hope

Every corner in the world knows by now the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States and I am completely blown away by the Americans' love for the United States. I was this close into tears, seeing the drama this campaign had offered and although I wasn't entitled to vote, and is not American, I felt proud of this American achievement, alongside a tinge of jealousy. I wasn't even done with my homework but I stayed on CNN, waiting for both McCain and Obama's speeches and staring at Anderson Cooper every chance I get. (LOL) Obama's vision of hope moved a lot of people of every kind, encouraged almost everyone including me, who wished I could've joined the others in making this history and change the face of America. It helps that my current studies in American history, especially now that we are talking about slavery, gave me a clear idea of what this event actually meant and led me to empathize with the Americans more and taught me the impact of this huge milestone in history. What a big change, coming from an old Constitution that considered black people only three-fifths of a person.

At the back of my mind, I was asking myself when could my home country see a gleam of hope like this who could help the people believe in the nation again? But I'm still hopeful that day will come even if it'll take a really long while. Yes, there was jealousy, I didn't imagine people would be celebrating an election of a candidate: people were outside their houses, Times Square looked like it was New Year's eve, there were massive crowds waiting for Obama in Chicago and even Americans randomly making noise outside the White House. History in the making indeed, something I have personally never seen before.

This is just one of those moments when you remember exactly where you were, like seven years ago when the Twin Towers collapsed in New York City. But just to make this story short, I am hoping for the best of the United States, a place that is truly my second home.

Pallinnnnnn!

Before I even finish my Benjamin Franklin essay due tomorrow, I just needed to share this. This is brilliant!

Stuck in Time

I didn't know that until now there are still people who live such an old-school lifestyle. Yes, I know there are still indigenous people somewhere in the corners of the earth. But in the United States, a place of technology and advancement? Cuh-razy.



It felt like watching a period movie like Little Women and Pride and Prejudice. Seriously, I saw this in class when our professor made us watch a taped episode of Good Morning, America and we were all shocked to see how outrageous this thing seem. Haven't heard the news lately? Visit this site in case you're lost.

Children were taken from a polygamist house in Texas because of alleged physical abuse. Can you imagine, being brainwashed, stirring up your way of thinking about life and being a mother at the age of 13? Imagine a sixteen year old girl marrying a fifty year old DOM. It sure sounds gross. How could they ever live such lifestyle? I feel like they're stuck in time while all others leave them behind. Check those clothes and hair. I can never imagine myself being in a place like that.

You think they should still continue living this life? Win their battle for the custody of their children? Or just escape from the ranch?

Although I do believe it will be hard for the wives and children, I think it will be much better to escape from the ranch and live their own lives instead. I don't think they will be able to experience the beauty of life if they choose to stay in the polygamist house which is a far isolated closed surrounding.

What do you think?

---I bought Paramore's Riot today. I know it's a little late but I recommend you listen to it now. My apple's got pimped too! Shopping online is so sweet! Back to school tomorrow.

Today, I realized how dramatically disorganized my stuff are. I wish I had some OC-ness too so I could keep a neat and dainty room as much as possible.

I hope you get a good week! :)

On Politics

You know what's interesting? I never really had an interest in politics. Maybe a bit when I made a paper about Pork Barrel in Philippine Government. But for me it's something I already got sick of and would not dare ponder more on it. And how ironic it is because now that I want to vote and would like to participate with all the things concerning government and all the heavy politics there is, I just couldn't.

Last Monday, I was asked by my Journalism teacher if I was registered or if I was eligible to vote then I answered with a dumb "I don't know."

How dumb could I get? I should have told him that I wasn't even registered in my home country. Ha ha.

This is one of the few instances when I tend to lose my direction because this is not the place I originally come from so in one way or another, my identity's lost.

I am in America. And as much as I would like to be a Democrat and nominate Obama or Clinton, I couldn't.... yet. But I'm happy that I am at least aware of the primaries, caucuses and national conventions and that I know that the US will have a new president by November, whether he or she is a Republican or a Democrat.

I believe in Obama, but I think I am more on Hillary's side. And yes, I am not virtually a Republican so I don't have a favorite on their side. ;)
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On to the Philippines...

Maybe the constant reminder of my professors to be updated with the news roused the spirits of my political soul. It's not that I am belittling my homeland but with the little facts that I knew then, I turned my back on politics thinking it's all a game of corruption and distrust. That's what I actually hate: the continuing corruption that is setting the Philippines back further. If only someone could have a sense of nationalism and empathy, then that person could help the country win back the pride of its people. Filipinos deserve better than just taking pride on fellow country men's achievement in the Entertainment world. We could be more than just YouTube Stars, Ellen Degeneres Show guests or boxing champions. We could be more than just performers. But hey, I'm not saying I'm against the craft. I'm just saying, I could bump into a Filipino someday who has become famous in the fields of science, medicine or even politics, you know what I mean?

Now that's a nice dream, eh? I just don't want another "Okay before we go any further, can I check your diplomas because I would just like to make sure that they're not just from some med school in the Philippines," with the index finger pointed to the doctor on another TV series.

It just doesn't sound right.