One Good Vote Coming Up!

D-day has come! The May 2016 election has recently been concluded but we're still far from wrapping up. Its actually just the beginning. The results are still not yet official though there are presumptive leaders already; whilst some were already proclaimed the new this and that. And as we all now, dramas have unfolded left and right. Someone claiming of being cheated is inevitable. In fact, somebody had already cried foul! But I'm not going to talk about the "after the election" blues. This post is solely a recounting of how May 9 panned out for me as a newly-signed up election volunteer.

Why Vote-Buying is an Open Secret during Elections in the Philippines?

Vote-buying and vote-selling are just two of the most common things one can think of during the elections in the Philippines. We all know its wrong but why haven't we put a stop to it? And why are those people behind such not made accountable? We've seen it in TV, read all about it in the papers or all over the internet and sometimes have our firsthand experience.

Barely A Day Away!

I was with my parents earlier and attended mass for the "send off" on Monday. I have joined the bandwagon so to speak and took part in the PPCRV. I know, I know, I don't strike you as the "volunteer" type but I've always wanted to do so, but sadly, it never pushed through until recently. My parents and older sister were initially the only ones involved in this in our family. When I say I wanted to volunteer I was thinking more like in orphanages or in some remote place. I'm in the Education industry and I have time to spare so why not roll up those sleeves, right?

 

So, what made me sign up as a PPCRV volunteer, you ask? Hmmm. I joined the PPCRV since there was a dire need for volunteers. It's the least I can do as a responsible voter. Especially since this election seems to be more crucial than the previous elections. I guess its because of who are running for government positions or maybe that's just me. Well, a lot has happened and I'm pretty sure you are aware of the issues and scandals surrounding these people.

Am I ready for Monday?? Quite frankly, I'm not sure. As volunteers, the service we'll be putting in is free and unbiased. We were readied and made aware of some situations where we need to play it cool and invoke loooong patience. I should do well right, I mean I've taught plenty of "unique" kids in the day. Yet, I can't shake off the apprehension. Its been long established how grueling and chaotic election in the Philippines has been. And I'm not really that optimistic that this coming one would turn out otherwise. But still we're praying and hoping for a peaceful and orderly process.

Anyway, if there's one thing that I'm really pleased about, its meeting new people and gaining new experience. Regardless of how things would turn out, this stint as a volunteer is going to be among the many I'll be doing. And that's a promise.

P.S. Let's just all pray for a clean and peaceful election on Monday, shall we?

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gifs used in this post are from giphy.com

The Story of God

When I saw the preview of "The Story of God", I was sooo ecstatic. It was due to various reasons but the best one is that its hosted by Morgan Freeman. Who better to host a show about God but the man who one played / voiced God, duh?! (In case you don't get it, Mr. Freeman played the role of God in the film Bruce Almighty).

Things to Keep In Mind on Election Day

So it's the first of May! Aside from it being a holiday and a weekend, this day also marks how soon we'll be having the election in the Philippines. Have you guys decided whom to vote for yet? Uh-ah, clock's ticking though, D-day is just a week away! Remember, we are #OneGoodVote away to making a difference, so use this time to sift through all the candidates, compare their programs and platforms.

We all know how hectic election day would be for all of us, so to save yourself some trouble and annoyance, know where you're going to vote now and check whether or not your name is actually on the voters' list. The PPCRV has launched help desks in local parishes to help voters look for their voting precinct and assigned room number. Avoid the stress by knowing where to go beforehand, okay? Also, remember that there are some things you can't do during the election. You may not think of them as much of a big deal, but trust me you can wound up in serious trouble if you do them otherwise.