I woke up 5:30AM last May 10th, not to prepare to vote, but to check out the news. CJ and I had planned days ago that the best time to go to the precinct would be at lunch time. I'm still registered in Western Bicutan, Taguig even though I've been living in Paranaque for 6-7 years now. I checked COMELEC's Precinct Finder site months ago, took note of our precinct numbers, but on the morning May 10th, news spread that some areas will have clustered precincts. At 10AM, I took brunch and started preparing. I parked relatively near the school and went to CJ's house. We headed to our precinct at 12:30PM. Entrance to the school was full of people. I could smell the stench of sweat and dirt all around me. I hate having to brush my arms against other people's sweaty arms, I absolutely hate it, but I had to, in order to pass through all those people. It took us about 10mins to finally find our precinct. It was located at the 2nd floor far end of the building. I had a sigh of relief when I saw the classroom: no lines outside, there were only about 4-5 people seated casting their votes. A young guy assisted me right away, pointing me to this other lady I should approach to get my ballot. They quickly located my name, gave me a ballot, and I headed to my seat. I left my cheat sheet in the car but good thing I memorized all the names I was rooting for. Less than 10mins had passed, I triple-checked my ballot and stood up. The teachers and BEIs there were all helpful and friendly. I had nothing to rant about, except:
1) they didn't ask for any IDs
2) I had to pass through all those people again
3) the trash on the streets was heart-breaking to see
1)
If they haven't been asking for IDs then someone could've used my name for the past 12 years (it was 1998 when I last voted) but gladly, I saw my record and the first and most recent vote there was really from me.
2)
Going back was worse. The problem was, entrance and exit shared the same gate. They could've done separate entrance and exit, but no. I'm happy with my height and being a petite, but getting stuck in crowd is a different story. It was the only time I wish I were 6 feet tall. Seriously.
3)
I don't know why most/some Filipinos are so into flyers and leaflets. Go to a mall and there's a 90% chance that at least one person will hand you over a flyer --- an advertisement about certain food value meals or information about the property they're selling. Most of all, I really don't understand how hard it is, really, to throw it in a trash can. If you accept it, at least be a responsible citizen by throwing it in a proper place if you're not interested. No wonder we pay for the same mistakes we did. Our own trash comes back to us when nature strikes. I just feel pity for the people who regularly clean up their own mess yet still having to pay for everyone else's mistakes.
I'm looking forward for the next administration. My only prayer is that Noynoy would always think of his father's sacrifice in every decision and move he will make as the new president. I'm starting to believe that having an intelligent president won't make everything right. We've had that (Marcos and GMA) but what happened? Having a good heart/soul is one thing. Surrounding yourself with good souls is another. Marcos and GMA didn't have those and we all experienced corruption during their regime.
Make a difference, Noynoy. Just like your father. :) | |
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