In hope and prayer  

IT’S THE SMALL THINGS

Our 17th president, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. has officially taken office, after he took his oath last June 30. While people will forever have their own opinion – shaped by experiences of the past, beliefs, values, priorities, the list goes on – at this point, who you voted for during the May 9th election is past. We have a president, a majority one at that, and as Filipino citizens, we must respect the decision of the overwhelming majority, and the outcome of the democracy that our nation is blessed and privileged to have.

From where I am, thank goodness for technology, I was able to watch the inauguration live from half way across the world. And to say I had high expectations for this one given all the toxicity, the turmoil and the whirlwind of emotions that was the May 9th elections would be an understatement. But perhaps the outcome of it was God’s way of speaking to me and enlightening me – to open my mind on, and to share my views about what transpired. And although I know many people will have varying opinions, while others may even shun me (I feel like I have developed an immunity over the campaign period though), this is purely what I feel, and the sense of promise I got from it all, which I wish to share with all of you.

It was a touching and a most intimate affair given its size – at least, that was the vibe I got from watching it online. Seeing the President and the First Family stand up to applaud our unsung heroes – from medical front liners to OFW’s – during the parade was but a humbling sight, and one that evoked gratitude. Truly, there is wisdom in humility. I was surprised with the inaugural speech of the President. Apart from its content and substance, its delivery was captivating. Having been involved in a lot of public speaking during my student days (and even now), these are things I appreciate and criticize, a bit too much even, and with all objectivity, President Marcos’s delivery of his inaugural speech was most impressive. His platform of, and desire for unity which over 30 million Filipinos heeded, and plea for, was once again pushed, and put forth at the forefront. His goals were clearly stenciled and laid out. He has a plan, and in a world that has been ridden with so much uncertainty in the past two years, the structure gave me hope. I was unexpectedly moved. I was awakened to the reality that plagues us, and as a Filipino citizen and a Catholic, I have pledged to heed the call of our duly elected President – to pray for him, “because his success, is the success of the Filipino people.”

To say that President Marcos, ever since his declaration to run for the presidency has been clad with controversy, and the worst possible things that could be said about him given his father’s role in Philippine history, is putting things extremely mildly. And to say that his administration does not have a grace or honeymoon period for transition is perhaps an accurate statement too. From day one, he is an ant under a microscope, whose every move is being watched by an audience of the staunchest critics, and admirers too.

So whether we spectate with skepticism and doubt, or conviction and pride, let us never forget what this election has taught us all – that the world is round, power is fleeting, politics is politics, and at the end of the day, despite our varying political colors, your real friends, and family, will always be there for you, as you should be there for them.

Mr. President, in very few words that echo yours, thank you for your sincerest trust and faith in the Filipino people – even to those who do not believe in, and doubt you. Your plate is at its fullest, and you have more to prove than any other president has had to. But God only gives the toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, and you are a part of his great plan for all of us. 

As a Filipino citizen, I soldier on with your call for unity, because after the most divisive campaign period, I now believe it is my duty as a citizen to help in my own way, in what you believe will heal our nation. I pray, that continues on, and transcends the rhetoric. I write this to remind everyone that the perpetuation of negativity, toxicity and hate will stunt our growth, and that it is prayer that will uplift us all. I continue to have high hopes for your plans, and may these come to fruition for the good of the Philippines. Mr. President, I pray for your success. I really do. I wish you well, and thank you, for making our dreams your dreams too.