 Movement. If I were Gibo, I would feel so much love.

“If I were to be running just to be a lapdog or a paid hack, I can very well be that with less risk. I will not risk a carefully guarded reputation and a legacy that I want our son to be proud of.”

Gilberto Teodoro was, without the doubt, the most competent, most intelligent and best suited presidential candidate to come out of the Philippines in memory. He was in our eyes, a president we could be proud of. Gibo, the man who introduced a new breed of politics in the political arena tarnished by traditional politicians. Gibo, the man who diverged from the commonly used campaign strategy that capitalizes on entertainment, black propagandas and personal human tragedy to gain sympathy from the public. Gibo, the man who gave the highest regard to the Filipino people. Gibo, the man who recognized our potential to make the best decisions for ourselves and for the country. Gibo, the man who treated us with respect. Gibo, the man who gave us hope. Despite of his defeat, this man had changed the political landscape. And this is his legacy to leave – FOREVER.

“A hero takes extraordinary steps, with total disregard for personal safety and security, for the benefit of others.”

As for me, I will always be proud of what I did on the morning of May 10. Now and forever I can say with a lot of conviction, “I think therefore I chose, supported and voted Gibo”.

“Whatever decision you make, I know it will be for the better because you’re voting for your future, much more than ours. And so I leave our fate, our future in your hands. We believe, we trust in your capacity to bring our country to a better state.”

Jubert John Requillas Marzan
19 years old, Proud Gibo supporter

Lots of thanks to:

Philippine Elections 2010: Gilberto ‘Gibo’ Teodoro Quotable Quotes | Daily World Buzzhttp://www.dailyworldbuzz.com/philippine-elections-2010-gilberto-gibo-teodoro-quotable-quotes/51465/#ixzz12Kobawii
Via: Daily World Buzz

http://www.magmanscloset.com/10-things-i-learned-from-gibo-teodoro

http://www.facebook.com/pages/He-gave-us-hope-but-we-missed-the-flight-Thank-you-G1BO/120363031319326#!/photo.php?fbid=116294158405747&set=t.120363031319326

CONFESSIONS OF A BLOGGER

I think that it’s fun to share some of my dirty, little secrets. While I normally prefer not to write something that would put me on hall of shame – I have a reputation to protect, you know – I think this is kinda fun so I gave it a shot.

In writing this, it’s a challenge not to come across as either awkwardly tact or too discreet. My only goal is simply to share what is true to me. *part of this post has been crushed out for not being minor-friendly*

1. Some of you know that my first ever relationship lasted for 3 years. Ok fine, I lied. Actually, it only lasted for 11 days. I just thought that the duration of a guy’s romantic relationship reflects what kind of boyfriend he is. And 11 fncking days screams “I SUCK”.

PS. We never kiss. No hugs. No official dates. It’s boring you may think but I was in love all throughout.

2. I’m fantasizing of having a girlfriend who is older than me. No, I’m not thinking of a May-December love affair. That’s yuck! A gap of 4-5 years will be fine, very very fine. Being a yuppie is a dagdag point, too.

3. Everybody knows that I drink very very very rarely. The first time I became drunk was during my freshman. I got so drunk that I peed in my bed (gross!). And no one in my roommates knows about it until now.

4. I’m watching America’s Next Top Model. I really find it enjoyable even if it’s considerable to be shown strictly for girls. In fact, I actively participate in ANTM discussion of my girl group mates. And if you find it weird and so ghey, lemme tell you that some of my guy friends watch Gossip Girl on a regular passionate basis.

5. I had a crush on my best friend when we were in high school. Oh c’mon guys, it’s natural. My best friend is one of the most amazing perks in my life and it’s quite foreseeable that I will fall in love with her sooner or later.

I even made a corny agreement with her that if I-forgot-the-month 2006 comes and she’s still single, we will automatically become a couple. Too bad, she disagreed. Lol.

6. I don’t know how to cook. No big deal, yes, I mean for a lousy (but gwapo) teenager like me. I only cook for myself and the thing is I only cook anything that is with oil: egg, uhm lemme think and hotdogs. At least, that’s two. And I can boil water, too. And egg.

When I am home alone, I experiment with ready-to-cook groceries. There was one time when I cooked pancit canton with sabaw. And the taste? Nah, forget it. Don’t try this at home. NEVER.

7. I’m really, really torpe or so I thought. When I bump with someone I have feelings with, I kinda freak out and wish that I’ll vanish into thin air. The torpe-est thing I’ve done in my entire my life was when I bought a cheap rose to be a Valentine’s gift to my crush. And the thing is, I let mom give it to her with me watching not far behind. Yeah right – so torpe.

8. I have a crush on Jessababes Bornilla. Pero hanggang dun na lang yun. I just find her cute and very outgoing. :))) And oh yes, she’s funny.

AFTER-THOUGHTS FROM MR. & MS. BICOL UNIVERSITY 2010

The much-awaited pageant in Bicol University has recently concluded. It’s been a week and now that everyone gotten their say in, let me say mine. Some of my comments may hurt other’s feelings but my apology in advance. I was glad that my Iana babes and that College of Arts and Letters (CAL) guy won, they are so much deserving. My salutation, folks!

The opening number was (urgh) flat, long and boring. The candidates are wearing alien-like costumes, the choreography is so-so and the music is WTF! Sorry, if I’m a bit not nice in my choice of words, but hey, you can’t blame me if I wanted the pageant to be presentable and decent. Not because the Lady President was there but because there was Misturr, a national director of fncking 27 international pageants – according to him. But oh wells, moving on. It’s the candidate’s turn to introduce themselves.

Mr. College of Engineering (CENG) was clearly the crowd’s favorite. I predicted that he’ll be the 1st RU. But the moment he speak, I changed my mind. I think he only got the looks and hype and nothing else. Blah! Miss College of Business, Economics and Management (CBEM). What can I say? She’s stunning, another great contender. She reminded me of Charice – in a good way, mind you. Ms. College of Nursing (CN) has a beautiful face and body! She seems to be nice with that sweet smile. Ms. Tabaco Campus (TC) is a front runner, no doubt and has a solid fan base. I’m not really sure with Ms. CENG. I know a lot of girls from CENG that are miles prettier than her. Ms. College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF) is not really that bad (not at all). I find her cute, but other thinks otherwise. Her partner, NEXT! Mr. Polangui Campus (PC) is handsome in person, I was told by my sister; Ms. PC on the other hand, was a bit masculine. Ms. Gubat Campus (GC) is gorgeous and talented, one of my faves. Mr. CBEM may also give others a run for their money. Mr. TC may not be the best looking male candidate but he has what Mr. Bicol University is looking for.

The swimwear competition came next, oh la la. Ms. CN is a sight to behold, wow! Ms. CAF was way, way over the top, the “Catwalk Diva” of the pageant but facially and body wise, uhm, I’ll just zip it. Iana as usual, came out young, fresh and not to mention that gorgeous face. But her performance was a bit weak for me, maybe because she was shy but she was good nonetheless. Others were fine and oh, Ms. CBEM was stunning, sin duda.

Not been vey observant with the boys. Mr. CENG looks good and as usual, he got the loudest cheer. And what with Mr. TC’s pose? One second I thought that it was Mr. Body Builder that I am watching. LOL! Others were okay-ish, not worth mentioning.

I wasn’t surprised with Mr. CENG and Ms. TC bagging most of the minor and special awards. I just knew they would be the one. They make such a perfect couple.

Although, some jealous online people encouraged others not to vote for Ms. TC… sorry, she still won the “Most Liked in Facebook” award with a whooping 1, 383 votes.

Then, the candidates changed from their skimpy swimwear to their evening gowns and casual attires. And I should say, on both portions, when the Bicol University Dance Troupe was dancing, it was redundant. Oh gawd, it takes forever to see the candidates do their stuffs.

But the moment the girls walked in, I was like WTF! What in the world are they wearing for Pete’s sake? The gowns are mediocre. In fact, the gowns used in Mr. and Ms. Bicol University Tabaco Campus, or even at Mr. and Ms. Nightingale was much, much better.

Anyway, Ms. CN was blessed with a better gown and she looked good, of course. Ms. TC, on the other hand, was PERFECTION. She came glowing. The moment she walked in and paraded, OMG. Another girl that put me in such delight was Ms. CBEM. The boys were wearing tuxedos. The stand-outs were Mr. TC, Mr. CENG and Mr. CBEM.

From then, I am happy knowing that Ms. CN and Ms. TC will be the last two girls standing.

Casual interview came next. The candidates were given different questions. Mr. CENG choked in delivering his answer. Ms. CN and Mr. TC gave good answers. Ms. TC was asked the same question asked by W. Baldwin to Venus Raj: What is one biggest mistake you’ve made and what you did to make it right? These kind of easy questions actually mean to catch you off guard. Anyway, I fell in love with Iana babes’ answer. She said that not speaking to her dad for almost six years now is the biggest mistake she ever made. And she added "I missed six years of love and care of a father". It was delivered with so much eloquence and spontaneity. She spoke from the heart. When she was about to cry, I want to run to the stage and hug her. Oh my Iana babes! The crown should be hers.

From that moment I knew, Ms. CN, Ms. CBEM, Mr. and Ms. TC and Mr. CENG will make the next cut. And I was right.

The announcement of the finalists on both categories came next, of course. Mr. CENG’s inclusion in the Final 5 was greeted with loud applause, as well as Ms. TC. Ms. CN was in. And like what I expected, Mr. TC was also called in. A double celebration for us, indeed! Mr. and Ms. CAL also made it. Others include, Ms. CENG (whaaaat?), Mr. CSSP *geesh, wtf*, Mr. and Ms. CBEM.

The candidates were only given few seconds to breath because here comes the dreaded final question. A single question was asked to the female candidates and another to the male candidates. Here was the question for the female candidates: When does a lie become justifiable? Ms. TC said something like, a lie becomes justifiable when the outcome is good. We lie not to hurt the feeling of others but to protect our love ones blah blah. She nailed it! It was not the best answer (for me, Ms. CN had a slightly better answer) but she delivered it much better than the others. Others also did great job.

The question for the male candidates was: What is one thing you want people to know about you? Mr. CENG said something about his faith in God blah blah. But sadly, he didn’t put conviction and emotions into it. Mr. CBEM and Mr. TC gave almost the same answer, about having low self-esteem and blah blah. But the best answer came from Mr. CAL: “Nothing. My life has been an open book to my friends and family… I am who I am”. That was the best out of the bunch. Applause applause! I gave him a standing ovation. That was brief but very well-meant.

And so, judgment time has arrived. I will be at rage if Mr. CENG wins as Mr. Bicol University.

4th RU- Ms. College of Business, Economics and Management – Oh gawd, I didn’t saw this coming. I expected her to be at least in the Final 3 with Ms. CN and Ms. TC. She was underscored, urgh.

Mr. College of Social Sciences and Philosophy – As expected.

3rd RU- Ms. College of Engineering – She made it higher than Ms. CBEM. Oh cmon!

Mr. College of Engineering! Nooooo! Mr. Tabaco Campus. HEEEY. I never saw this coming. Although, he gave an okay-ish answer, he deserved to be the 2nd RU.

2nd RU- Ms. College of Nursing. Whaaaaat? Clearly, she was the second best that night. Oh gawd!

MR. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING!!! Not again?! Mr. College of Business, Economics and Management. Dammit! What’s wrong with the judges? They’re making a big mistake.

1st RU – Ms. College of Arts and Letters. What? I don’t think she deserves to be ranked higher than Ms. CN but what the eff… IANA WON!

Mr. College of Engineering. Sigh. At least, he didn’t won. But the thing is, he made it higher than Mr. TC and Mr. CBEM? Whateves. He should be thankful, he was still lucky to be in that place because I am thinking a 3rd RU finish for him based on his answer.

Ms. Bicol University is… MS. TABACO CAMPUS!

WOOOOH! After years of nothingness, we made it to the top. Clearly, she was the most refreshing girl that night. It was a well-deserved win. Bravo my Iana babes, bravo. We’re so proud of you!

And Mr. Bicol University is… MR. COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS.

What can I say? He’s very much deserving though I overlooked him before the pageant night. Congratulations!

Again, congratulations Iana and Cassi (who is now a FB friend, lol) for your sweet victory. Good luck to all your future endeavors and may you have a wonderful and meaningful reign.

And also, congratulations to Bicol University USC for staging a fabulous pageant. It actually exceeded my expectations. Good job! And thank you to the very pretty Ms. Alexis Joyce Baldon for some of the photos. You're very beautiful, inside and out. I hope to meet you in person.

Who will be the next, anyone?

It’s Mr. and Ms. Bicol University season again! Getting effin’ excited, huh?

I always anticipate for Mr. and Ms. Bicol University. It’s the only time of the year when cuties from all over the university strut their stuffs in the stage and vie for the bragging right of being Bicol University’s most gorgeous.



Last year’s winners were Joshua John Lopez and Yvette Santiago. Yvette represented the Philippines in the just concluded World Miss University held in Korea where she bagged the “Best in National Costume” award. Not bad honey, not bad.

Anyway, for sure, it’s going to be an exciting-ultra-fabulous event which would give “honor, fame and prestige” to the winners. Here are my bets in this one-hell-of-a pageant:

MR. BICOL UNIVERSITY 2010 - Good looking, intelligent, witty and funny, Christopher is a sure shoo-in for the final 5. But he’s facing a tough competition with that BUCENG guy so his road to victory wouldn’t be that easy. Nonetheless, I expect Christopher to do very well.

Alternate: Waylon Hank (whattaname!) Apodaca, College of Engineering

MS. BICOL UNIVERSITY 2010 - If they are searching for a real stunner, its Iana babe hands down! She is lovely and adorable. Add to that, she’s eloquent. What do you expect from an England-educated gal? Comes final night she will wow us more - hopefully.

Alternate: Angeli Dela Paz, College of Nursing

I’m rooting (and voting) for Tope and Iana – 100% sure. Don’t vamp a reason that because they are my friends. I totally believe that they are worthy to be supported. I’m just hoping that they won’t be robbed this year; otherwise, I’ll be disappointed.

TIP TO IANA & TOPE: Don’t be intimidated with the bashers and your fellow candidates. Instead, learn from them to do better. Yeah, take it from the expert. LOL!

***

Voting for Mr. and Ms. Bicol University 2010 “Most Liked in Facebook” is open until 09.23.10, 6PM. Here’s how to vote:

1. Go to the pageant’s official page in Facebook. Click “like”.

2. Then, proceed to the album page. Click the “like” button (again!) for your favorite male and female candidates.

PS. Don’t forget to vote for my bets, blogger friends!

Photos courtesy of Mr. and Ms. Bicol University 2010 Facebook page