untouchable

2

Your friends made do with their words that they will register to be volunteers for Leni-Kiko's campaign for the 2022 Elections. You told your parents about it, they were excited for you as they themselves will volunteer through their own means. Your father already had a tarpaulin printed out and taped to his tricycle, proudly playing Leni campaign jingles as well on his bluetooth speakers as he drives around passengers. Ray and your mother also adorned the front of your house with Leni-Kiko posters as well as some of the TRoPang Angat senatoriables to show their support for the candidates. Your house might be the only rose among the thorns as most of your neighbours were supporting the other camp. Ray and Amihan (the third child) also signed up for the local chapter of 'Youth for Leni-Kiko' on your barangay.

The car you're in is loud and full of energy as you're all driving to Leni-Kiko Volunteer HQ in Katipunan. You're needed there for the briefing and such, since this campaign would consist of mostly house-to-house campaigning, therefore heart-to-heart talks with people of all classes and ages. Your family house isn't too far from the headquarters, as you live on the nearby barangay.

Your friends' energies increased tenfold once you all sighted the headquarters, groups of artists are now painting their own murals all over its walls. Sugi parked his car kinda far away as the place isn't as big and can't accommodate all private vehicles. Shein and JD are swaying their arms in the air, singing 'Kay Leni Tayo' for probably the 203 billionth time, walking ahead; Aries and Sugi side hugging each other behind them, and you're mutely following along.

You all were pointed at a tent, where all the volunteer groups are gathered for the briefing. You and your friends signed up as individuals, not joining an organization or group, so your positions would be uncertain. It's both thrilling and nerve-wracking for you.

Shein and JD being the ever social butterflies, already made small talks with other people there, Aries and Sugi lost in their own worlds, and you, just standing and looking around. Your eyes landed on the artists making murals, smiling at the sight, bringing a nostalgic feeling to you. You used to be a member of an artist organization in college. Being a PUPian, you have activist roots.

Loads of people discouraged you then, that joining such org is a waste of time. But as someone who belongs to the lowest section of the triangle, you know the class struggle well and thus, it added to your passion to sign up for the org. You always paint murals with other members, or express your criticisms for the administration through various art forms like effigies, posters, sculptures, pubmats, and such. Your participation also nurtured your own leadership and conversational skills. You weren't an art student, you didn't pursue that passion of yours, art can't really pay the bills if you don't have connections. It also takes a while before you can build a name and a network for yourself, and you can't afford to wait that long. Joining that org let you contribute your art and talent, and it gave you some semblance of self during those times. Perhaps, when things are better for you, you will truly follow your bliss.

The ruckus died down when a figure approaches the tent.

"Hello, magandang hapon sa inyong lahat! Ako si Aika Robredo, anak ni Leni. Sobrang nagpapasalamat kami sa paglaan ninyo ng oras sa pag-volunteer para sa kampanya na ito at sa pagtindig kasama namin." Aika's clear voice rang out the space.

You note that Miss Aika sounds so much like her mom, the cadences, the words, it's like listening to VP Leni. But even though she's VP Leni's mini version, Aika is still her own person. She can also command the whole room with little to no effort. It's truly amazing to listen to her talk, her eyes conveying her message, too. She's sincere but also authoritative, gentle but fierce, calm but assertive. She's truly inspiring.

"So, ayun lang naman. Medyo maraming kailangan asikasuhin around the place. Pero mamaya-maya, darating si Sir Raffy para ibigay 'yung possible roles na p'wede niyong i-assume. I would suggest na 'yung mga individual volunteers, magbuo na ng support group para na rin hindi daunting 'yung mga susunod na araw at hindi kayo nagiisa sa mga future H2H. If there are any questions, you can approach me, or Sir Raffy. Thank you so much!" She finished with a smile.