Post-Election Thoughts and Everything in Between

Hi Guys!


Since the election yesterday was automated, results have been swift and some candidates have been announced as winners in other cities and provinces. This is my first time to vote. I have experienced "voting" but it was a very small scale kind of "government". I practiced that kind of "suffrage" in school and I was really active back then and somehow, it fueled my interest politics that's the reason why I usually watch the news, read the paper and took up Political Science.

I really wanted to participate this time and exercise my right to suffrage as I know my vote might make a difference. Months leading up to the election, I have planned on really reading up on the candidates, researching on  their backgrounds and qualifications so I will have a determinant on why I should choose them. Unfortunately, I have been busy with work and I was not able to research on my candidates like I have planned to do. However, since articles, news is a click away, I got to read up on a few candidates when I have time at work. I would also check the surveys to gauge the candidates. Days leading to the election, I relied on a few read-ups and my conviction. Most of all, I prayed before entering the precinct and before shading the names of my candidates.

My experience, however, is one for the books. Given that I woke up late, I expected there was a long queue  leading to the precinct. Oh boy, was I in for a surprise! I went with my sister since it was also her first time to vote and we are registered on the same precinct. From the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) website, we were assigned to vote at Buntatala- Tagbak Elementary School. When we went there, our names weren't on the list. We were informed that they separated the Tagbak voters into another school. So my sister and I went back and proceeded to another school and gladly found our name. What surprised us was the long queue! Good thing those in line are disciplined and did not cause everyone too much trouble.

The queue from where I sat.

Just to keep us hydrated, I bought soda and water for the both of us. While waiting, we kept looking at our phone just to remember our "lineup" for the Senatorial race and the local council, and played Candy Crush on our phone! My sister and I waited in line for a total of 2 hours and after a few minutes, we were done!

At long last! Votes counted. 

I don't know about your experience, but overall mine was pleasant. I am pleased that I voted and that most of the candidates I voted for won. Nobody bribed nor paid me to vote for them. At least my hope in my chosen candidates did not wane.

Did you go out and vote?

xx,
L

Election 2013

Hi Guys!

Today is a monumental day for my country. We are having the national elections and this will be my first time to vote. I'm 25 years old and I had myself register only three years ago. It's not that I do not want to exercise my right to suffrage but I was not really a fanatic of the whole election carnival that we experience. I had a few people whom I admire that were not given the chance and although I don't think my vote would make a difference, I think it would've made me feel better to stand behind people whose causes I believe are worth fighting for.

On the way home last night, we had a discussion in the car on who we would vote. The four of us (Mom, Me, my sister and my fiance) all had different views on each politician and we have different criteria in gauging who gets our vote. Religion and family ties do not necessarily dictate who we should vote. I believe that it is with strong conviction that we get to choose, and it is with hope that we chose the right one.

I wish and pray that all of us get to have that strong conviction today and hope for a peaceful election. Go out and vote! :)

xx,
L

Mother's Day

Hi Guys! 

For this year's celebration, we went to Church and had dinner afterwards. Mother's day is one occasion that I look forward to. I usually love any occasion that can make me buy gifts. I love buying gifts. This year though, we weren't able to decide on a gift for my mom. I have decided to buy my mom a gift on her birthday, which is next month. Of course, mother's day won't be complete without a mother's day card. 

Right after Church service, we went to Lamesa Grill for dinner. We went home after that. But for now, here's what we had: 

    Scallops in garlic and butter

    Prawns with lots and lots of garlic! ❤

    Pinatayong Manok

    Banana and Mango Crepe

And here's who I went with:

    My sister, brother and my mom. 

    Me and my better half.❤ 

How did your mother's day go? ☺

Xx,

L

Pre-Mother's Day Thoughts

Mother's Day has been one of the occasions that my family always celebrate. It's an occasion we can express how we love and care for our mothers. My siblings and I would always buy a greeting card and if we'd have extra cash, we throw in a little present for our mom. 

My mom is not perfect, but knowing her all these years has made me realize that I do not need a perfect mother. What I need is someone who is loving, caring and understanding- and my mom's all that and so much more. Sure, we've had disagreements and arguments and my teenage self would make a big deal out of it but now I'm just thankful that we have the same level of respect and understanding that we do not allow a little misunderstanding get in the way of our relationship.

As time goes by, I have had a new appreciation for my mom and the effort she puts in to keep our family together despite trying times. And as I am about to embark on a new life soon, I truly am grateful that my mom still loves me even if I make a lot of mistakes and made her cry. Moms are truly God's blessing to us children.

Advance happy mother's day to all the moms out there! ❤ 

Xx,

L

Professional Crossroad

While driving earlier to work, I kept thinking about my professional life/career. I love love my job and the company I'm working for. As it is one of the best and leading companies, it is such an honor to work here. Unfortunately as I am just a project hire, there's this slim chance of me being regularized (ever) and of course, be given a raise. I have been working here for a little over a year. I  have ups and downs but I manage pretty well. If I did not have fun as much as I am now, I would have been gone a long time.


As a worker or employee, you would want to seek a better opportunity. Far more better and greater than the last one. I am still holding on as there is a new project and there might be a chance I get promoted or be regularized with full benefits. While I'm all up for that, there's this long grueling process of proving yourself to everyone that you're worth that promotion so to speak. I really want the promotion and I know they're eyeing me because I'm a pioneer employee. The thing is, I'm not that motivated to really get it. Slowly, I've started to come to work early and initiated meetings and calibrations, etc but that's that. Well, we'll see how things would go. I haven't found an absolute or formidable fallback yet but I'll take each day as it is and test the waters then.

Xx,
L

Happy Labor Day!

Hi guys!


So today, we are commemorating Labor Day here in the Philippines. Usually, my family goes to the beach to unwind. For this year, I spent it differently. I went to a co-worker's wedding. They had such a nice and light wedding. It was fun. Simple, but no pressure. She's the second one in the office to get married. It was nice to see all her hard work unfold and she looked really happy! For me, joy is contagious. If a person or two have true and sincere joy, you will feel it. I felt it with them. They were just so happy and content.

It is truly amazing to witness a wedding of two people sincerely in-love. The joy and contentment I see in them makes the experience even more meaningful.


How was your labor day?

P.S.

Here are a few photos from the wedding! ❤


Xx,
L