Rallies of Hope

April 21st, 2010
photo archives

Hi all,

As a gesture of distaste against all the black propaganda on the news (especially those directed against K.), I thought I’d take a step back and write about the good things the campaign has shown me – particularly what I’ve experienced during the rallies in recent months. It always feels good to know that, despite the sweltering heat of summer, the events Noy and I have attended have been a constant sea of yellow volunteers and supporters. Here are just a few interesting anecdotes among the hundreds worth sharing:

In Bacolod, a girl asked me to sign her hand-held Nintendo with a felt-tip pen! I think that’s the first time I’ve ever signed something like that, haha. Whenever Noy and I get requests like these, we feel flattered and deeply honored that people believe that we can make a difference. Make no mistake that if we get elected, we certainly will.

In Naga, an old man, without saying his name, gave me an envelope and simply said, “para sa kinabukasan ng aking mga anak.” Without knowing what it contained, I smiled, accepted, and he left right after. A few days later I opened the envelope to find a P100 bill. I wish that he had left contact details so that I could, at the very least, say thank you. It means a lot to me that people are contributing their time and money to help our government move away from its current system of corruption and deceit. One time in a rally, even a street vendor came over to give me packets of great tasting chicharon!

It’s hard to explain the sheer number of people who attended the recent San Carlos City rally in Negros Occidental. As soon as we entered through the backdoor, we were shocked to see so many people! After walking around for 10 minutes seeing so many happy faces, hearing the chants, and smiling at the people taking pictures, we were suddenly asked to stop. Yun na pala yung dulo ng stage… at sa sobrang dami ng tao, maski yung stage mismo puno! Amazing!

These touching and humbling moments of the campaign show that, despite the black propaganda being waged on the web and outside of it, there are better things to talk about. And these are the things that matter. These stories show that an election campaign takes us out of our routine and forces us to make a choice. Each of us makes this choice not just for our own sakes but also for the entire country. Out of these individual efforts and sacrifices do we build our democracy and ultimately our nation. Seeing people make these choices and going out there with us to change the course of this country is an inspiring experience! That, for me, is the hallmark of this campaign.

Maraming salamat po.
M.

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  • nielmejares

    GOOD DAY SEN.MAR ROXAS,POLITICS IN OUR COUNTRY SEEMS SHOWING ATITUDES OF DISRESPECT TO FELLOW CANDIDATES AND ALWAYS ATTACKING ON ISSUES WE CALLED (BELOW THE BELT)..MY EARNEST DESIRE SEN.MAR IS FOR YOU TO ALWAYS ASK GOD FOR WISDOM.FOR YOUR FUTURE DECISIONS IN LIFE.DO IT IN PRAYER..WE CAN'T DO IT BY OUR HUMAN POWER.A GOOD LEADER MUST LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF GOD..EVEN IN THE BIBLE THOSE GOD-FEARING LEADERS OF ISRAEL NEEDS CONSTANT AND STRONG FAITH IN GOD.THAT IS FOR THEM TO STAY IN THE PERFECT WELL OF GOD.THANK GOD K IS A GOOD WIFE.PAOLO IS A HANDSOME SON,LIKE DAD MAR..I WAS TOUCHED BY THE FACT,YOUR DAD WAS ONE OF THE VICTIMS OF THE PLAZA MIRANDA BOMBING…GOD WILL BLESS A MAN WITH A HEART OF COMPASSION AND GOD-CENTERED LIFE..IN JESUS NAME..WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE..KAY MAR ROXAS TIYAK ANG ASENSO….PRAISE GOD..HALELUIAH..

  • josephine acosta pasricha

    Hi, Philippines:
    These are very powerful stories of hope for change management and transformational leadership. But please sign your name as Mar Roxas, not just M, spell our your name during the campaign, because M will not be counted as vote.
    Mabuhay, Philippines.

  • AMTA

    Great musings. I'm glad you took a few minutes to savor and reflect on these little moments, these experiences that make all your sacrifices throughout the campaign truly worth it. Found your entry really touching… On a side note, I'm actually flying back to Manila from the US next week for a quick vacation so I can be there for the elections. Can't miss casting my vote for you and Noy!

  • mylene l. infante

    I really believe that you and Noy can make a difference… Let us work hand in hnd in re-building our nation… God bless

  • abvillacorte

    My partner and I are very proud to be volunteers of the tandem Noynoy-Mar. We really believe that you guys can make a difference. A lot of the people have asked how much you guys pay volunteers like us. To borrow your line, my husband replied “Bayan muna, bago sarili. We are volunteers, kusang loob namin itong ginagawa, walang bayad.” More power to you Mr. Palengke and will see you at the headquarters in Cubao!!

  • mina_tizon

    I just had this dream of Noynoy and yourself which aroused me from slumber. Trying to determine things why such would occur wherein I certainly don't know you personally, well, I guess that's it, the answer to my query, “who is worthy of my vote?”, modesty aside, i could influence my friends and family and others as well as ordinary people whom i really care about rather than the ones who are being dealt with tornadoes in their heads….probably because they know i have a word of “honor” and never forsake them in my own ways…and as well as yourself and Noynoy..i know you'll make a big difference on our country, it couldn't happen overnight, but eventually and gradually, you both will. Wag nyo po sana kaming biguin lalo na ang malilit…marami na po akong nasaksihang di magaganda, magagarang bahay na ganito lang ang sweldo pero sandamakmak ang kotse't bahay kaliwa't kanan. Kawawa naman po ang gumagawa ng tama at ang mga sumusunod sa batas. Solid po kaming magkakaibigan nung elem/high school sa pagsuporta sa inyo dahil naniniwala po kami sa inyong “puso”..God bless you and God bless our country.

  • Miraculous Angel

    Whatever people say against U and NOY kayo pa rin ang iboboto namin because i believe that U both carry in Ur system the POWER of GOD that will always lead U to do good and the POWER of pure BLOOD that will always remind U that U have their legacy to inspire U to do Ur best not only for Urselves but to Ur countrymen,so i know that GOD will not despair U of Ur longings.I like Madam Hontiveros,WOW,i like the way she answers questions and allegations,ang lakas ng dating at ang galing talaga.I pray that U all win and sana d na maulit ang pandaraya.Mas marami pa rin ang naniniwala sa inyo kaya keep it up.Yung nangyari kay Bimby,hindi issue sa amin yun,we understand it,he being so young yet.I hope b4 election day matyempuhan ko kayo para naman makahingi ako ng baller band nyo as my souvenir.Minsan iniisip ko magpagawa ng para sa sarili ko kaya lang feeling ko hindi sya blessed kasi hindi original,meaning hindi galing sa inyo,inggit na inggit nga ako sa mga nakakasabay ko na meron pati na rin yung ribbon na dinidikit sa car.So what we did was we put yellow and blue ribbon na lang sa car namin,maexpress lang namin ang LOVE 4 U both.Nakatira kami near araneta center so sana mapadaan kayo dito 1 day soon.
    Just take care well lalo na sa mga maiiitim ang budhi,dugo at pagkatao.We ARE looking forward to seeing U both at Malacanang,CONGRATULATIONS in advance!GODBLESS U AND UR DREAMS FOR ALL OF US.

  • Jose

    Joey Montelibano the son of Maria Montelibano is responsible for all the black propaganda against you. He heads the alternative media group of Binay that is pushing for a Noy & Binay tandem. He is an addict and was once subject of a warrant resulting in a long stay at Makati Med Basement and exile to Toronto, Canada. This person is unstable and hides behind the coat tails of his mother. Operations are funded by Limlingan and Cheeze and located at the University of Makati. All negative SMS were developed by him and his team including Bob Achacoso. He also works with Lito Anzures and Joey Salgado of the Binay team and holds meetings every Friday at the Office of the Mayor, Makati City Hall. They will be using provincial cinemas and cable TV to launch the attack starting next week. Just today, the team met and agreed to pursue the plan to increase media buying in the amount of between 40 to 50 million as a result of the dzrh survey. His father (Joey) also holds office at the University of Makati and uses Gawad Kalinga as a cover because of his close ties to Tony Meloto. I am providing this information to you because he may join the new government once you and Noy win. He represents all that is wrong that you wish to change. Sadly, because his mother is in the team he may just get a position or future deals. Be wary. And keep on fighting for us!

  • Roxanne

    Thank you Mar for writing this story.

    Black propaganda is part of the campaign period so just stay positive and continue to tell people about your accomplishments and future plans for our country.

    I love reading about your volunteers and supporters because they really love you and Noynoy. If I am in the Philippines right now, I love to be your volunteer because I believe in your advocacies and simplicity. Salamat!

    Maraming Salamat Mar at Ingat ka.

  • Cecilia Pulmones-de la Cruz

    I hope and pray that the NOY_MAR tandem will win. Sen. Mar has sacrificed his own plan to run for the Presidency. What more can you ask from a gentleman like him. Even since he joined politics, I like his simple way of explaining his stand on issued. As an economist, he does not use technical terms but explain to the listener in simple and clear manner what it is all about. That counts a lot for me because this means he likes simple folks to understand his stand, his program and what he is doing. As a fellow Ilonggo, I will vote for him, not only for his Ilonggo roots but for his integrity, his stand and certain issues and his being simple despite being to the “manor born” so to speak….

  • Raul B.

    My family and I are solidly behind your team. Our parents had been avid supporters of Ninoy and your dad, Sen Gerry Roxas, Sen Salonga, and the rest of the Liberal Party. I would have been one of your volunteers if only I am in the Phils. I hope and pray that your team, down to the local level, will triumph in this Presidential elections. Noy and You, if elected, needs support especially in the legislative to be able to initiate, implement and bring the much-needed change to our dying nation.

    Mabuhay Po kayo Sen Mar! Mabuhay ang Noynoy/Mar Team!

    Thank you Jose for warning of black propanganda against Sen Mar in the homestretch of the campaign. God Bless

  • Josephine Acosta Pasricha

    Hi, Philippines
    Sun Tze in his book “The Art of War”, teaches us how to win, summarized as follows: Learn to fight.
    Show the way.
    Do it right.
    Know the Facts.
    Expect the worst,
    Seize the day.
    Burn the bridges.
    Do it better.
    Pull together.
    Keep them Guessing.
    Sun Tze, in agreement with Confucius, also enumerates the qualities of good transformational leadership as follows:
    Self Discipline
    Purpose
    Accomplishment
    Responsibility
    Knowledge
    Laddership and
    Example.
    Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Jesus Christ, Abraham Lincoln, Grant, Lee, Lawrence, Roosevelt, Patton, Marshall, Winston Churchill, John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Ninoy Aquino, Noynoy Aquino, Mar Roxas, etc, exhibit these characteristics.
    Sun Tze also warns of five character flaws leading to failure:
    Recklessness
    Timidity
    Emotionalism
    Egoism
    Overconcern for popularity.
    Please read http://knol.google.com/k/josephine-acosta-pasri...
    Mabuhay, Philippines

  • frank atienza

    I am several thousand of miles distance from our one and only country Philippines. I left Philippines to ensure my children continuous education. Lucky as I am w/ my wife all of our Children are degree holders .. but not our country in the sea of “CORRUPTION.”
    The old man who handed you an envelope w/ P100.00 campaign support w/o his name on it. It touch me so much and unknowingly am on “TEARS.” don't fail his dream and the dream of us all.
    You Mar and Noynoy will be facing abysmal task and tough job ahead of you. We trust both you, together can do it. You guys simply are meek and humble and “GOD FEARING AND LOVING PEOPLE” we can feel it. Prepare for massive power outage/technology shut down on 10 May 2010. Election Failure is a probability because GMA and Villar'OYO will not lay down their laurel that easy.
    Comelec is another and the Ampatuan must pay their toll.
    You guys got big challenge in Maguindanao w/ the release of the two (2) Ampatuans. Vote already are counted ready at the tip of the Ampatuan. But the number will not be enough for their whims and ominous capriciousness.

  • frank atienza

    Mar, you're their already. You are what people are looking for. Yourself already deliver the sincerity and the openness as a person. To me you don't tell us who you are and what you and your adjunctive effort in helping Noynoy. People can feel it. You act and react with finesse and w/ utmost professionalism rare and hard to find. That's your treasure, Lorena Legarda don't have. You and Noynoy is a “DREAM TEAM” perfect combination. About Noynoy.. I simply followed the simple adage: “KUNG ANONG PUNO SIYAN BUNGA” I was their at the very start of “PEOPLE POWER” along EDSA and Time Street giving bags of Halls Candy. The only way I can. One of the Aquino politely told me sign the logbook and I simply retorted with smile. My two (2) nieces/nephews, relatives and friends of friends

  • frank atienza

    in San Juan City, Olongapo City, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Batangas city and Das Marinas Cavity are all yellow advocate. One of my son is a close friend of Shalani and so Shalani already became our friend now. With PRAYER we'll not FAIL.. God Bless You Mar and us all to our DREAM!!!

  • frank atienza

    Mar, the old father in Naga, ” PARA SA KINABUKASAN NANG AKING MGA ANAK” it's too much to bear. Envelope of Hope (P100.00) … I am with HIM … I GOT MY email .&..Face Book. In any WAY I can.I'm willing. I know am luckier than that FATHER in Naga City.

  • wally

    touche!!! we are behind you all the way. realizing that dream of a democratic corrupt -free philippines is nigh at hand…people of the philippines support aquino-roxas tandem for the good change. continue the good works of your fathers!

  • Jose

    Joey Montelibano, the son of Maria Montelibano is responsible for all the black propaganda against you. He heads the alternative media group of Binay that is pushing for a Noy & Binay tandem. He is an addict and was once subject of a warrant resulting in a long stay at Makati Med Basement and exile to Toronto, Canada. This person is unstable and hides behind the coat tails of his mother. Operations are funded by Gerry Limlingan and Cheeze Escudero and located at the 6th floor of the University of Makati (UMAK). All negative SMS were developed by him and his team including Bob Achacoso and Allan Capulong. He also works with Lito Anzures and Joey Salgado of the Binay Team and holds meetings every Friday at the Office of the Mayor, Makati City Hall. They will be using provincial cinemas and cable TV to launch the attack starting next week. Just today, the team met and agreed to pursue the plan to increase media buying in the amount of between 40 to 50 million as a result of the dzrh survey. His father (Jose) also holds office at the UMAK and uses Gawad Kaling (GK) as a cover because of his close ties to Tony Meloto. I am providing this information to you because he may join the new government once you and Noy win. He represents all that is wrong that you wish to change. Sadly, because his mother is in the team, he may just get a position of future deals. Be wary. And keep on fighting for us!

  • Jose

    Thanks Raul B. But I guess the truth is hard to bear that indeed there were those in the LP camp like Boy Saycon and the COPA group that supported the NoyBi movement. I stand by every word that I wrote about Joey Montelibano (Maria Montelibano's son) and his leading the Binay Alternative Media Group based at the UMAK and whose purpose was to destroy the image of Mar Roxas and still continue the propaganda that Binay has won this election. You can ask Cha and Jan at Parc House as Joey used some of the suppliers there to work against the Mar campaign from within. For the administrators of this site, do your sleuthing and let the truth be known. Ask Focus Media, ask Go Advertising, ask Allan Capulong, ask Bullseye Productions, ask Anavision and they will point to you the leader of the Alternative Media Group of Binay – none other than Joey Montelibano.

  • Dinx_diga

    marroxas ur such a pilato sabi nila pero i admit it..totoo ang lahat ng yun..marami ka daw babae at pinaglaruan mu sila lahat..how dair you mar..tsk tsk..kaya pla natalo ka kasi marami kang babae….

  • Meljoy

    i love you mar..kahit na d ka nanalo..andito parin ako i miss you mar roxas….by your kabet

  • Tatski

    i'm from Negros.as what i've heard from friends, they didn't vote for mar because of Korina. she's really bad to people. aristocrat and proud.

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