2016: A Year of Change
December 21, 2016
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2. 2016 Philippine Presidential Elections (May 2016)
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Yet, let's take a little throwback to some life-CHANGING events this 2016:
1. Brutal Dispersals or Massacres (Kidapawan: April 1, 2016; US Embassy: October 19, 2016)
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Throughout Philippine History, these kinds of dispersals and massacres were not already special or new in the same sense: Mendiola to Luisita, and recently in Kidapawan and in the US Embassy. This reality of neglecting the prowess and sacrifices of farmers, indigenous peoples, and protesters, really changed the course of the 2016 Philippines. For the sake of gaining the rightful fruits of labor, the North Cotabato farmers, ironically, were given bullets and firearms just to pacify their cries of need.In the same way with those in the Roxas Boulevard, just upholding their rights and priviliges. Maybe these happenings were just the wake-up calls to us, not just Filipinos but to everyone, that upon beholding these events, we are called to be critical, but not brutal.
2. 2016 Philippine Presidential Elections (May 2016)
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One of the most divisive yet entertaining elections. Ever. The 2016 Presidential elections itself was a color-coded election: Red, Blue, Yellow, Orange, and White were some of them. The candidates (L-R: Binay, Duterte, Poe-Llamanzares, Roxas, Defensor- Santiago) were a deck of cards, in my point of view. Some were the aces, some were kings and queens, but some just have the numbers. Principles and popularity were some of the great factors of course but what made this special? I think is their sayings, vulgar words, taglines, pick-up lines, and "batuhan ng putik" attitude towards each other.
3. The Duterte Administration
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And so did the elections ended. Rodrigo Roa Duterte of Davao City hailed to the throne of Malacanan. His charisma, postures, and vulgar words were some of his unique features that can either dismay or even entertain you. But on the heavier note, his war against drugs is what makes it a show. The numbers rise day by day as it was like the sun reaching to its peak. The International Community is alarmed what is happening within this country as they broadcast their statements against the said war. The economic programs and partnerships are also highlighting the infancy of the administration: "Ending" the economic relationship with the United States and inclining the economy with China and Russia, to mention some. It's really an amusement park of events for the Duterte Administration. I think you and I expect a roller-coaster ride with the next years to unfold.
4. International Pageant Winnings (Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss World)
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Got your eyes stucked? I know you had it at least for a while. These three, beautiful, Filipina beauties just manifest how beautiful and blessed the Philippines is in terms of beauty and brains. Pia Wurtzbach got the Miss Universe crown last December 2015, Megan Young got the Miss World crown last 2013 though, and Kylie Verzosa got the Miss International crown and the Miss World 2016 just recently. These three women were proofs of how the Filipinos in totality showcases beauty, grandeur, and wisdom yet "confidently beautiful with a heart".
5. The FIBA Olympic Qualifiying Tournament (Mall of Asia Arena, July 2016)
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Got physicality? Got shooting skills? Got the passion? You're indeed a basketball fan if you have. Basketball is one of the most, if not the most, loved sport of the Philippines. The FIBA OQT 2016 just shaped the sporty side of not just every Filipino but even just an enthusiast. Even though have fallen short, the Philippine team sealed their statement of "PUSO!": A top caliber against the world's best, and a great competitor in the world's grandest stage. Basketball doesn't just unifies the country, it rejuvenates the nation.
6. Deaths of famous personalities (Miriam Santiago, German Moreno)
To lose is to give up, and giving up is to surrender. These people in the likes of Miriam Defensor-Santiago, German Moreno, Ronnie Nathanielsz, and Ernesto Maceda, have made some of the greatest impacts in Philippine timeline. To lose these people is such a heartbreaking strike yet it will teach us lessons and how to preserve their certain legacies. May they guide us from the Heavens above and may they rest in the light of God's love. Hats off fellas!
Then there we are! Did I miss some? I think so because as I said, it's one hell of a year! May we reflect on the happenings unfolding before us more especially to the personal ones. 2016 is indeed a great year! 2017, here we come!
That's the first step on water. Walk in Faith. Start the Mission!
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