| revised version & under editing |
Annaliese Thalia is known for being an active member in the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Growing up from the conservative, yet a big, happy, and a loving family of the Executive Minister; her life revolves around school, ch...
Nasa loob kaming lahat ng BBM Headquarters dito sa Mandaluyong City. The inauguration was held smoothly right after the oath-taking at the headquarters ng Partido Federal ng Pilipinas along with it's members, and we're currently gathered together in a room of this new building, for something intriguing.
I was reading a transcript of my speech nung naalala ko yung mga nangyari weeks ago bago ang araw na eto...
⋯ flashback ⋯
All of us were in San Juan, together with the Gonzaga-Soriano couple for our family bonding. It's been a year since the lockdown, at ngayon lang din kami na nagkakatipon kina mommy. The kids we're happily playing together, while us adults are in the living room, catching up on our lives.
"You know, it's been years." I began that caught their attention. "With President Duterte trying his best to bring our country back to it's glorious state — may sumagi sa isip ko..."
"Wait— what d-do you mean?" mommy stammered.
"Kuya..." Irene softly noted.
I stood up from my couch and walked slowly to the huge, regal portraits of mommy and daddy, "You know that next year ay Elections, diba?" I asked with their heads nodding in response, "Well... we still have long way to reach the common goal for our country. Our government can't do this alone. And I believe that through uniting our Filipinos, I believe we can achieve a much better Philippines."
"And that's why..." I continued, then turning around to my family, "starting from today, I decided to run for President," I stated firmly, followed by silence enveloped in the air.
"Tito Bong, r-really?" Paul asked, and I nodded.
"Tito," Toni added.
"Ading ko," manang Imee began, worriedly, "d-di naman sa tutol kami dyan. Pero— a-are you sure about this? I mean, you know what happened 6 years ago," she added, mentioning the chaos nung 2016.
"Manang, Irene, Aimee, mom, everyone..." I took a deep breath at tinuloy ko sa pagsasalita, "I know what happened nung 2016 is traumatizing. And I know na baka mangyayari din. But, wala naman masamang subukan muli, diba? I believe God planned that for a reason. Tsaka, lalo na ngayon ay tinamaan tayo ng pandemya... I feel bad seeing all of our fellow Filipinos suffered. And I know by heart that we all want to make our country great again." I continued, slowly moving towards them.
"And I believe with all my heart that we can work together towards this shared goal. So—"
"Anak," mommy smiled, then held my hands, "go! If that's your goal, then you'll have my support. I can see that you have pure intentions to serve our country once again!" mommy joyously remarked.
"Ading ko naman!" manang exclaimed, sabay yakap niya sa akin, "Go lang! We're always with you!"
"You can do this, kuya!" Irene noted and pulled me for a hug.
I smiled with tears began to form in my eyes as I received more hugs from them, "T-thank you everyone. Thank you..."
⋯ end of flashbacks ⋯
"It's now your cue, honey," bulong ni Liza sa akin, signaling me to go at the front and begin my declaration speech.
Huminga ako ng malalim as I stood up from my seat, and slowly walking my way towards the platform — with my family, Atty. Vic, Anton, the members of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, as well as the media had their eyes on me, waiting for what will happen next.
Daddy... I know that you're always by my side... even after 36 years... I only wish that you're here today, I thought, while smoothening the creases of the papers I laid on the lectern...
"Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon."
"As I speak to you today, the Philippines faces one of the greatest tests in it's history. The global pandemic has raised to our country, destroying the lives of people, of families, of entire communities... and if we have learned anything... in the time of COVID, is it that each of us, no matter our station... is in need of our fellow Filipinos. We must face the challenges as ONE. As ONE COUNTRY... as ONE PEOPLE."
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"Together, we must work together towards the shared vision of our country through COVID, and beyond COVID. To find a way through this crisis, with a COMMON GOAL, a VISION, to guide us... and to lead us."
"I know, that it's this manner of unifying leadership that can lead us through this crisis. Get our people safely back to work, for all of us... to begin... to live our lives once again."
"And that is why I am, today announcing... my intention to run... for the PRESIDENCY of the Philippines, in the upcoming May 2022 Elections.*crowd cheering* "
"I will bring that form of unifying leadership back to our country. Hangad kong ibalik ang mapagkaisang paglilingkod nang magbubuklod sa ating bansa. Tayo'y magkaisa at magsama-sama tayong babangon mula sa hagupit na pandemya, babngon mula sa paglulukmok ng ating ekonomiya."
"Let us bring Filipinos back to one another in service of our country, facing the challenges and the crisis of the future together. Join me in this noblest of causes, and we will succeed..."
Finally, I'm closing this speech with these words — that I know it will have aplace in the hearts for our Filipinos:
"SAMA-SAMA TAYO BABANGON MULI!"
I received an applause and hugs from my family and friends afterwards as to show their support. Although I can feel that something good will come out, umpisa pa lang eto.
"Good luck, dad! We're always behind your back!" sambit ni Sandro nang yumakap sa akin.
"Thank you, Sands! And me and your mom are always with you on your journey to be the congressman," sabi ko naman, and I received a kiss on cheek from my son.
"I'm so proud of you, honey!" Liza exclaimed, teary-eyed while hugging me tapos niyakap ko rin pabalik.
"Thank you," I smiled lightly and planted a soft kiss on her forehead, "This is just the beginning, honey." I affirmed, then sighed. "If only Anna is here, makakaramdam ko yung good-luck hugs niya," I added, chuckling.
Liza's expression softened as I mentioned our daughter, "Kaya nga," she stated softly, "I miss our baby, so much," dagdag pa neto with her head lowered para 'di mahalata na iiyak na siya.
"Hon," I began, assuring, while I combed her hair with my fingers, "nararamdaman ko na makikita na natin siya muli.I don't know when or how, but — I know it will happen. 'Wag ka mag-alala, hon. Although pwede ko naman 'to gagawin pagkatapos na lang ng eleksyon, still — I have to. I just need to be careful. Baka pag naipalabas 'to ng media, sigurado ako that mapano 'di lang yung kaligtasan ng bata, I even put Ka. Eduardo and his family at risk, too," I stated.
"Hmmm... maybe you're right." Liza nodded, "but for now, let's enjoy this day," she smiled while cupping my face.
"I agree," saad ko, and we joined with the others in the luncheon party for the rest of the day.
