| RES GESTAE | By Francisco B. Lindero, Jr. |

(Editor's Note: Starting today, Res Gestae will also carry a sub-topic called 'Open Forum with Tsip'. This portion provides pieces of advice or opinions from readers on pertinent questions about life, love, career and more)

Change the face of politics in the country?!? What a dream?!?

Two years ago when I joined the Centrist Democratic Movement (CDM) I was convinced that our country, Philippines, has still a bright future. It happened in time when I was already becoming jaded with the array of political controversies buffeting almost all levels of the government. Apathy was also then eating up my idealism and hope for good governance and a better Philippines.

But when I was introduced to CDM, I began to see new horizon. A renewed enthusiasm has also dawned in me. Eventually, I regained the conviction that despite our miseries due to corruption, poverty, impunity and moral degradation, we – as a people – can still rise above the rubbles and win back our lost glory.

The CDM has shown me that there is a way out of the seemingly inescapable puzzle we are in. For so long a time, I was made to believe that the root of the problem is in the Filipino people. But CDM has revealed to me that the problem is not in us – the people, but in the system.

"The present system provides no way out for millions of the poor families; no incentives to integrity and good governance; and no possibilities for ordinary citizens to be active stakeholders in our democracy..."

Now, as the CDM evolved into a national political party – the Centrist Democratic Party (CDP) of the Philippines - and as I become part of this historic transformation, I could not help but be overwhelmed of the eventual realization of our big dream for the country – to effect change, that is, the reform in our political landscape.

The CDP, as a National Political Party, is established and organized countrywide by thousands of young, idealistic professionals who assume the responsibility to start a great national project, that is, a better future of the Philippines, a better future for our children.

Interestingly, every time I meet people and talk to them about the CDM and now the CDP, I always receive varied reactions that range from inspiring to challenging. There are those who say that the work is noble. Others simply raise an eyebrow and keep their skepticism. But a great many agree that CDP with its goal of changing the face of country's political landscape is an ambitious masterpiece, a big dream. Indeed, it is.

Now, as we grow in numbers and gear towards our registration with the Comelec, I don't have an iota of doubt that our big dream is inevitably becoming a big reality.

 

OPEN FORUM WITH TSIP

Dear TSIP,

I am a 22-year-old nursing student who harbors a special feeling to a police officer. I never know him yet. But I always see him outside our university campus conducting visibility patrol. Since the first time I saw him, he becomes my inspiration to go to school early in the morning. He is tall, dark and cute. I think of him so much that I eventually lost my concentration in my studies. I want to befriend him in order to know him more. But I don't know what to do. Will it be fine if I make the first move and introduce him myself? Please help. - Confused Lady

Dear Confused Lady,

You are already at the right age to discern what is right and wrong, bad and good for you. And good discernment always requires profound self-knowledge. It is, therefore, important, that you know your priorities. For now, I believe it is important that you focus on your studies. True love can wait.

Please consider also the thoughts of my friends who shared their perspectives on your situation. Their opinions, which range from serious to hilarious, may also help you make wise decision.

Maan Baribar: Tuloy lang ang buhay Ms. Confused Lady. Pag-graduate mo at nag papatrol pa rin sya --- 'meant to be' na kayo! Lol.

Sharon Balitor: miss try to find ways and means anay to know kon c police officer single pa or not,

Drema Viejon Tingson: pamatibati ka anay sa frends mo bsi my asawa n c police...f my ara asawa ti pwd mn na nspiration mo pro skreto lng...nd pkita motibo ky bsi ma ratsada xa bla...

Henie Cervantes Bandojo: for me, better for her to express her feelings..it does'nt mean that if she expressed her feelings towards the guy, she wants a relationship…who knows, maybe the guy will consider her situation and would make a deal that he'll wait you 'til you finish your studies and after which have relationship with…We really never know..

Jaimee Liegh Inday: himua lng nga inspirasyon para mapisanan ka mg go to sch. nd paG himua nga distraction k bsi mag lagapok ka ahahaha

Michelle Vito: why not?! kng friendship man lng ang tinutuyo mo its fine to make the first move... pero kng later on that friendship will blossom into something else, then these are the things u need to do.. pakicheck PDS nya kng single sya.. lantawa payslip nya kng may sweldo pa sya.. check sa RIAS/RLS/NAPOLCOM kng may pending case cya.. IN SHORT, let him be ur inspiration para indi ka malate sa klase mo and nothing else.

Tina Ilustre-Mayor: Ay aragay ah. Ne, hibalua anay kung may asawa. Kung wala, ibefriend lang anay but indi magpakita motibo. Start small, text-text lang anay eh. Ako ya gapati nga kung hatagan lang tsansa, may mga tawo (indi lang pulis) nga nagapati nga ang asawa wala gina-islan, ginadugangan lang. Hehe..Peace!

Miguel Alerta: hay ang naga higugma! but i don't think love na. Kon ako sa paluis palokpan ko ni sya para mag untat…lol

Janette Lapi-an Lindero: ay sus na confuse na gid tapat tungod sa mga suggestions nyo. crush man lang bala e d tulok tulok lang anay e hehehe.

John Pusong: commit a misdemeanor when he's on patrol to catch his attention, when, he comes to confront you, intensify your reaction as an untamed behaviour. With this he will have a reason to invite you to the police station. Go! Then gradually losen up and explain a fictional plight and that your only a victim of your instincts.. then,, its up to you.. to soften his heart..ti..

Leda Sobremisana: ndi lng cnfused lady ka ne disoriented pa!hehehe. Are u sure single pa na ang police kwidaw bsi mg no.2 ka lng sayang effort m 2 ntroduce urself hahaha.btter do more nvestigations 1st b4 doing d 1st move…

Catherine Tamayo: a police officer who is tall, dark and cute?! back off, lady..the guy's mine!! ;)

There they are Confused Lady. I hope you did not only enjoy reading but also learn from them. Take your time and, most importantly, don't forget to pray!

Truly yours, TSIP

(It is said, "More heads are better than one". Share to me your problems and I will share them to my friends. Maybe you will be helped. Just text me at 09399164311 (Smart) / 09178853564 (Globe) or e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )