I write this article with some bias because I’m a member of a political party. But other than the bias, there’s something I want to share with you- an experience that is worth more than what candidates are willing to pay voters and more than the mileage an endorsement from any group can offer--- the opportunity to be with genuine change makers, in the form of some local candidates who may not have the financial means to compete against the bigger political machineries of the country but have the competence, the character and the commitment to serve the country genuinely.

The fact and that matter is that films that sell normally have repeats, part threes, part fours and even prequels. Why? Not that they just love the artists who portray the roles, but it is because of the failure of some to get over stories that made them believe in “kilig” and so-called “true love.”

Every week, I have been given the chance to write about the country, the society and the institutions that comprise our existence as Filipinos and as citizens of this world. It is bravery for such a man who has no formal training in writing to be given this privilege to speak in behalf of the youth, a sector so often mentioned as the hope of the motherland but so often burdened by unreasonable expectations.

A lot of social media users have already expressed their disdain and disappointment to Mr. Revillame over his actuations that he chose to divulge his reprimand against his co-hosts in public instead of resolving the issue behind the cameras.

I’d like to share this story to many out there who wish to run for a Student Council position, but do not have the means to compete with people who have undeniable charisma and parties with well-oiled political machinery.

The delegation was mostly from Europe, with sparse representation from countries in Latin America, North America, Oceania and Africa. I had the chance to come across many of the European contingent, most of who was also part of the Young European People’s Party. Perhaps, given the different feature I had, they took the initiative to introduce themselves to me and ask where I come from.

It is at this point that I realize why children don’t grow up the way their families expect them to be. It is also at this point that I realize that not all old people are real grown-ups. It is at this point that I realize that some young people are also victims of the failures they were made to commit.

This issue, the abusive use of political advertisements, campaign overspending and overpopulism by some candidates are major problems that still plague our electoral system.

If there are ordinary people who will not allow to be bought for one day and who will ask and demand from politicians services worth the amount some politicians take out of public funds they are elected in office, then patronage politics would be totally eradicated.

And so I take my cue from a political mentor and inspiration in saying “Institutions mold, influence and motivate behaviour.”

Amidst the various differences we have in experiences, personalities and stories, I’m quite sure a “common learning” can be reached.

Here are some of these I would like to share:

In the past week, we’ve seen how this face of democracy works, with the recent passing of the Reproductive Health Bill in the upper and lower house, on both the second and final reading. Though many are still contesting the acceptability of this measure, the majority had decided and unless the President knocks himself hardly on wood and the Supreme Court again goes on defiance mode against the Legislature, there is no stopping this bill from being passed and signed into law.