Jun 11, 2022
Here's two of my favorite photo from PasigLaban. Indeed, inclusivity for all. <3
seen from Malta
seen from China
seen from Italy
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from Kazakhstan
seen from Russia
seen from Belarus
seen from Slovakia
seen from Malaysia
seen from China
seen from Switzerland
seen from Maldives
seen from Spain
seen from Russia
seen from Malaysia
seen from United States
seen from Brazil
seen from United Kingdom
Here's two of my favorite photo from PasigLaban. Indeed, inclusivity for all. <3
THE PINK MOVEMENT
(artwork by Tarantadong Kalbo)
Kamusta? Been a while! I know that the 2022 election is over and this might be late but I just gathered all my energy to post this long planned post that I kept on postponing because either I do not have the enough time or I am still trying to find the right words to use.
To share, it took me more than 2 weeks to come up on how to go about this post. I have to make myself embrace the mixed emotions of anger, disappointment, tiredness, denial, understanding and so on, so I can come up with a better headspace.
Despite having a week after the election, I am still trying to figure out what to feel, what to say or heck, even on what stage of grief I am now. But before I discussed my “post-election” emotion, allow me to take you to the start. On how this People’s campaign or Pink journey started. Or at least, my journey on being a proud Kakampink
If you happen to know me or you’re one of my social media ‘friend’, you know for sure that I am a critic. I voiced out the wrongdoings of the government and call them our for their injustice. I feel like being silent is a guilt and I do not differ to those who's taking advantage.
I remember getting a question from one clever friend who I will vote if in case. I said I don't know yet. As there is no official candidates yet, I said I don't know. Then she mentioned the daughter of the current President we have. She bring up Leni too. She said she heard news about her but VP Leni doesn't have an impact for her. In my mind, "Ghad- Not another Du🐢".
Throwback to 2021, I’ve been researching, silently reading the possible Presidential runners for the upcoming 2022 election. I realized we're all ignoring VP Leni Robredo. It is no secret for me how she managed her job so well despite short to no budget at all. How she act quickly during pandemic. I can go on for hours on the achievement and actions she and her team have done. So, when she declared her decision to run, I am one of who's celebrating. I remember putting a plain pink photo on my IG stories. Letting everyone who can see who I will vote for.
I may need to post another story on what she have done or what is Angat Buhay program because that’s a whole long topic. But if you are one of us, you know. Among all the final candidates, she is the most deserving.
Fast forward to 2022. What I thought of the few, is actually a millions. This even brought me, my sisters and our cousins closer too! To be a part and be involved on the rallies, the house to house campaign, the solidarity walk, the miting de avance - is something that is embedded to my heart forever. The glimpse of hope that is getting bigger and louder as May 9 is getting closer. To see the what they called modern bayanihan, to witness the generosity of every stranger, them lending a hand, the genuine smiles, the different faces of hope, chanting, feeling empowered because finally, and hopefully, there’s a change. I will forever be proud. Habang buhay! ♡
(Next few post is about the different event I attended. This letter is a reminder that for some time, may kasama akong 14 million na lumaban para sa’yo, Inang Bayan.)
IpanaloNa10Pilipinas : Miting De Avance
7 May 2022.
Ah, the final run.
2 days before the "day". The day after is Mother's Day. The next day is the election.
This is it!
Since this is the last run, of course I would never let this past.
To share, my schedule on that day is packed!
I remember I have a schedule to watch Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness the same day. I have a movie date. I have to prepare in the morning, go to the movie date. But wait, there's more! We did a little shopping and bought our air cooler. Fast forward, I had to act quickly so I could jump into the crowd in Ayala.
I booked a ride and immediately went to Ayala Avenue, Makati. I am, somehow, familiar with the place (or so I thought, I'll tell you that later). Since my cousins and sister went to the venue earlier because I went to a movie and ran some stuff, you guessed it, we never saw each other during the event. They were in the middle of the Avenue while I was at the side of the main stage. Yes, I have the best spot. Problem is, I have to stand the whole time. We have an LED screen in front of us. So aside from being able to see the main stage from afar, I can see them clearly on the screen. Of course, it is still VP Leni's speech which I just finished.
At the moment, we all feel like we are at the hype of our highest hope. Like we are so close on a brighter tomorrow for the country. Like we are all heading towards a war for Inang Bayan. All for the love of you, Philippines. At that moment, the flags we all are waiving, means so much.
I've never felt so strongly about an election. And this is the first time I am out on the streets wishing for a safer and cleaner tomorrow. Asking strangers to help us help each other. Following simple rules that became so normal to just skip. Being a lot kinder to people. To everyone. Lending a hand, volunteering, sharing the same hope. All because I believe we can make it through. It was an impossible fight from the beginning but just to stand together with millions is indeed a proud moment. I poured my whole heart into this campaign. Believed in the people that I know for sure, doesn't just want power, but to help. Their genuine heart.
Years from now, when our kids ask where we are when millions decide to fight for the country, I can proudly say I am here. At this moment.
Long live!
xx
H2H : Puso sa Puso, Tao sa Tao Para Kay Robredo
This is one of the things I missed about the People's campaign.
Now allow me to start this post by saying that I couldn't imagine being a part of this nor can I do this. If you know me, I have low social energy and just imagining I will be surrounded by so many people drains me. Plus the fact that I have to talk to them! I can't. That is not me. But all of this was shifted due to my hunger for change. Because of the hope I have in my heart.
As May 9 approaches, the whole Kakampink community decided to launch a House to House campaign. We call it "Puso sa Puso, Tao sa Tao Para Kay Robredo." And to be honest, I never had a single doubt on that very moment if I would participate. I immediately volunteered.
We have multiple group chats on messenger where we post updates on the upcoming events and Kakampink gatherings. One is MY4L G2 or Makati Youth 4 Leni, Brgy Rizal Volunteer 4 Leni and our own group chat, where me, my cousins and sisters are all in.
My very first H2H experience was when we joined the Pembo cluster to campaign at Target Range, Pembo. We prepared flyers, tarpaulin and stickers to hand over to people who's willing to show their support to Tropang Angat. Of course, we also talked to people asking if they already have a Presidential bet. We tried to lay out the platforms and the things our Presidential candidate Leni Robredo and Vice Presidential candidate Kiko Pangilinan have accomplished. So as the platforms, background and accomplishment of the whole Tropang Angat. Despite all the peaceful talk, you cannot really avoid people who will attacked and shout at us and our team. But there is really something about VP Leni's Radikal Magmahal tagline. You really have to extend your patience.
Anyway, allow me to remember our H2H moments through photos.
xx
PINK SOLIDARITY WALK
I am writing this a month after the PH election. Can you believe that, it took me a month to finally collect my thoughts and I am very very sorry. I promised to share a post about this Pink Movement on 18 May and today is 8 June. HAHA. Sorry. (By the way, this is me only posting it on my blog at 26 of June ;u;)
Anyway, after the PasigLaban, this is my next Pink event. I remember joining Makati Youth for Leni group on Facebook and this is where they've relayed the details for this event. Me, Abby and Daniel (my sisters) and two of my cousins Justine and Jean joined this event.
Solidarity walk is different from House to House campaigning. This is us basically walking through streets showing our support. We all met up at the Market! Market! at around 4 in the afternoon. We lined up in pairs of two. We are still at the mall, when a group of pre teens, probably ages 13-15(?) suddenly chants "Uhm Bee Bee Em". My anger management normally will look them straight in the eye and judge them in silence. But there's just something about the "Radikal Magmahal" line of VPL that keeps on reminding me to be a bigger person.
Going back, of course, all of us are wearing our different shades of Pink shirt/top. Some of us are holding flags (some that has a LENI on it, some are just pink plain flags and some are holding their LGBTQIA pride flag.). My cousins brought their portable speakers and played Leni-Kiko campaign songs as we marched. Our first short stop is at the Leni Kiko mural made by amazing artists (shout out to Creatives for Leni and Mga Talented for Leni!).
After a short photo op, our march will technically start in the Staff house down to Pembo, round Rizal and will end at Brgy Rizal health center.
I feel a little awkward at the beginning of the walk. Me and my awkward personality that doesn't want to socialize. However, I guess it's the marching song that hype us all up. If you know, Staff house is a narrow street that is full of people, tricycles and private vehicles (even Taxis) as it is one main street connecting Taguig and Makati. Basically, it is a busy street. So, imagine us squeezing into the street. We're a bit worried. But luckily, we received no rants. After reaching Target Range, Pembo, a group of Kakampink are waiting for us, handing us water bottles and biscuits. To think that we are just near our starting line (well, for me), but they made sure we are hydrated and full. Man!
We passed by Talipapa, Pembo's wet market. Disclaimer ahead, I am not familiar with the streets. Only landmarks. So, I cannot share exactly where we are headed but basically we marched half (I guess) of Brgy Rizal. I am actually hoping we can pass by our street to show Yuan and Yerin that I am a part of this event. Because they are big Leni supporters. Especially Yuan! However, we weren't able to do that. The end point of our march is in Brgy Rizal health center.
We were given snacks. FOODS! Other volunteers offered us biscuits, water of course, Pancit, Puto, as in Pink Puto!!! Breads. And candies. This is also my first encounter with the Kakampinks and volunteers in our area. Here's some of the photos I took that day.
And here's my favorite one
I miss this. I miss the feeling of home. Of hope. I miss this era.
xx
PASIGLABAN
This marks my first ever grand rally.
I remember the excitement I have when I and my cousins are planning on how to go to Emerald Avenue, Pasig. Before that, we’ve witness grand rallies and astonish on the number of people attending. Hence, our weeklong planning on what to do and how to go to the venue. Couple of days before the rally, my shift schedule changed. Saddened a bit because my shift starts from 7 am until 4 pm. The event will start at 5 pm. I am from Makati City so I have to still allot a time to travel to Pasig. Honestly, part of my mind started thinking of not going anymore. Although I am working from home, and as someone whose social energy is low, I have some hesitations. My cousins went straight to the rally around 2 pm since its Sunday and they do not have work or online classes. While I still finished my shift. All while also getting ready to come to Pasig. Yes, I still went to “PasigLaban”.
I hired my trusted Angkas driver to pick me up by 4pm. You would know that you are near the venue when you start noticing people wearing different shades of pink. I was supposed to meet my cousins at the venue but to our surprise, there is no cellular signal. Aside from that, you really cannot squish yourself on the massive crowd. Luckily, I was able to find a spot near one of the LED screen. But before that, I have to walk around the area, stand for hours, and try to squish myself on the line. All that without feeling exhausted. Yes, I haven’t feel a single tiredness on my body during the event. Aside from that, this is the first time I witness the generosity of everyone. The kindness. From strangers. That you’ll agree is super rare nowadays. It’s like a whole new feeling of being surrounded by people you didn’t really know but you feel safe. That you belong. Knowing that you are a part of 137,000+ people who witness and felt such warm experience in a form of a rally is something I will forever be proud to be a part.
After VP Leni ended her speech, and after the song Rosas, we (me and my cousins) decided to go out as we do not go along with people exiting the crowd. It was when Ben & Ben started playing. Mind you, I love them. But I came for VP Leni. I do not remember exactly what time the speech ended but I guess that was around 11 pm when we were picked up. We all went home with a ray of hope that finally, soon, someone will help us and lead us for a better Philippines.
To make me remember this important moment, here's the photos I took that memorable day.
Witty and creative people for Leni! 🌸🌷💗 (Plus look at that Regina George approved banner. Omg!
Yes, I was about to met my cousins but I luckily ran into Mima Sassa Gurl. My fangirl heart omg! And we are even matching pink polos.
I have more photos but I guess I'll just dump them all on another post because apparently, Tumblr is only allowing 10 photos. (ಥ﹏ಥ)
Xx, C
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