But, I can say this, it was one of the best years so far in terms of being a blogger. I finally met a few bloggers which made this whole year even better. I revealed my age, my face, and by mistake, my identity. Well, so much for being anonymous.

The most important thing that has come out of this year, for me at least, is the fact that FilipinoVoices.com was born, out of 9 or so bloggers that started the journey with me, I am proud to say, the list is growing. We are slowly, but surely, getting to the destination, and making a difference as a blogger, I am happy to say, is a reality.

In any case, 2009 is going to be the year, where we up the ante a bit, I am hoping more people will realize that they too have a responsibility of being aware of the issues, because we are either part of the solution, or we are part of the problem.. And apathy is part of the problem.

I leave you all, with warm thanks for keeping me company in this blog, going along on my journey, and for reassuring me, that the goodness in people can extend to this place we call the internet.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Just a thought, because on this eve of Christmas Day, I hope we feel this love from the relationships we have in our lives.

And to you my dear readers, my fellow bloggers at Filipinovoices.com, and my friends and family, a wonderful, blessed, and peaceful Holiday Season.. Merry Christmas

– Yours Truly, Nick

Civil rights leaders will say, those who marched with Dr. King, that they lived to see the day, the first black Party Presidential Candidate, and now, in just a little more than a day, could be, our next president. As a Filipino, I am almost jealous, that what can happen in America, has not happened yet in The Philippines. But I will let go of that jealousy, for now, because maybe, just maybe, Filipinos the world over, will be inspired and CHANGE may just come in the form of an inspired Filipino citizenry. Much to be desired, much to ask for, but I can dream.

But then again, i shall digress, whatever your political leanings, Obama or McCain, if you are Filipino-American, please vote, it is your duty, and it is your right.

As for myself, I shall transform into a giddy little high school kid, waiting in line, to bear witness to something magical. A moment in history, that will happen just once, the fulfillment that all men are created equal, even when it comes to the Presidency of The United States of America.

Here’s the second part,

Which line was your favorite?

I liked so many of it.. this one was good, a great jab…

“I got my name Barack from my father…. it’s actually Swahali for “That one.”

Being jaded is becoming numb, because you have seen the worst, you have worked towards the best, and yet the worst seems to always prevail. When a nation such as ours have seen the corruption from up in the hierarchy all the way down to the citizenry who participates in the vote buying process, it is no wonder why being jaded does not come across as our very own national medical emergency.

And yet, as they say, knowing is half the battle.

It is better to be jaded than being apathetic, because it shows that you care, but have become numb in the fact that the nation we love so dearly is cyclical in its corruption, poverty, and lack of prosperity. It seems we have shown glimpses of our true potential only to be bogged down by the likes of Eraps corruption, The Arroyo Administration’s blunders, and indeed the inefficiency of many of those in power.

And yet, being numb still shows you care, being jaded often does not mean permanence, it just means that you need to bring life back to the passion that lies dormant.

In any case, participation is still the only way to get ourselves out of the rut of just becoming someone standing on the sidelines, instead of being someone who is part of the process. It is our government, it is our nation, and if we want to make it better, then we must take it upon ourselves to take action, either through a private institution, through public institutions, or even through our lives, by being an example of what is good with our nation.

It is by our own example that we can make the most impact on our surroundings. Let us say to others, do what I say, and follow my lead. Let us be leaders of today as well as nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

Here’s a video, that should terrify any American, because it shows, that this is how some American voters really think, and their votes will reflect a hate for Senator Obama, that is based totally on false accusations, propaganda, and utter nonsense.

Earlier last night, when John McCain referred to Senator Barack Obama as “That One” it took his candidacy from being desperate into the realm of despicable. When one cannot even respect their opponent, how can one lay claim to the highest and most important position in the land? This is no longer about issues for John McCain, because when he goes for the issues, he is beat, his platform is no longer about a better America, it is about desperation.

“That One”, it reminds me of when Ross Perot, a billionaire tycoon who ran for President in the nineties, who referred to African-Americans as “those people”.

What disrespect, an almost hint of racism, John McCain has lost me for good. His hero is Teddy Roosevelt? I believe, Karl Rove and George Bush eerily mirrors the heroes that John McCain is mimicking these days. What a real shame, America please wake up, the demeaning attitude of the McCain campaign should no longer have legs to stand on.

I’m pissed off because John McCain knows all the lies that are being flung at Senator Obama, and not only does he know about it, his camp is spearheading many of these attempts, including his nonchalant disrespectful statement addressing Barack Obama as “That one”.

I am adamant about this, those who are in The United States, and are eligible to vote. Register today! The deadline is October 6th. Tell everyone to register to vote! Filipino-Americans who can vote, please do so.