They call it fate

Paulo Coelho once wrote in The Alchemist that "When you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true.". Some people would think that God pulls up one of his tricks and utter some chants to let this happen, while others believe that they don't need Him to make these things happen, because it's their hardship and perserverance that they are where they are now, and that God has nothing to do with it.

I didn't believe on this quote at first, for maybe because I was too naive and I haven't yet experienced what it feels like. But despite not knowing what it's like to understand the meaning, reading it from this book has given me inspiration that I didn't expect would be kicking back into my life. But this is fate we're talking about, so surely, this would come back and haunt me (or is it?). And haunted me again it did. But this time, I had to combine not just my belief but efforts as well. And it's quite fulfilling and satisfying when something you have longed to happen would eventually and unexpectedly occur, even though you have planned it would work from the start. Did that even made sense? Well, it doesn't matter, because as long as you believe in something, it'll happen. 

These can also be called as blessings in disguise, unless you're an atheist or agnostic. But if you're not, then I could say that you might relate to what I'm saying now. It doesn't matter whether you're a Catholic, Christian, Muslim, Protestant, Born again, or any other religious group that you can think of (and I apologize if I haven't mentioned yours.). I think, that as long as you believe that there is a God, and that He is someone greater than everything else, then you're good to go. I mean, you know what I'm talking about.

Sometimes when you feel like you've been given too much of what you ask, you feel honored that you feel like you don't deserve all these blessings showering upon you. That you don't have the right to receive these gifts, or that you're not worthy enough to be given too much of what you have asked Him. But the first reaction you would have once you receive it? Grateful. You're thankful that He has given you what you need and longed for, and you praise him for all the blessings that He has, has always been, and will soon give you.

But most of the time, we take things for granted. Let's say you live you in a first world country where you can buy everything you want. Okay, not exactly everything, because you still need to earn money to buy whatever it is you want. Let me try to think of mundane situations here. For example, a family is able to go camping whenever it's the long weekend during summer. I guess you can say that they're either grateful that they're able to go out and spend time as a family, and also, enjoy the heat that summer has in store for the rest of the season before the leaves start drying up again and turn red or brown. They may or may not appreciate this moment, but if you think about it, every little thing that we are given are meant to be thankful for.

An aspiring scholar who's entering university for the first time has worked so hard to be accepted at a school he eagerly wishes, that when he receives his Official Letter of Acceptance from this school, he jumps for joy and thanks whoever he can thank, gratified that he received this blessing. That's pretty normal if you ask me, but if this would give him the education he longs for and this is the only way he can help his family, then, it's huge for this student. Is this what they also call fate?

So if you want something to happen and it does, it all depends on your belief on whoever or whatever you think has given you this blessing. It can be God, fate, the cosmos and stars, or just yourself. As long as you're grateful and don't take everyday things for granted, then you deserve even more than just what you wish for.

A rollercoaster ride

Just a quick jot to reflect on the thoughts that have harboured my mind today. Today is the Philippine National Elections (technically, it was yesterday as I'm on the other side of the world) and having gone through the news every hour, I felt different feelings that I haven't had for a long time. 

The May 10 elections also made history as this is the first time in the country that the automatic machines are used to tally the votes. This means that there won't be any more manual counting, no need to count for days (or months) to know who won the most coveted position in the land. There will be less violence, as the ballot boxes are now safe and machines (or cards) will used to record the votes. I thank Senator Richard Gordon (and Presidentiable) who made and defended this bill.

I thought the Filipino voters are wiser now. But it turns out, I was wrong. Waking up this morning and reading the news on the internet has got me on my toes. Initial reaction: I was disappointed. Appalled. Angry that my chosen candidate wasn't elected. Furious that the one I have deemed as incompetent and not worthy of the position was leading. Mad that the people I have known my whole life supported this person who hasn't done anything during the entire 12 years of his position as a Congressman and Senator was first in the tallies. 

A bus ride later, I was still in denial that Noynoy Aquino would even be considered as a President, that if it wasn't for his name or his parents or his infamous sister he wouldn't be known more than the man he is now. And add the fact that second on the poll was former President Joseph Estrada, a convicted plunderer and impeached former actor, what more can I ask for? That was the time when I lost hope, the hope that the Philippines doesn't deserve all the great and worthy leaders that they didn't want to get elected. I lost hope, thinking that for whatever s**t that happens on that country, they deserve it. That they're to blame. A while ago I didn't want to say it out loud, but I was thinking that I'm ashamed of my fellow Filipinos, for they clearly are not ready for change. How can they not see Gilberto Teodoro or Gordon as their beacon of hope? That these men are the change that the people has been longing for?

Venting out my frustrations through the only way possible, I posted my thoughts on my usual hangout, Anti-Pinoy. When I was still feeling down with the results, little did I realize that I was beginning to accept the truth that was soon dawning on to me. I was thankful that there are some people who stiill tried to stay positive, despite the turnout of the election. And they were right. There are also some things that I'm thankful for. I'm thankful that Noynoy is leading, as he was able to prevent another Erap Administration (I shudder at the thought should this happen again.). I'm thankful that the automation flowed smoothly, despite the glitches that were seen in some areas, but they were still able to go through the election. I'm grateful that there weren't many deaths involved, unlike before that lives must be sacrificed again and again just to bag a seat.

Hnaging out at another Filipino forum has given me hope and made me more positive towards the end of the day. Reading the Gordon supporters' comments have made me realize that life should still go on, and we should still help each other for a better Philippines.

This tidbit of news that the third placer in the Presidential race conceded and congratulated the leading also made me smile a bit, even though I consider him corrupt and not fit to be a President. 

At the end of today, I have become more accepting, and realized that I should still support the current administration. I may still be bitter about it, but at least, if anything should still happen in the future (or another People Power *rolls eyes*), I know in my heart that I didn't wish for him to be the President. Yes, that's right. I won't take the blame. I won't feel guilty, because I didn't choose him in the first place. But enough of that. I don't want to resort to this. What's important is that I still have a little hope for my country that this would soon be on the list of the top countries in Asia (and in the world), a nation that I can be proud of not just of its wonders and breathtaking sights, but of the people who can defend their homeland. 

And I can still be proud to call myself a Filipino, even after all of this. But before that, I need to become a better person first. Only then can I be proud of my nationality when I have become a better individual for my nation.

This post was very random, in my opinion, and I thought about it quite fast (and out of the blue too), so pardon some stupidies (if you find some, or if you think there are) and grammatical errors.