Philippine National Elections (But I casted my vote in Japan)

This year's presidential elections took a toll on us. With social media magnifying the bickering of the presidential supporters, one can't help but be ashamed of what we have become as citizens. Anyhow, instead of spending time arguing on who to vote for, I just made sure that I exercised my right of suffrage.

Since I am in Japan, the process is a bit different. We received our ballots via mail two weeks prior to the election day. The envelope contained 4 documents. 1. the ballot, 2. the seal, 3. the return envelope, and 4. the instructions.

After voting for my chosen candidates, I folded the ballot and inserted it in the return envelope. I closed it and sealed it properly. I dropped it in the nearest post box on the same day. It has to be mailed soon so it reaches the embassy on or before May 9th. Another option for us was to go to the embassy and cast our votes there.

Also, I could only vote for national government positions - president, vice president, 12 senators, and a party list. If I am in the Philippines, I can vote for local positions - mayor, vice mayor, city councilors, congressman, and board members.

Our elections is really personal since we our involved in electing even the highest government position. This is the democratic process. That is why it is important that we look at the candidates closer and listen to their platforms. I only had two criteria in choosing who to vote for. One must have a platform on education reform or upgrading the quality of education in the Philippines. And the other is, faith. God is still the highest authority over all the earth. God bless the Philippines!

Panggaon nato ang Pilipinas!

Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas!

Let's love the Philippines!

💚💕

Comments

Filipino Stores and Restaurants in Tokyo

For somebody who craves for Filipino food and snacks from time to time, here are the stores I frequent to. I can only share a limited perspective but solely based on my experiences. Read on! Filipino Stores 1. Asia Yaosho (Kabukicho, Shinjuku) While they mostly have Filipino products, they also sell Thai goods. I think their prices are a little lower than the other Filipino stores I've tried. However, they have limited stocks and they often run out of items that I usually need, like Bearbrand. 😁 Credits: This photo is from this website . 2. Ameyoko Center Underground Marekt (Ueno) This market is heaven for Southeast Asians. They have a lot of varieties, dry goods, frozen meat, and even fresh seafood. There are also two Filipino stores in the area. They sell more items than Asia Yaosho but they are a bit pricey. Credits: Photo is from this website. The market is underground. The entrance is on the side of this building at the center of this photo. 3....

Seven

Favor! As I was preparing to apply for this job, I felt that certain peace and assurance that this would go well. True enough, I got shortlisted for an interview. But it wasn't only an interview, there was also a written exam and a teaching demo. All happened in one day. Then the waiting starts. Two months to be exact. This position isn't always available. It's uncertain how many teachers the city would accept in a year. And a lot of us would want to get in. The perks and benefits that come along this direct employment are something foreign workers are longing to have. Then they called me and told me I was first on the waitlist. We were all put on the waitlist. I heard there were over a hundred applicants. Less than half got called for an interview. Then about twenty were considered for the position. But it was still uncertain how many of the twenty will successfully sign a contract. Another week passed when I finally received a mail. It was the contract package. Then they ...

But Before Summer

Today, I held back my tears as I was watching my student hitting his head while saying, 'Atama ga warui' which literally means 'My head is bad'. The more precise translation would be 'I'm stupid' or 'I'm dumb'. The students were using their school provided tablets to do some listening tasks and yet this particular student was just carelessly tapping the screen, opening random school apps. So I approached him and tried to help him navigate the school portal. And as soon as we could open his digital workbook, I left him so he could find the pages and the audio file on his own. I went around the class to help the other kids. But I would from time to time check on that student at a distance. Then not long, he started hitting his head again and repeatedly telling himself 'I'm dumb'. It was so painful to watch. But then suddenly one classmate sitting next to him stood up and helped him and another one followed. I was moved by such sight. H...

Kape at Keso

Search This Blog