Blog Editor’s note: It may seem like all these sentiments on People Power, Dilaw sa Pagbabago, the yellow map shirts, that this outpouring of support was all orchestrated by the Aquino camp. When we embarked on this journey, all of this was already in place thanks to you. We had only to be inspired by your desire for change in this country. This truly is a People’s Campaign.
All the way till May
By Alfred A. Yuson
Reposted from the Philippine Star.
… On Christmas Eve, we still conduct the party at my Ninong & Ninang’s place on Mayon St. in La Loma, a stone’s throw from the lechon makers and the old cockpit. Gifts are exchanged, paper bills pressed to the palms of the “kids,” especially those of the clan fringe or poorer relations who only show up at this one blessed time of the year.
A highlight of the reunion that the kids look forward to is the largesse or tossing of coins that provokes a wild scramble in the crowded sala, all the way to the stairwell. The larger the denomination, the more frenzied the scramble on all fours, at the constant risk of getting struck in the noggin by a fresh volley rained on the melee by the still relatively young aunts.
One notices how one’s own kids, who were at the forefront of the scramble some years back, now stand casually at the back, content to pick up stray coins and pass these on to eager-beaver adolescents and those still in their teens. Toddlers, too, are held back from the central fray by their yayas, although they get their slim pickings, too.
Absent this year were two entire families. Cousin Sonny who’s been staying in Houston finally had occasion to host his wife Marilu and their four grown-up kids for the holiday season. They were also due to meet up with his younger brother Rey and his small family in Washington D.C. before the year turned.
Despite these seven or eight cousins, nephews and nieces missing, it still seemed that the constantly growing broods were putting the old wooden house under severe pressure, especially during the half-hour scramble for coins, when it seemed to quake from floor to rafter.
At least two young guys came in collared T-shirts with the RP map over the heart. One had it in yellow.
All these past weeks, I couldn’t help but note, each time I saw a Pinoy or Pinay wearing a similar tee, that a fresh sort of nationalism seems to be a-borning.
It goes beyond making a fashion statement or allowing for a hint of political affiliation. I’ve seen other lines of T-shirts that are being propagated in supermarket shelves or among tiangge stalls: with the faces of Rizal, Bonifacio, Aguinaldo et al. as prominent chest display. Or the flags of the K.K.K. Or very simply the Philippine flag or its colors, which have also become a favorite staple among jackets.
And I see this new merchandise being snapped up, not only by balikbayans. Well, perhaps everyone has a balikbayan relative or buddy due up, and for whom it’ll serve as a gift. But no doubt they’re selling — no more so than that inspired idea of planting the craggy outline of our archipelago over the left breast.
Of course we know that a certain presidential candidate has adopted this signature shirt — originally in black, with the map in yellow — for his electoral campaign. It’s also said that that signature tee was made especially for their grieving family. I understand that orders haven’t let up for that special edition that honored the memory of beloved Tita Cory, our grandest and gentlest matriarch. Those who can’t wait for their orders to be filled by the lucky manufacturer content themselves with other color combinations.
Are they all for Senator Mar who has his in standard blue and yellow? Are they all signifying that they’re for the Noy-Mar tandem, which seems a sure thing if the elections were held now? Maybe not. Maybe it’s not as direct an evidence of support for the frontrunners as that icon of a yellow ribbon that also adorns the orig T-shirt.
For there have been increasing numbers of copycat designs, and buyers can simply be expressing a love of country, or pride in the fact that Manny Pacquiao, Efren Peñaflorida, Arnel Pineda, Charice Pempengco and Wesley So all happen to carry that flag close to their breasts — whether it’s music, ringcraft, chess or street heroism that soothes the savage one of the world.
I choose to see and feel a surge of nationalism, in the wondrous guise of hope — hope that in the near future our more nefarious aspects of tradition will crumble. I think not all buyers and wearers of such RP-flag-adorned T-shirts and jackets will go yellow come May. But that a good percentage of these nationalistic fashionistas will do so — for there appears to be a correlation between loving that map, priding in it, and carrying that strong hope that things will change for the better for this craggy archipelago so close to our hearts.
My cousin Marissa, here for her annual holidays from Dubai where she supervises a hospital, was all smiles when she approached me at the Christmas party. I was surprised to hear from her that she knew that I usually wore a yellow Noynoy wristband, which at that moment seemed absent. She expressed her desire to acquire one, said she had been all over Greenhills and other shopping centers, hoping to see a specimen that she could take back to Dubai this month. In fact she said she wanted quite a number, so she could distribute them among all the Pinay nurses, whose jubilation would be assured upon receipt of such a token gift as a Pinas souvenir.
“Bakit, kay Noynoy ba kayong lahat dun?” I asked, bemused.
“Oo, kuya,” she replied. “All the way till May.”
“Talaga, ha? Walang atrasan?”
“Wala, kuya. Si Noynoy talaga dapat ang maging presidente. Nang magsimula naman ang pagbabagao.”
“Hmm,” I chortled like a patriarch. “Kakataba naman ng puso ’yang sinasabi mo.”
And with a grand gesture of benevolence, I told her she could have mine for the nonce, while proceeding to retrieve the desired object from my bag.
Marissa was beside herself with joy. “Best Christmas gift ko ito, kuya.”
“Eh ’yan na talaga’ng Christmas gift mo mula sakin, ha-ha.”
Such is Pinoy tradition, a sharing of dispensable wealth, ha-ha, which for the most part is that growing glimmer of hope for a better future for the younger generations. The coin of hope is what we can toss their way, while confident that this early in the year, the national sentiment is overwhelmingly for the symbol of change apparently bequeathed us by heroic parentage, as well as fate.
I was glad to note that my expat cousin Marissa’s and my conversation triggered more expressions of support in that crowded sala, meaning along the same lines or towards the same direction. I knew my own two younger brothers here are for Noynoy and Mar, and not just because they’re following their kuya’s suit.
A recent weekend in Cebu brought forth the same acknowledgement from among a variety of Cebuanos I fell into conversation with — writer-friends, car drivers, waiters, hotel managers, bar girls, even a resort spa attendant.
“Kusog si Noynoy dinhi, ‘Nyor.” The reasons given were exactly the same. Whatever detractors say of his lack of experience, etc., he’s not going to tarnish his family’s name, and he gives hope for an administration that could be the exact opposite of what we’ve had.
“Hanggang Mayo po ’yan?”
Like my cousin, the Cebuanos I spoke to were one in replying: “All the way till May.”
Hooray for family, then.
I am supporting noynoy on the premise and the belief that he would rebuild the democratic institutions that his mother, tita cory, helped laid the foundations but was systematically destroyed by the succeeding administrations. Should noynoy turn his back on this, then count me in as one of those who will nail him on the wall in the future. But unless proven otherwise then noynoy can count on my support. MORE POWER TO NOYNOY.
Sir. NoyNoy sana po pag kayo ang nanalo, sana ipagpatuloy nyo yung magandang ginawa ng inyong ina para sa mga empleyado ng pagcor. mabigyan nyo po sana sila ng magandang retirement benefit, lalo na po sa mga empleyado na matagal ng nagtatrabaho sa pagcor. sana po mapunta sa kanila ang dapat para sa kanila. Good luck po sa inyong pagtakbo, lalaban po kami!
Angel, your son is in the right direction and with right mentoring he can be a leader today! Unfortunately, many do not really understand what a leader or “leadership” is. We can in fact learn from our children. Like a child, a leader is transparent and full of life. Like a child, a leader tend to ask a lot of questions and shows willingness to learn. A leader is not expected to know-it-all! But like anyone, he should know what are his particular strengths and talents are–he areas of “giftedness.” Hence, when a leader realizes what his weaknesses are, he works well with others (”follows” and so becomes a follower) who can compliment his gaps. A leader knows fully well the principle of “influence.” Anyone who influences you is your “leader.” Leadership is all about influence, nothing more, nothing less. A great leader/influencer has a great talent. He is an excellent listener. He seeks to understand first, then makes sure he is understood well (Steve Covey, 7 Habits…). A good leader definitely knows he/she does not have all the answers but that because he has great mastery of people skills, he uses synergy to produce the desired results by working and respecting with others. A child’s character is seen clearly as a result of the parents “influence” or “leadership” in the family. Hence your child has just reflected the character of you and your husband and the culture within your family. God bless you and may he guide us all to vote wisely!
Hi Chito! I appreciate your comments. You are right to say and make me realize what a “leader” is. I guess many are really gifted leaders… people who can “influence” and make people follow them. Now, my choice in leaders have narrowed one step. Now, I shall look for a leader who can not only lead (as many can!) but has a heart and true concern for others!
With so many people wanting to help, how come help is not received or felt? Maybe “help given” is not the “help being asked for”. I often wonder if our streetchildren is really hungry and cold OR choose to be hungry and cold….those unemployed cannot find work or choose not to work… and the homeless, if they cannot find homes or choose to wander…
And sadly, the selfish ones (whether leaders or wanting to be leaders) take advantage of them without them knowing… they use the plight of the poor to attain selfish gains. The candidates campaign for better lives, good education and jobs and homes yet the so called “victims” only “think” they want them but really do not want them. Many are given education but they don’t want to go to school, many jobs are being offered but they want other jobs, many are being given homes but they want something else.
To those who’ve aimed for a better life like Efren Penaflorida, Manny Pacquiao, among other great names, congratulations!!! You deserve all the glory!
They dreamed and woke up victorious. But to those who does not understand what they want, who can teach them how to dream? Many people does not seem to know how to dream.
And for the leaders of our nation, how can you change this mindset?
Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
May God bless us all!
I would say, ALL THE WAY TIL THE LAST DAY of Noynoy’s term as president.
Our work will not end when Noynoy assumes the presidency. Actually, it will be the beginning of the hard arduous work not only for Noynoy but for all of us who supports him, and believe in this fight he’s fighting for us.
It is good to know that Noynoy accepts the fact that he cannot change the Philippines all by himself. Noynoy indeed needs us to make a change. But what if others just claim they want change but does not wish to work on making a change? What if people just want to complain and put their future in one person’s hand? What if it’s the hand of a selfish leader? Does these people know that the person they will blame will be out of office after a few years of working hard to become rich? People cast their votes on the candidate who can deliver the best promises and they put their bets on them. And then they WAIT for miracles to happen that the PRESIDENT will change their lives. No great leader can do this alone.
Good luck to the candidate who has a genuine heart to help. May he also have the strength to pursue those who are idle and couldn’t care less but complain… I shall support him all the way too!
May God bless us all.
Hi! I just happened to read your blog. Amazing how really many Filipinos are so nationalistic. But sadly, this feeling of nationalism does not seem to help our country. Truly, we feel and believe there is hope. I often wonder where the mistake is. Is it in choosing our leaders? Is it in the lack of pride and lack of dreams of our less fortunate brothers?
What is the campaign “VOTE WISELY” all about? How can one really vote wisely? In our country where most is busy finding a living and making ends meet, how can one vote wisely?! Oftentimes, the most popular ones get voted. But who knows if they deserve these votes?
I, myself do not know how to make a wise vote. But I think the following question could help me and the rest of the voters. This is what I’m thinking…. that all these candidates (whether preseidentiables or vice-presidentiables) must have done a good study of their opponents before running. So I want to ask them this question: TO THE PRESIDENTIABLES: If you are to be under the direct orders of a president, who among your opponents do you respect enough to submit to and vote for? TO THE VICE-PRESIDENTIABLES: If you are to be under the direct orders of a vice-president, who among your opponents do you respect enough to submit to and vote for?
My 10 year old son had an essay question is school. The question was something like, “If you are to become a leader, how could you be a good one?” My son’s aswer was short but got a full credit. He said, “First, I must learn how to follow so they will follow me. Second, I must respect them, so they will respect me.” How unselfish of my son! Maybe he could make a good leader someday.
My son’s answer is what makes me want to ask our aspiring national leaders the above question. I don’t know who among them is really unselfish and loves our country. Can someone help me make all of them answer this question? Or is everyone of them just too selfish not to answer? In which case, my hopes start to wander…