Three months have passed since the exciting, grueling, and undeniably fun national campaign for the May 2010 campaign began. Looking back, I realize how far I’ve come—both literally and figuratively—and how much I’ve grown. It just hit me: this national election truly brought out the best in me.
I’ve been itching to write about my experiences during the 90-day campaign. But with the demands of work, my need for rest, and my occasional preference for sleep over writing, I couldn’t find the time. Now, as I reflect, I feel compelled to share this life-changing privilege and experience.
Like I’ve said in earlier blog entries, politics was never my comfort zone. For me, it always seemed like a dirty game—not the kind of space for someone who prefers reading chick lit and traveling the world with a camera and netbook in hand. Yet, for this election, I’m proud to have registered, taken a stand, and been on the right side of history.
The Natural High
As many know, I was part of the LP campaign as the New Media Officer for the Liberal Party Senate Slate. Managing the website and social media accounts was just the start; we also joined nearly every sortie, giving us firsthand encounters with Senator Noynoy Aquino, Senator Mar Roxas, and the SLAMAT LORRRD senatorial slate. Multi-tasking became second nature.
The scorching heat, unwanted tans, headaches, and dehydration could be punishing—especially for someone like me, who admits to being a bit of a weakling at times. Yet, amidst the rollercoaster of campaign life, I barely paused to check if I was still physically fit. Running to and from buses, assisting tech crews, uploading updates, and even setting up satellite streams—all while lugging my trusty camera and laptop—was no easy feat.
Despite the challenges, there was always a sense of fulfillment. At the end of every sortie, caravan, or rally, we’d share smiles, encouragement, and the satisfaction of knowing we were contributing to something bigger than ourselves. The adrenaline, the pressure—it all gave me a natural high.
Bittersweet Moments
As we now await the proclamation of the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines, nostalgia sets in. It feels surreal. It seems like just yesterday we were in Tarlac for the campaign kick-off, yet here we are, keeping our fingers crossed and praying in gratitude for what feels like a victory within reach.
Still, there’s a tinge of sadness. Not all the LP senatorial candidates will make it to the Top 12. Spending over three months with them created a bond, even if we didn’t always interact closely. Not seeing them after this will feel strange—it’s like withdrawal symptoms kicking in.
Despite this, I feel honored to have worked with them. It’s heartening to know there are principled leaders out there. Yet, it’s disheartening to see the same “trapo” faces lingering in the Senate. Didn’t we clamor for change?
Closing the Chapter
The journey toward change is far from over. It will not be an easy road. There are lots of potholes and major repairs that need to be done. Fixing our nation won’t be easy, but with commitment and unity, we are one step closer to a better Philippines.
And now, allow me to step back and examine myself. I’ve been to many places and met new people on this journey toward ‘change.’ I lacked sufficient sleep, missed meals, sunbathed under 39 °C weather, became ‘one of the boys’ most of the time, and crammed just to get to rally venues before anyone else. With all these experiences, I don’t even know if I lost or gained weight. (hehehe) But one thing’s for sure: this experience is something I’ll forever look back on and cherish as a story worth sharing.
As we await the final proclamation, I want to shower the LP Team with one last burst of yellow confetti. It was a long, rigorous fight, but it was worth every moment. Whatever the outcome, Senator Mar Roxas will always be my Vice President, Senator Noynoy Aquino my President, and the SLAMAT LORRRD my Senators.
