Politics Rocks Papa's and Our World.

Taken during New Year 2000.

(A year before Papa took the plunge and joined the crazy world of local small town Pinoy Politics)

I love this picture of my Maming and Paping. They look super happy and stress-free here. . . I hope they're feeling that way everyday. Problem free. But, who are we kidding? With Papa in politics, stress and problems abound. I feel like it's robbing them and us, the entire family, the comfort we all deserve. Papa always tells us though, that, this is how public service is. It is not always glamorous. It is a lot of sacrifice. It comes with so much intrigues and disagreements. You can never please everybody. No matter how pure your intentions are, there will always be doubting Thomases and people who refuse to see the good in you. Many would even try to pull you down, if not bury you alive.

I do understand that once you join politics you kinda end up becoming public property, because you are a public servant. But, still, it just pains me to see people betray my father; to hear people question Papa's sincerity to serve; to know that many are out to destroy him and every project he has for the town. It's just not right. He deserves appreciation and respect. A man who aims to serve to the best of his ability and a man who wishes to leave a beautiful legacy should get support and respect. But, no, in our country, those people are booted out, pushed away or forced to leave so that all the "trapos" and crooks could run the show. We, the kids, have selfishly begged Papa a dozen times, to give this up. We told him he could now relax, perhaps travel, and still help Mainit in his own little way as a private citizen. The fighter in him, tells us though, "I am not giving up. I am not letting these bad elements win. If all the sincere, hard-working, honest people in the community give up, then, what will happen to the rest of us? I know it's hard for everyone in the family right now. But one day, you will see clearly and understand." So here we are, supporting him all the way. We are all behind him in this fight. We believe in him. We know that he truly cares about finishing his projects. I just hope one day, those who block his proposals/projects, would get their senses back and realize that these are all for the betterment of all Mainitnons. It would be a really great news if one day, they would cooperate and stop thinking about their own egos, pride, ambitions and self interests. Our town would surely benefit and progress shall come fast. At the rate they're going, this may sound unachievable. . . but we are made of those people who never lose hope and who continue to dream. ALL THESE CHAOS SHALL PASS. ONE DAY, ALL THINGS WILL BE SWEET AND ALL DREAMS WILL COME TRUE. Because we believe and we got the faith.

Photo by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan