Islander in the City

Into The Light

I remember I was in Taiwan when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn to office in the aftermath of EDSA 2. And I can still remember the shivers that ran thru my spine when coverage of the event was flashed through CNN – our only source of live feed then.

My Filipino friends and I, who spent several days monitoring the tumultuous political developments in the Philippines prior to that high point,were one in claiming overwhelming pride for country. Had we been braver (or probably less sober), we would have danced through the streets of Taipei shouting “that’s our country!”.

That of course would have been embarrassing, if we were to be held accountable for what came after. For it did not even take long for the disappointments to start flowing in. While we envisioned a crusade against corruption and abuse of power (why GMA got there in the first place), what came about was a calculated assault to every ideal Filipinos fought for. Block by block, brick by brick – the GMA administration built a huge monument to bad governance. And consequently, national pride quickly dissipated.

The last election provided us with an opportunity to take charge of our destiny and regain our belief in ourselves. Armed with nothing but hope, we deciphered the best clues from the cacophony of voices offering  change for our lives. I too took time going to the polls to say my piece. And I was elated that my singular vote turned out to be reflective of that of the majority.

I am now in Japan. But with improved communications media, I will be sharing the same TV screen with the other citizens of the Philippines. For sure, CNN and other foreign media will cover it for a few seconds, drowned probably by the hoopla of the World Cup and other more universal news.

But just like that fateful day nine years ago, the rest of the world will today know that we are once again entering a new phase in our endless search for national salvation. That is enough source for overwhelming national pride.

Nope, I will not be dancing in the streets of Tokyo. Not that my enthusiasm this time is less, but I just would like to temper my expectations. It’s never easy recovering from the ravage of a tempest.

All I ask now is for us to savor this moment and for us to realize that the next six years require our individual contributions to nationhood. Let us party now, because the work ahead will be less fun.

Congratulations to President Noynoy and the new leaders of the Philippines! Congratulations to the Filipinos! And let’s wish each other the best of luck!

Tags: Commentary

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