ELECTION 2010

We are back after having been indisposed (again) for quite a while. The Filipino people have exercised their rights to vote, and we have chosen our next leader. May 10, 2010 was a historical event in our lives since it was our first time to vote using an automated machine, which helped a lot, inspite of some numerous problems encountered, giving us the results in such a short a time. I, myself, had the horrifying experience of having voted at the Xavier School gymnasium in Greenhills, and it took me roughly 4 hours to be able to cast my vote. There were several factors why it took that long - the automated machine broke down for several hours, the verification of the precinct lists, voter's documents, took some time individually, the line was too long, and generally, there were quite a number of voters, i would say, much more than the last recorded elections. Add to those factors the unbearable heat. It's a good thing most everyone brought with them their mineral water. But generally, it was worth it. The feeling is surreal having exercised your right to vote as a Filipino.
As of this writing, NOYNOY AQUINO was leading in the presidential race, with ERAP ESTRADA trailing behind, followed by MANNY VILLAR, and GIBO TEODORO. The other presidentiables were Bro EDDIE VILLANUEVA, DICK GORDON, NICANOR PERLAS, JAMBY MADRIGAL and DE LOS REYES (I forgot his first name). JEJOMAR BINAY was leading in the vice-presidential race, followed quite closely by MAR ROXAS. Other candidates were EDU MANZANO, BAYANI FERNANDO, LOREN LEGARDA.
In the Senatorial slate, the top 12 so far are: BONG REVILLA, JINGGOY ESTRADA, MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO, FRANKLIN DRILON, JOHNNY PONCE ENRILE, PIA CAYETANO, BONGBONG MARCOS, RALPH RECTO, LITO LAPID, SERG OSMENA, TOOTSIE GUINGONA, TITO SOTTO.
Trailing behind are RISA HONTIVEROS, JOEY DE VENECIA, BIAZON, SONIA ROCO, GILBERT REMULLA.
As early as the following day, right after the elections, quite a number were already proclaimed as winners, among them are HERBERT BAUTISTA and JOY BELMONTE - Mayor and Vice Mayor of QC, JUNJUN BINAY - Mayor of Makati, GUIA ESTRADA - Mayor of San Juan, JV EJERCITO - Congressman of San Juan, ALFREDO LIM and ISHKO MORENO - Mayor and Vice Mayor of Manila, SHERWIN GATCHALIAN - Mayor of Valenzuela.
Other big winners are - VILMA SANTOS, LUCY TORRES GOMEZ, CHRISTOPHER DE LEON, ALFRED VARGAS, RHODERICK PAULATE, ER EJERCITO, DANIEL FERNANDO, MANNY PACQUIAO, PRECIOUS HIPOLITO, DAN FERNANDEZ, LANI MERCADO, IMELDA MARCOS, IMEE MARCOS.