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Kenneth Cartagena | Bionote

Kenneth Cartagena (he/him) is currently a Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences student from the Batasan Hills National High School. He graduated with honours from Star Section Batch 2019 and with high honours from 11 HUMSS Strand Batch 2020. He’s currently the school’s News Writer and Editor for The News Voyager, BHNHS’ student publication, President of BHNHS HUMSS Club - Sophist’s Coalition, and Head of Creatives of youth organization, Para Sa Ligaya. Mr Cartagena also served as the school’s English Club President (Batch 2019), Vice-President External of Project Magiting - BHNHS’ Research Organization (Batch 2019), and BHNHS Supreme Student Government’s Vice Chairman of Secretariat Committee last year. Making him one of the awardees of the school’s leadership award, best campus journalist, and best organization under English Club.

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Lorence Lozano | Bionote

Lorence Lozano is a Grade 12 Senior high school taking up Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand. He has loved photography and filmmaking ever since he was in elementary school and also has a heart in volunteering in mass work. In fact, Mr. Lozano won Second Place in a school-based teaser making contest. He was also a classroom achiever when he was in Junior high and an honor student when he was in Grade 11. In his last year for Senior high, Mr. Lozano became part of the HUMSS Club - Sophist’s Coalition as Public Information Officer. Because of their passion and love for filmmaking and photography which he’s been doing for three (3) years in portrait and fashion photography and a year in protest and rallies photography. Mr. Lozano also participated in being a volunteer photographer in election campaigns, he is a Kabataan Partylist Volunteer Photographer and one of the Volunteer Photographers of LENIwanag sa Dilim - Rizal Grand Rally. Aside from being a volunteer photographer, Mr. Lozano also participated in Tao sa Tao, Puso sa Puso - House-to-House campaigning for candidate for President Leni Robredo and candidate for Vice President Kiko Pangilinan with their Senate Slate and also Kabataan Partylist palengke run, postering, and house-to-house campaign.

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Gabriel Louise Acedera Mondejar | Bionote

Gabriel Louise Acedera Mondejar is a grade 12 student from Batasan Hills National High School, who is currently enrolled in the HUMSS track and will graduate this year. Gabriel is an only child of Mary Jay Mondejar and Orlan Ibanez. Although his parents are divorced, this hasn't affected him growing up, instead he used it as a motivation in life to strive harder and to make his parents proud. Gabriel lives with his mother, uncle, and aunt in his grandmother's house; life has been relatively easy for him because his parents' lives focused around him, ensuring that he would have a comfortable life. He also has a hobby of collecting dolls, ever since he was a kid he wanted to collect them but his parents were financially unstable at that time and a boy playing with dolls is not an ideal image to see. But now he has around 100+ dolls in his collection and his parents are very supportive of his hobby. Now he is 18 years old and preparing to start college, is inspired to study tourism at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, he dreams to be a flight attendant someday. It was a childhood dream of his and he is determined to make it come true.

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Rejilyn Dolom | Bionote

Rejilyn Dolom graduated from San Diego Elementary School (SDES) in 2016. She has also been part of their school's organization, YES-O Club, Girls Scout of the Philippines and Supreme Student Government. She graduated from Batasan Hills National High School (BHNHS) and earned honors in grade 10 and grade 12.

Because of his diligence, determination, and perseverance in life, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Sciences (AB PolSci) from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 2026. A few years later, he decided to take the Bar Exam. And she is also among the topnotchers. He currently works as a lawyer and has been an instrument of justice for people in need. A few years later he has fulfilled his dreams to make up for his parents and the people who helped him when he was still working hard. She also helps charities of children and the elderly. He knows how to facilitate freedom and help people who need help because his goal is to improve everyone's situation.

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Charlotte Mahusay | Bionote

My name is Charlotte Lagatuz Mahusay, but most of the people who know me call me Cha or lotte without e. I was born in Caloocan City but I was raised and currently living in Quezon City. I am 18 years old, HUMSS and a graduating student from senior high school this year. I recently received a high honors award for the first semester. I would describe myself as a competitive and hard working person since I know I proved it to myself and to people who work with me.

My current goal is to graduate successfully and to receive an award. To pass in college schools that I applied to, especially in my dream school. Also, to survive student life, to grab opportunities that I deserve, to accept the whole me and move forward.

One fact about me is that I am actually an introvert. My whole life makes me think that I am an extrovert person. But, despite being an introvert, I can still communicate with people most of the time. Ten to fifteen years from now, I assure you that I will be one of the most famous and successful photographers and directors in our country.

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Mickylla Mae L. Mejasco | Bionote

Mickylla Mae L. Mejasco is 17 years old girl, academic achiever and grade conscious since grade 7 up to the present, who is currently studying at Batasan Hills National High School, Grade 12 in Humanities and Social Sciences under Academic track. She went from Bagong Silangan High School when she was grade 7 and 8 and transferred to Batasan Hills National High School on her 9th grade to 10th grade. Her favorite subjects are math and science. Also received the second place award together with her band in TLE month contest called “Nutri-jamming”. Her hobbies were watching movies, k-drama in Netflix, doing house hold chores, singing and learning new tiktok dance whenever she’s bored and helping her nephews as well as teaching them new knowledge academically. In addition to this, she’s also interested in doing some crafty things, playing online games, establishing a business, learning the course that she wanted to take in college and of course reading some information on the happenings here in our country especially in the politics.

Ms. Mejasco’s dreams and ambitions is to become financially, mentally, physically and emotionally stable, she would like to have her inner peace in this chaotic world. Additionally, to give her family a comfortable life and help them with their daily expenses, to inspire and motivate others, to graduate and to become a mathematics educator, to create and have her own dance group as well as to travel and experience different things that will make her life wonderful because doing so will help her acquire a lot of lessons that will help her grow and become a better version of herself. "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." From Eleonor Roosevelt is her favorite quotation, which addresses the beauty of hope and dreams that serves as an eye-opener to us that a person's future is determined by his or her hard work and how strong the desire to pursue and achieve their goals is.

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Viah Angelica Montepio Padrid | Bionote

A Taurisian who was born on 25th of April 2003. She is a firstborn child, altar server in St. Peter Parish: Shrine of Leaders, secretary of the Sophist’s Coalition and a graduating high honor Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) student at Batasan Hills National High School. She was also the president of the Supreme Student Council and alumna of her former school in junior high school, Garden of Life School.

Viah loves to write, sing, and act which is why she fell in love with theatre. It started when she acted as Sisa, a character in Noli Me Tángere, when she was just in 8th grade. Since then, she researched and watched musical movies and theater plays and these include the ones that impressed her:

Hamilton, Les Misérables, and Rent. She also considers Lin- Manuel Miranda and Idina Menzel as her role models in the said field.

Since she always wanted to be a lawyer and a social worker, Viah chose courses related to it in her application to colleges and universities.

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She is Crismae

Crismae Ramos | Bionote

Crismae Ramos is a grade 12 student at Batasan Hills National High School under the academic track - Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) of K-12 program. Crismae is the English Club Patronus Society - Public Relations Officer External of S.Y. 2021- 2022. In line with this, she had the opportunity to become the host of the first ever coaching session entitled “UP and About: A Coaching Session for University of the Philippines College Admission [Session 1]” by the HUMSS Club - Sophist’s Coalition in collaboration with the Senior High School English Club - Patronus Society.

Crismae was born on May 29, 2004 and nearly entering her legality filled with happiness. Crismae was known for her nickname “Mae”, derived from her birth month. She is a friendly and passionate young woman that invests all her effort with the things she wants to achieve. With her confidence, Mae was able to win the third place in extemporaneous speech way back when she was still in her 10th grade. She also belongs to the top students of her class who are excellent at delivering a speech. Crismae has been a reliable and responsible leader since she was in junior high school, she proved that the characteristics of being a leader is her personality.

Mae graduated from elementary at Lupang Pangako Elementary School and completed her junior high school at Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma High School. She decided to continue her senior high school at Batasan Hills National High School to get out of her comfort zone and to have a new environment for her to learn. Mae is a consistent honor student since she entered her junior high school and now, she is running for honors as she graduated from senior high school. Mae is now looking forward to her college and aiming to enter state university, specifically the University of the Philippines. With her dream to become a lawyer, Mae is eyeing to take her pre-law course and pursue going to law school.

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Alvir Ann Toribio | Bionote

Alvir Ann Toribio is a consistent honor student who is currently under the academic track, Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) at Batasan Hills National High School.

Ms. Toribio is also a former volunteer Pupil-Asisting-Pupil (P-A-P) or student teacher of Math Club from 2014 to 2015. In the same year, she was also a former auditor of Youth for Environment in Schools Organization/Science Club in Commonwealth Elementary School.

Has received several awards and recognitions in joining extracurricular activities, Warriors - Drum and Lyre Corps from 2014 to 2016, Girl’s Scout, Speech Choir, and Tula, Musika, Awit (TMK).

The present treasurer of the Sophist’s Coalition - BHNHS HUMSS Club which mainly organizes programs/seminars for her fellow graduating senior high school students who are willing to apply in the universities. The mentioned club also led some of the contests in school including the “Miss Colombia 2021” and “Jingle writing and Singing Contest” under “AP Month Celebration 2021” event.

She also volunteered as one of the active ambassadors of non-organizations led by the youth such as “Para Sa Ligaya”, “Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan” and “Tie-dye Para sa Pangarap”. These organizations aim to provide financial assistance for abandoned children.

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Margaret Nicole M. Tun | Bionote

Margaret Nicole M. Tun, better known simply as Margaret Tun, is a Grade 12 student under the Humanities and Social Sciences strand in Batasan Hills National High School.

Born and raised in a household with different cultures and beliefs, she has grown to be a woman with strong principles and morals. She continues to strive to be a strong, independent woman who moves forward to make a difference.

Aiming to graduate with flying colors, Margaret Tun gives her all in everything she does. Her drive and determination are clearly seen in her works within and outside of school as she has joined several youth organizations. Margaret Tun is currently the Vice Chairperson of Para Sa Ligaya, a non-profit youth organization she co-founded with her close friends.

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Firsts at Election 22

Viah Angelica Padrid | Activity #7

Others say that an event is memorable especially when it is the first time. First day of school, first love, first kiss, and much more. But the firsts that I will present in this writing are also the first of many and I am sure it will never be forgotten by the people, especially the youth.

I am Viah Angelica Montepio Padrid, a 19 years old who was a first time voter and election volunteer in one of the most anticipated and historic elections in the Philippines, Election 2022. I am also one of the people who seek for real change and hope for our country that has fallen into poverty. And this year we have found one but it seems that we have been deprived of the opportunity to have that someone and I will remember this as my first ‘election’ heartbreak.

I will start the story on the day before the election, May 8 of 2022. While I was at home and resting, my aunt invited me to join her and be a volunteer for the election that will happen the next day. I immediately joined her because I thought it was a good experience especially since it was my first time to do it like voting. I was assigned to be a poll watcher to a candidate who was against the one I wanted to vote for but I continued to do so because I was still a poll watcher after all.

On election day, I was wearing the ID given to us and it gave me some privileges while I was at school. I used it to get to school without going through the queue, get free food from the candidates who are teammates of the candidate I serve as poll watcher and have friends who are pink as well. Moreover, our VCM also broke down which caused me to come home at 10 am the next day.

I am sure that I will never forget the events I experienced in Election 2022. The first time for voicing out and fighting for what is right, first voting, the nervousness I felt while shading, being a poll watcher, and much more. It gave me thoughts if I should do those again next time or not. But there is something in me that still believes in the hope I have for our country that I wanted to carry and fight for until I get old.

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Kailan tatanda ang mga bata?

Viah Angelica Padrid | Activity #6

Bilang isang kabataan, natural na tayo ay sumunod lalo kapag sila ang nakatatanda. At bilang isang kabataan, karapatan at tungkulin natin ang mag-aral nang mabuti sa ating mga paaralan. Ngunit bakit tayo ay pinatatahimik kapag nilalahad na natin ang ating mga kaalaman? At pinagagalitan kahit pa pumapanig sa tama at katotohanan? Kung dahilan nila ay bata pa tayo’t wala pang gaanong alam sa mundo, puwes, kailan tayo tatanda?

Sa paglipas ng ilang buwan ng pangangampanya ng mga kandidato at ang pag-endorso ng mga tao sa kanilang napupusuan, nakikita ko ang ilang mga kabataan na naglalahad ng kanilang mga opinyon gamit-gamit ang kanilang mga sariling account tulad ng Facebook at Twitter. Kaakibat nito ang makatanggap ng mga komento at mensahe mula sa mga ibang tao na itigil ito at huwag nang mag-post ng mga bagay na may kaugnayan sa eleksyon. Napagtanto ko na nararapat lamang na ang mga kabataan ay makilahok sa mga usaping pumapatungkol sa kanilang kinabukasan at isa na roon ang eleksyon sapagkat ang mga taong mailuluklok ang siyang mamumuno sa mga mamamayan lalo na sa mga kabataan sa loob ng tatlo hanggang anim na taon.

Isang kataga ang tumatak sa aking isipan, “Huwag mong hintaying mangyari sayo bago ka gumawa ng aksyon.”. Simula noong natutunan ko ang kahulugan nito, ako ay natakot. Napagtanto ko na ang mga pangyayari noon sa ating bansa ay posibleng maulit sa kasalukuyan. Mas naintindihan ko kung bakit ang ilan sa atin ay ganun na lamang kung magprotesta o di kaya ay ipaglaban ang kanilang mga hinanaing. Kung bakit ang mga biktima ng nakaraan ay muling nagpapakita at nagsasalitang muli. Kaya naman naintindihan ko lalo ang aking kapwa kabataan kailangan maging tumanda ang bata bagkus ay kailangang magtanda upang matuto sa mga pagkakamali ng nakaraan at itama ang mga ito kahit pa mahirap at ilang taon pa ang muling dadaanan.

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Rosas: A hope for the Filipino

Rejilyn Dolom | Activity #7

Rosas,” the popular campaign anthem of Vice President Leni Robredo’s bid for presidency, has been updated with new lyrics amid the election results. The tune’s composer and singer, Nica del Rosario, shared the additional verse on Twitter on Tuesday, after partial, unofficial results showed Robredo’s opponent, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. leading by a wide margin. The song composed by Nica Del Rosario, Gab Pangilinan, niece of Robredo's running mate Kiko Pangilinan, alongside Jeralo Sanchez with violinist Matthew Sang.

This song brings tears a mural of what she has accomplished despite the world against her and the people who supported her. This is actually no longer the fight of any Filipino who no longer oppressed by those who in the bad government. This song represent the hope of a million Filipino it feels like a song of hunger and grief.

"Wag kang mabahala Ikaw ay mahalaga Hindi kita pababayaan" "Hindi ka naiiba At sana'y paniwalaan Na pipiliin ka araw-araw"

From the very beginning of the lyrics of this song, the message was overwhelming to the heart because the leni supporters really felt that from the beginning you were not disappointed and you are important suddenly as a Filipino, I also related it here so don't worry because whether he wins or loses he will never leave you or forsake you.

"At alam ko ang aking kaya, alam ko ang hindi Alam ko ang kailangan upang makapagsilbi Hangga't may kabutihan, hangga't may pag-ibig Liwanag ang mananaig"

The video continues that she really feels to her supporter that that she now what she an do, she know what she can't I know what it takes to be able to serve As long as there is goodness, as long as there is love Light will prevail, even though we are in the dark challenges of our lives if we practice our goodness, everyone will come up to the light that awaits our future.

"At hindi ko maipapangako ang kulay rosas Na mundo para sa 'yo At hindi ko maiilawan ang lahat ng anino Pero sisikapin ko at hindi ako magpapahinga"

This part of the song really hits different because she knows she has no certainty that she will win the coming election but the as we saw in the lyrics she promises that she can’t promise na hindi nya maibibigay ang kulay rosas na mundo para sa atin, and she can’t light up all the shadows But She will try and she will not rest for the Filipino people whos in the finger for Filipinos on the fringes of society.

"Hangga't hindi mo pa magawang muling Ipagmalaki na ika'y isang matatag at matapang At mabuti at mapagmahal na Pilipino Pilipino, Pilipino"

In the end of the song said that said that until you can't do it again Be proud that you are a strong and brave person And good and loving Filipino, you can see here that she has true love for our country and love for herself as a Filipino.

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Why is it important for the youth of Barangay Batasan Hills to be involved in the 2022 National Elections and Local Elections?

Rejilyn Dolom | Activity #6

Scrolling through social media, and you will get the vibe of how filipino young people have transformed themselves into a microcosm of what the Philippines should be. The Filipino youth remain hopeful of better governance despite of corruption scandals wracking the current administration and heading to the next elections elections.

As a youth in Barangay Batasan Hills, it is very important to be involved in 2022 National Elections activities for the country, through active participation, young people are empowered to play a vital role in their own development as well as in that of their communities, helping them to learn vital life-skills, develop knowledge on human rights and citizenship and to promote positive civic action. Being part of the society it is important to join the activities of the candidate you represent especially if you already know the right and wrong and the history of the past, it is important to join the fight of every Filipino citizen so that we can fulfill our aspirations for our most beloved country, the youth need to unite in the fight. as a youth we must be able to stand in the 2022 national elections so that we can have a good future, because I believe that if we only have a good government everyone will also have a better life, as a youth who united in the fight against the Filipino people happy in the heart that you know you fought for what will be your future, and the future of our country. In the local elections, the youth of barangay batasan hills need to know and know who should lead their barangay so that our barangay can be good because I believe that unity and harmony will begin in the barangay if the leader is good.

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Leniwanag Sa Dilim: The Pink Wave in the Sea of Darkness

Cartagena, Kenneth | Activity #7 Campaign Advertisement

What became clear in this 2022 National election is that one’s vote is no longer about oneself. Different spectrum of political colours inspires Filipinos to stand up – for everyone, for future generations. And the feeling of contributing to something bigger than yourself is significant.

The election craze came in full swing, candidates travelled all over the country to discuss their plans and platforms. Robredo’s pink camp however went beyond despite the restrictions; volunteers went all out on the ground and artists expressed their stands for Leni online – defying the country’s traditional campaigns. Pink murals, pink pastries, pink banners, artworks, writers and musicians wrote pieces and songs for free, which is highly unusual given the current situation. “Liwanag Sa Dilim - Rivermaya with Yeng Constantino #LeniwanagSaDilim” posted and covered by Yeng Constantino (originally sang by Rivermaya), perfectly defines how traditional campaigns changed. With over 1 million views garnered on YouTube (all versions combined), the song was posted to serve as a campaign, a sense of hope, and a call to Filipinos that in an honest and fair leadership, all of us will be a light in the darkness. The video started with a bold entrance of Yeng and Rivermaya singing “liwanag” in the panton-esque yellow-orange gradient which signifies hope and transformation. This entrance was suddenly cut by Filipinos’ call led by Angel Locsin, Rodel; a volunteer driver, Tatay Elmer; a jeepney driver, Kristine and Sherwin; volunteers for Leni, Amber; LGBTQIA+ advocate, and Ate Jeanette; a mother. As Yeng sings, the element of representation of various sub-groups continues. From senior citizens and PWDs, film workers, K-pop fans, doctors, and labour leaders, the pink torch held by Kelsey, a first-time voter, and bikers who united pedalling across the roads is what stands out the most. It represented Rivermaya’s “Liwanag sa Dilim,” – that Leni’s governance will provide a new path and unified hope – a beacon of light in these trying times.

“At sa paghamon mo sa agos ng ating kasaysayan Uukit ka ng bagong daan”

The video continues to resonate with gleaming hope; pink colours dominate and bright lightsticks are waved. But the vibrancy of the video was cut when gray neutral paint was splashed over the “Kulay Rosas and Bukas” mural – the campaign’s main tag line. This scene symbolizes the country’s political arena. Despite the spectrum of colours Filipinos supports, the fight is for the people and the colour shouldn’t matter in the first place. The fight is not about Leni and Kiko, but for the Filipinos, who we are desperately fighting for.

“Naniniwala ako na mas marami pa ring bagay ang nagbubuklod sa atin kaysa sa ‘ting pagkakaiba.” - Piolo Pascual

Although the campaign period was long over and with the elections nearing, the continuous fight against the darkness isn’t. It seems like the people dwell little on the atrocities of the Marcos era when truths of the past should matter more than ever. Rizal’s “no tyrants where there are no slaves,” are scratched when the people try to freely elect liars to entrust our future to.

I wrote the last six paragraphs five days ago (it’s now the 11th) full of hopes and determination that the “pink wave” I was describing will dominate the darkness Filipinos are experiencing. Though the lone woman candidate hasn’t conceded yet, the spark of joy and hope I have started to meagre.

But oh man, we tried. I am grateful that we tried.

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“Batasanians and Youth Voting Bloc: The Society’s Savior?”

Cartagena, Kenneth J. | Activity #7 Column Article

Four days before the elections, the youth vote – as an advocacy and as a call.

The ever-growing noise 2022 National Elections has made is pretty outstanding and it manifests in different ways. Millennials and Gen Z in particular are very vocal on social media – from changing Facebook profile frames of different political colours, Twitter hashtags, and even posting memes.

The noble endeavour of asking the youth to register and go out to vote was also prominent. After all, many people are hopeful about young people as their vote is crucial for the path of their future.

Of the 65 million registered voters, 32.7 million are between the ages of 18 and 30. Out of this, 5.4 million are voting for the first time. Therefore, the young sector constitutes about 50% of the country’s voting population. On the local scale, these numbers are much more eminent. In Quezon City’s 2nd District, voter turnout reached 66.79%, specifically 220,131 voters over 329,585 registered numbers in the last 2019 National and Local election. This translates to the power of Batasanians for the upcoming elections; Barangay Batasan Hills, second to the most populous barangay of the city, has the ability and are able to turn around the results for the greater good.

But arguments regarding no such thing as a ‘youth vote’ were raised, as data suggests that the youth do not represent a voting bloc unto themselves. Duterte led 2016 while Lapid led 2019’s which is within the same demographic. However, the potential of a “youth vote” and the engagement among the youth in interest for political participation are significant. Beyond the demographic significance, however, is the idealism of the youth is what is celebrated. Youth has always been progressive but everyone starts progressively until they aren’t – that is why the call and continuous engagement with the youth are weighty. After all, generations of Filipino youth have been instrumental in various movements that shifted the Philippines’ political landscape.

While the youth don’t vote as a block, the possibility of unity for one specific candidate has always been desirable for the runners. The ability to mobilize through various platforms and the wit of the young people will give a boost to a candidate’s movement. The youth also continue to build and mobilize political engagement, making them a key partner to nation-building and acknowledging them as functioning citizens.

Sometimes political maturity is more relative to young minds who do not have a lot of pride and social ideologies are high. And the strength of the youth can subsequently support the wisdom of the adults. The youth vote has the magnitude not only to dictate the outcome of the elections but as well as the shape of what the country will become.

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Halalan 2022: Dayaan sa Halalan, Wag Pahintulutan!

Lorence Lozano | Activity #8

Kabado at walang alam ang nararamdaman ko no’ng bago at araw ng pagpaparehistro ko, paulit-ulit na pagtatanong sa mga kaibigan kong nauna kung paano ako proseso. Kahit pa mayro’n naman nito sa internet ay hindi pa rin mayakap ng utak ko. September 6, araw ng pagpaparehistro ko, mas lalo akong kinabahan no’ng ando’n na ako mismo sa lugar. Ang init at haba ng pila pero mayro’ng saya sa puso na nararamdaman habang ando’n ako, nakapila. Ngiti sa labi dahil marami akong nakitang tao na gusto magparehistro at bumoto kagaya ko. At dahil matagal ko rin itong inantay. na sawakas, makakapagpa-rehistro at boto na rin ako. Pwede na rin akong makilahok upang makapagpabago ng takbo ng gobyerno at buhayng masa.

Ilang linggo matapos makapagpa-rehistro, sinimulan ko naman magsiyasat para sa pipiliin kong kandidato na iboboto. Sila Neri Colmenares, Chel Diokno, Elmer Labog, ay mga kilala ko na noong 2016 pa. Sila ay mga kandidato na sikat at pinaguusapan no’n sa social media kasama si Samira Gutoc, nakakadismaya lang na ang paglipat ni Samira sa ibang partido ay siya ring pag iba ng adbokasiya nito.

Hindi lamang sa mga senador ako nagsiyasat kundi pati na rin sa magiging president at bise presidente ng pilipinas, no’ng una, wala akong makita magandang kandidato dahil kilala ko na ang mga ito lalong-lalo na ang ‘Duterte in the making’ trapo na si Isko Moreno. Isang malaking ngiti at agos ng damdamin ang naramdaman ko no’ng malaman kong tatakbo ang bise-presidente na si Leni Robredo, na siya rin namang naramdaman no’ng hindi naririnig at nararamdaman ang gobyerno no’ng panahon ng pandemya. Kasama nito si Kiko Pangilinan sa pagtakbo, hindi ko pa siya kilala, at hindi ko rin alam na asawa pala siya ni Sharon Cuneta; mabuti na lang ay nagsiyasat ako at nalaman ko ang makasama nitong plataporma at matagal ng pagtulong para sa mga magsasaka.

Bilang isang may hilig sa potograpiya at gustong maging photographer sa hinaharap, ay nagamit ko ito upang sumama at tumulong sa kampaniya ng mga kandidatong iboboto ko. Kagaya na lamang ng pag attend sa Grand Rally na mayro’n sina Leni at Kiko kasama ang Senate Slate nito. Naging isa akong photographer sa mga ganap nila ro’n at pati na rin ng partylist na Kabataan Partylist.

Araw ng halalan, masaya ngunit kinakabahan dahil nagbabalik muli ang Marcos-Duterte sa kapangyarihan. Kagaya ng pagpaparehistro, mainit at mahaba ang pila sa araw ng botohan. Marami ring naitalang aberya sa bawal presinto na siya rin naman talagang nakakabahala lalo pa’t may ulat na nagkakaroon ng dayaan. Kinagabihan, hindi naman mali ang mga hinala at mga kaganap bago at matapos ang botohan. Nangyayari nga ang dayaan at kitang-kita ito ng dalawa kong mata, sa lugar man ng pagbobotohan at hanggang sa labas ng partial unofficial votes na iniuulat sa telebisyon. Nakakagalit, dahil kitang-kita na matagal itong pinaghandaan at plinano, maraming taktika at stratehiyang ginamit ang Marcos-Duterte upang maisegurado ang pagkapanalo nila para makabalik sa kapangyarihan. At hindi rin naman ipinanganak kahapon ang mga botante, alam nila ang dayaang nagaganap at kasinungalingan na inihahayag sa lahat. Nagkaroon ng ‘Kampuhan Kontra Daya’ isang araw matapos ang elekesyon, protesta para sa kapabayaan at kapalpakan ng COMELEC at pandaraya ng Marcos-Duterte. Hindi lang sa pagka-presidente at bise-presidente may aberya kundi pati na rin sa mga senador na nangunguna. Nakakasura, talagang mga trapo at wala pang pakialam sa masa at bayan ang nananalo. Dapat itong maiwaksi at dapat tutulan ang pagbabalik ng dalawang pasista, pahirap, tuta, at diktador na Marcos-Duterte. Ngunit kung magpapatuloy ito, at ito na ang magiging opisyal na resulta. Talagang awa ng panginoon ang sasandigan nating lahat dahil hindi magiging maayos at madali ang ating mga susunod na bukas. Hindi lang ako o ang pamilya ko ang maapektuhan kundi ang buong bayan. Kawalan ng trabaho ng pamilya ko, at pagpapatahimik sa mga kritikal na kabataankagaya ko ang iilan lamang sa mga ekspektado na mangyayari sa bansa kung ang Marcos-Duterte ang mauupo para maging lider ng bansa. Patuloy na maghihirap ang mahihirap, patuloy na malulugmok ang mga maralita, patuloy na patatahimikin ang mga kabataan. Walang kalayaan, walang kasiguraduhan ang magandang bukas na inaasahan.