HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE:OUR NEW ABNORMAL In line with this year’s election fever, the Manila Bulletin launched it’s #MatalinongBotoParaSaMagandangBukas campaign; and one of the video content we created is now available on our MB website, and on our social media platforms. To be transparent, we actually agonized for weeks over the subject matter of the concept of the video, and revised it several times — in order to have it impart the right message and tone, and to hopefully, be one that’s all inclusive and cautionary. It’s not the Manila Bulletin trying to define what is an intelligent vote, or conjuring a vision of what that beautiful tomorrow will look like. Voters have a right to make their choices, and we know all too well how one man’s manna from heaven, can be the next person’s definition of the crappiest food to digest. Partisan politics is forever etched in the framework of democracy, and we Filipinos love being loud, volatile, and passionate about our “manoks” (candidate of choice). Emotions run high when it comes to Philippine politics; and rationality, dispassionate discourse, or reasoning aren’t measuring sticks of what transpire as we slowly advance to that fateful Election Day of May 9th. Talking of history, intelligent choices, or the truth staring you in the face, are all useless arguments when the one you’re trying to convince is as committed as you are to his or her choice. It only exacerbates the situation when the implication is made that the other person’s choice is an obviously stupid choice, and that just makes both sides dig even deeper with their respective commitments. How do you even argue when some voters simplify the choice by saying it’s the winning choice, and they’re not going to miss the ride or be on the wrong bandwagon? A simple, yet inescapable truth, is that being on the losing side, no matter how “honorable,” is something most people would want to avoid. Plus when you factor in that they genuinely believe it’s the right choice for them, there’s no getting around the fact that you’re at loggerheads, and there’ll be no budging of an inch. BEHIND THE SCENES, at the Manila Bulletin video shoot for the election campaign period. Reminding us all that it’s ultimately about respecting the opinion of all. It was the observation of our President Emil Yap, that helped pave the way for our video’s underlying concept. He was commenting about how sad it was that the fiercely emotional nature of this presidential election was turning stalwart friends into enemies, how people on social media were playing a cancel game with otherwise friends, just because these friends were on opposite political camps. And trust me, I wholeheartedly share his opinion; as I’m witness to so many acquaintances on these social media platforms, whether Facebook or Instagram, turn vicious and vindictive over political affiliations. I really hate it when one side feels they have the monopoly on reason, morality, or rightness. And what really got to me was the aforementioned vindictiveness — how one should boycott this or that company simply because they’re earning a living by working with the “other side.” If you were talking Russia vis-a-vis the Ukraine, I could even comprehend how certain decisions or choices are made in the name of humanity and/or peace. But this election of our’s is the very essence of the democracy we claim to hold so dear; and yet, some of the very so-called democracy “champions” are the very ones acting like prosecutor, judge, and jury in one person. It’s quite unfortunate that this would be our scenario, and worse, that we see it straining friendships that were built up over decades. And for what? The truth is that for the vast majority of Filipinos, and I do feel it bears being said, who’s sitting in Malacañang may not necessarily make a difference in their lives. We just hope for the best, that the ones occupying the Palace will be doing their utmost to improve our lives as a whole, and set the framework for a future our children and children’s children can look back, and be grateful for. I’m turning 67 this month, and I’ve seen so many administrations come and go. I don’t think any of our newly elected Presidents assumed office thinking, “Let’s see how much of a mess I can make during my term.” I’d like to think all of them had the self-realization of the responsibility they were taking on, and had the best of intentions. And sure, I’ll grant you that things may have gone wrong, haywire, or ruled by inertia — you can take your pick on characterizing the Presidents we’ve had. But in the end, post-May 9th, it’s about respecting what the voting results are, and getting behind the choice so that we make the best of it. Through the metaphor of how one creates the best halo-halo, the MB video explores how it’s about respecting the choices of each and every one; and being reminded that friendships and relationships should trump political affiliations any day of the year.