Political Life

If RSR were alive, he'd be 65 yesterday. I realized that I am suddenly in a state of nostalgia, pain, and solitude.

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I would consider my stint in Aksyon as the start of my political life. When I say "my political life", it means:

a) Being involved in an organization that hones individuals to become future leaders;

b) being involved in an organization whose ideals, mission, vision are aimed at making the government better;

c) investing time, red and white blood cells (because of sleepless nights), talents, skills, and even money with the hope that through these contributions, you've shared a little for the betterment of the society; i

d) spending long-hours with people (friends, acquaintances, enemies, friends turned enemies, enemies turned friends à go figure) to discuss strategies, tactics, positions, and the likes;

e) sharing with people from all sorts of industries and social-strata, the mission and beliefs of the organization; and

f) being involved in a "brotherhood" that aims to make the people aware of the occurrences (both the good and the horrendous) hoping that they'll take part in nation-building.

It was a dream to become part of such organization. Back in high school, I was somehow active in school organizations (and even attempted to vie for a position in the SC). Yet, I missed being involved in such kind of organization in college (due to time, studies, 'inferiority complex', etc.). This is why my entry to Aksyon was really a great release of that political passion. The happiness I felt was really unexplainable -- I can't find the right words to express the bliss (sounds like being in love).

I've always respected and appreciated RSR even before I joined Aksyon. And, to become part of the organization he led is something really a dream come true. I never really had much of RSR face-to-face interactions with RSR but I've had several unforgettable encounters with him. I will never forget the amazements I had with all these encounters. He was a man who's really passionate about his mission on earth, a man who's really sincere of serving the people, and a man who really didn't hide his true colors (I can attest how frank he was and how he hated liars). He really had a lot of good plans for this country -- a blue print that's aimed at providing Filipinos a better place to live in.

It's really so unfortunate that he had to die early and fail to make his dream a reality. It's even more unfortunate that he died while the country's experiencing so much pain and trouble. It's unfortunate that he had left the country in the hands of atrocious leaders (bakit hindi na lang kasi sila ang namatay).

Somehow, RSR's mission on earth apparently wasn't the presidency. Along the way, he had performed his mission in life that is to inspire people to be aware, passionate, and active in participating in our country's affairs. I know he had touched the lives of a lot of people especially the youth. He had left a legacy of advocating for truth and justice. He had left a legacy of believing that there’s still hope for everyone.

While I consider Aksyon the start of my political life, it’s also the end of that political life. The death of RSR somehow served as the death of the organization. I’m not sure if RSR is happy with the “end” of his political party. The last time I’ve heard about Aksyon’s plan was during last year’s celebration of RSR’s birthday.

Where have all the people gone? I am not sure about the oldies of Aksyon. Well, except for SMR’s pronouncement of her candidacy, I don’t have any idea about the political plans of other senior Aksyon. On the other hand, as for the youth sector, well, we’ve also parted our ways. Luckily, Aksyon gave birth to different organizations. There’s Aksyon para sa Eduksyon and Action for Alternative Democracy. However, it’s quite sad that the young people who used to work together under Aksyon Kabataan have separated.

Aksyon started and ended my political life. Right now, I can’t imagine myself exerting the same passion and effort I did back RSR’s campaign days. I’ve yet to find a person who has the same (or at least close to) RSR’s beliefs. I feel like I am slowly becoming disillusioned of the country’s political affairs. Look at how other people see politics: there’s Manila’s Borgy Manotoc and Bulacan’s Richard Gomez (both underwear models) both rumored to vie for local positions this 2007.

But then, this seeming disenchantment shouldn’t thwart me from becoming a responsible Filipino. It shouldn’t hurdle me from contributing something to the society while I am also trying to nurture myself.

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Good enough, the eve of RSR's birthday served as a dawn for some sort of new hope for us Filipinos. The Supreme Court dismissed the "Sigaw ng Bayan" people's initiative. If he were alive, I believe he'd be happy too.

Happy Birthday RSR!