I turned eighteen almost a year ago. It marked a myriad of things- liberated drinking, criminal prosecution and most importantly, voting. I’ve been waiting to participate in our democratic government. And now, I’m really excited to choose my first President. No clear choice has emerged but I’m vigilantly scouting for the right one. Nothing underscores my excitement more than my experience on November 4, 2008 in a foreign nation. Hopefully, I relive the victory of the 44th President of the United States of America in the Philippines.
I remember every detail of November 4, 2008. It was a Tuesday. When I left my dorm heading straight for class that cloudy morning, everyone spent a few minutes voting electronically. The voting booths reminded me of the instant photo booths found in malls. After voting, I saw a number sport “I voted for Obama” stickers like it was the latest fashion trend. I told myself, I’ll have a sticker on my shirt next year!
Most of the day was pretty uneventful until the evening when more and more of the states sent in their results. That night, my team practiced for a Management 100 presentation for Thursday. We met up at 10pm in Huntsman Hall. While we took the practice seriously, everyone knew we desired watching CNN instead. I glanced at my cellphone constantly hoping friends would text great news. After an hour, we were finally done.
And then, a little after 11pm, Barrack Obama was announced President-Elect. Around 140 years after the American Civil War and 40 years after the Civil Rights Era, an African-American finally took the highest office in the country.
I didn’t know the news then but I walked out excited for the results. Out of nowhere, a group of blue-shirted young Democrats came running out of a room with “Yes We Can” banners. I shouted to one, “Did Obama win?”
“Yeah, he did,” he screamed back as he raced out the door. With no other words to describe my feeling, nakilig ako.
I immediately went back to the room trying to contain my excitement because my roommates are Republican. I mentioned Obama winning to my roommate and quietly left again. On the other hand, my good friends down the hall voted for Obama so I paid them a congratulatory visit.
Once they opened the door, we greeted each other with a “We did it” scream. I went in as they did what most college students do close to midnight when they’re extremely excited and restless. Homework, of course! But I refused to let this night be about homework. Luckily, I only had one class the day after.
We had to go somewhere. We needed to celebrate. After some persuasion, I convinced my friends to leave the room. We were going out, nowhere in particular. While I waited for them to get their coats, people started screaming outside, across dorms and across buildings. I, too, greeted the people outside through the window 8 floors up. Woooo!
It was close to midnight but the party was just beginning.
Leaving tomorrow’s work behind, we waited impatiently for the elevator. Unsurprisingly, Obama supporters already filled the elevator when it reached our floor. Then, commotion filled the lobby of our high-rise dormitory. Students were rushing out like kids chasing to see Santa’s sled.
In a few minutes, a huge mob congregated outside our building. Everyone was shouting and chanting hysterically. Those who stayed in their rooms, cheered us on through their windows. As high as the 24th floor, I saw people waving, shouting and taking pictures.
“Yes, we can,” “Obama,” and senseless shrieks of joy filled the air as we all continued to shout, jump and dance. Then, we started walking. I didn’t know where we were going but I followed the excited mob. We walked past countless off-campus apartments as we cheered Obama on. Students living off-campus were waiting for us by their doorstep. A “Yes We Can” scream greeted an “Obama” chant.
Our dangerous neighborhood transformed into a welcoming family of Obama supporters that night. Drivers greeted the mob with blaring honks and flashing lights. Others stopped in the middle of the road to hug the supporters. I remember hearing a police car blast its sirens to greet us.
We walked to city hall that night, twenty blocks away from my dorm. Shouting and cheering accompanied us all throughout. Once there, dozens started dancing. Others sang and a good number wept tears of joy.
At around 1am, I walked back home with my friends. On the way back, I met my Management teammate wearing her “Yes, We Can!” shirt. She was just heading out. That night etched a permanent memory in my mind.
I didn’t vote for Obama; I couldn’t. And, even if I could vote, I wasn’t sure if I would have voted for him. But I definitely knew what his victory meant. He wasn’t just campaigning for Democrat ideals; instead, he also symbolized New America, where race was a matter of the past. And by winning, he proved this once and for all.
His campaign revitalized the youth as an important demographic in the national elections. In America, exit polls showed the youth comprised 18%. After some research, I found out the youth will comprise 60% of voters next year.
Obama connected with the youth. He utilized technology to reach out to them. Unsurprisingly, he had most of their support. In fact, the youth vote won a number of battleground states. He shared in the youth’s sense of idealism without forgetting the harsh realities of aging America. His victory was much awaited.
As more politicians increase their media exposure, I wonder what role the youth will play next year. Will a candidate reach out to us with truth and sincerity or will we only hear empty promises in awe-inspiring speeches?
I hope to see a Philippine President’s victory carry significance like Obama’s. But instead of symbolizing America’s advancement on racial discrimination, my President symbolizes the victory of idealism and truth over despair and corruption. Until then, I won’t be part of a midnight mob on the streets of Manila.
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I wrote this a year ago before the Philippines had a new President, before Noynoy won. While I was a little dismayed by how easily people wanted to vote for him because of his name, I think he comes to represent an ideal they saw that I missed. Reading about what he’s been doing and excited about the State of the Nation address, I wonder if President Noynoy is the President I write about.
