May 16/10

Despite echoes of doom and gloom in the newspapers prior to the election, May 10 now passed, the Philippines have named their next political leaders. While the world turns its eyes to another Asian Country and pictures of violent politically-motivated protests in Bangkok, Manila seems to be carrying on with the day-to-day. There was violence in places, and some people had to endure some very long line ups; but it seems that the general sentiment is optimism. The election, if bumpy, was a success; a testament, perhaps, to the will for progress in the Filipino's country.

I have to hand it to the young people of this country, who represent a massive percentage of the population, for voting. Maybe the Philippines have less reason to be apathetic towards their government than does Canada, but regardless, the youth and young adults of the Philippines makes our equivalent voter turn out look rather shabby.

Speaking of Young People (while shifting completely away from politics)... The last month has been busy because I have been working with to train a team of "Youth Leaders" for work in some of the ministry's activities. Because of the schedule over this time, I would sometimes have found that a week had gone by and I had not time to get to a computer and write a blog. Then, when I have a weekend off, I might have spent an entire day lounging at my residence, too tired to go and write the emails and blogs that I want to. If the heat is not exhausting, then a handful of young and energetic Filipinos are.
But its been a good four weeks- a fast one, and rewarding.

It seems appropriate to quote the Filipino National Hero, Jose Rizal.

"The youth is the hope of our future."