By: Louie Bryan Mirafuentes Lapat,
Davao del Norte
“I am only one but I am still one. I cannot do everything but still I can do something. And because I can’t do everything, I will not refuse that something which I can do.”
Yesterday, I received 50 pieces of yellow ribbons – which is actually made of rubber — from Miss Bea Azcuna of the Supreme Court of the Philippines and it’s free of charge. Each ribbon is tagged at 50 pesos each and would have left our pockets empty and tattered. =) Me and my friends expected this for about a month and yesterday, we were happy to receive it. Thanks to Ma’am Bea. Ooops, Bea. She is insisting to drop the “ma’am.” =)
This morning, I was accidentally tasked to go to Nabunturan, capital town of the Province of Compostela Valley, and is 35 kilometers away from Tagum City. Of course, I wore the yellow ribbon.
While on my way, the bus conductor told me “ Ganahan ko sa imong yellow ribbon. Asa ka nagpalit?” (I like your yellow ribbon. Where did you bought it?)
I answered with a smile “ Diha ka? Gipadala ra man ni sa ako… pero promise, balikan taka sa terminal next weekend para matagaan taka.” (Really? Someone sent this to me but don’t you worry, I will see you at the terminal to give you one next weekend!”
His reply: “Salamat bay! Kabalo ka, sa amo-ang pamilya, kay Noynoy jud mi! Hulaton taka next week ha!” (Thank you! You know, my family is all-out for Noynoy! I will wait for you next week, ok!” Without a word, my yellow ribbon made a statement. Its impact is really great.
On my way home, I boarded a jam-packed bus and I had no choice but to stand all throughout the trip. As I stood on that bus, I noticed that some people are smiling at me. Maybe they just think that I am that good-looking, I thought. =) Oh, come on. I really wondered why. Until someone who is fat smiled at me (I forgot her name) and said: (I WILL TRANSLATE IT NA LANG TO ENGLISH.. HEHE) “Wow… I love your yellow ribbon and I love Noynoy! Where are you from? You know what, I really am voting for Noynoy because I feel that he alone can bring the change that we really need today. He is my president and he must win!”
She told me about her dismay over the inability of the present administration and the problems that we are facing today but she said that she is hopeful that Noynoy can bring the change that she wants to see in our country. After she talked, her child – maybe eight year old — flashed the “Laban” sign which made me smile.
Some people on her back agreed on what she said and it seems that they are really hungry for change. This happened without me talking and initiating. That yellow ribbon prompted them to do so.
For me, a yellow ribbon is more than just a ribbon. It is a silent campaign material and it symbolizes the people’s thirst for genuine change in the government and the people’s audacious hope that with Noynoy, we will be on the right track again.
From now on until June 30, 2010, I made a promise that I will wear this yellow ribbon so many people will be encouraged to vote for Noynoy… to vote for change.
As what Edward Everett said: “I am only one but I am still one. I cannot do everything but still I can do something. And because I can’t do everything, I will not refuse that something which I can do.”
That’s a promise I intend to keep.
when i was a teenager way back 80’s nahihiya akong mag-suot ng kulay yellow ,baka mapagsabihan akong bakla kasi very feminine daw ang kulay na ito, pero ngayon napakaproud ko pagsinusuot ko ang kulay yellow ramdam ko ang kalinisan,katapatan at pagmamahal sa bayan ito ang tunay simbolo ng yellow.
I got so overwhelmed when i read this post. You have a really nice post! I even give posters of Noynoy, Mar & Tg guingona here in Cagayan de Oro City for my voluntary campaign for them… It’s a big change when people are helping one another to choose the right leaders of our country…