Xavier University together with the CONVERSATIONS (an organization of civil society groups,Academes,Churches,Medias and engaged citizen's of Cagayan de Oro.. of which I am a part of ); hosted a Forum last 25th of April at its gymnasium, inviting all running Candidates of the city to present their Party's platform.. To be known, questioned and critiqued by the public.

Attending my very first candidate's forum in history was a HIGH! Not that it was exciting because the politicians presented themselves well and the activity went smooth sailing, but because I couldn't stop giggling in my mind..thinking ..that it was a CARNIVAL OF MEN or a ZOO where most of the ANIMALS had gone wild out of their cages! Or better yet, a STAND-UP COMEDY show.

It was really a high to get up-close and personal with the people in politics in our locality.

I used to just bump into Benjo Benaldo at StarMart in front of our subdivision back in Gusa, and he was always wearing a smile, never missing out anyone he meets. I knew it was a politician thing to do but I thought at those times, he was just some elitist who smelled so good and maintained to be too damn flowless..He also caught my attention in those posters he posed pacutely.. .but during the forum, boy! Did I know more about him... he stood there delivering speeches about what he had done, what should be done and how he is going to do it; instead of impressing people though, he manage to unfold many of his inconsistencies,flaws, and shortcomings as a public servant. He would more often than not start his speeches or answers to questions bragging about having been elected into office for nine years; it was really funny when someone bombarded him with the question why in nine years he had very little to do and how come some of his proposed programs were up until now, INEXISTENT OR INCOMPLETE..

Another unforgettable Carnival showman was Tinnex Jaraula..
When the audience in the gym, became uncontrollable- cheering and booing..which made it hard to hear what each candidate were saying, and took the time allotted for the latter....Tinnex just lost his poise..no grace under pressure. He ranted about the whole thing...the craziness about it was; the people who he wanted to silenced, were his very supporters wearing his name on their shirts. He showed how he could snap when on the spot.
The Forum , though comedic and uproariously merriment! Was not a negative; in fact it was a GOOD IDEA. ..Setting aside the hilarity it showcased, it was a moment of TRUTH. Truth about what politics faces (unsay nawong gd sa politica) and what facade power struggle presents. Truth about who among them deserves a chance to serve, and who among them really INTENDS to serve and were not on stage ..merely to give an entertaining performance but to confront the public of its needs and- with conviction and sincerity promised to DELIVER..

I appreciated the PUBLIC SPEAKING prowess of some of our running candidates..The dexterity to effectively and artistically convey message and influence..Ian Nacaya was impressive when he swayed the booing public to listen to what he has to say, Rufus Rodriguez spoke wise with his words , while Antonio Soriano communicated state manly..(maklaru gd kinsa ang naay breeding).

It was also a good chance to meet a not-so-famous contender, who in my opinion.. ought to be voted for.. ; JIMMY LACHICA – a professor of Religious Studies in Xavier.. if it were not of the forum..he would not have been heard and known.

I am glad I was THERE. I had fun helping out in the Secretariat, trying to digest and translate every uttered word for documentation purposes..from the visayan dialect to English. Jotting words in simple tones without missing every expression meant..:)

It was a historical event for me..I am glad I was a part of history.