Sticking it out

Hearing what many people say about their choice for a leader in the May 10 elections encouraged me to do this comparison of voters to the staunch fans of teams and athletes.

Fans don’t abandon their favorite teams or athletes just to go with those who are more popular. You make a decision to root for such and stand up for it.

You cry when they lose. You cheer to your heart’s delight to help boost their morale. You buy their merchandise and display them proudly.

Do you see any similarities to the supporters of the political candidates?

I notice that many people now wear baller bands to show their choice for president. In fact, it has become the fashion accessory of choice for many and there are many people asking for such from those who they know support a particular candidate.

You see people plastering campaign posters all over their homes and cars and asking their friends to do the same.

Staunch sports fans have memorabilia of all sorts and posters of their favorite teams and athlete adorning their rooms. They wear the team shirts and use the team mugs. Some even paint their houses with the colors of their team.

You see such fans walk the extra mile to be at the games. You see them line up for tickets. You see them on the streets waiting to get a glimpse of the stars. 

More importantly, these people don’t change teams in the middle of the game, just because the opponent is winning.

While sports may seem too simple to equate to how we support our political leaders, at least make it as an eye opener for the way you want to vote in May.

If you think the candidate you favor is losing ground and you don’t want your vote wasted, then the more your choice loses votes.

I have met many who say that one candidate is good, but he is not doing well in the surveys, so they would vote for the more popular one.

I have long been a Ferrari fan, including those years when the team wasn’t doing well in Formula-1, but I hung on. When my favorite driver Michael Schumacher decided to drive for Mercedes, he remains my favorite driver, but my team is still Ferrari.

Sticking it out for your team or your choice of candidate would probably make it easier to celebrate or whimper after the elections.

Win or lose, I believe that it is important that you voted for the person who you believe is best suited for the position.

Stay true to your choice and don’t be ashamed to show it.

I bet those Tiger Woods fans out there did not simply forget about him when news about his infidelity to his wife came out.

Nor did the Manny Pacquiao fans stop watching his bouts when he was rumored to have girlfriends from show business.

Let us remember that although I am trying to make this as simple as being a sports fan, which is actually not true as being a fan makes your life quite complicated, let us make a wise choice and stand up for what we believe in.

May 10 is not too far away. Let’s do this for our country.

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MILESTONES: Congratulations to my mistah Cdr. Jonas Imperial, who passed the recently-released 2009 Bar Examinations. The same goes to my friend Estrella Menchavez of the office of the Vice Mayor of Cebu City and also to Sheila Abigail Go, daughter of my close friend Arturo S. Go.

Belated birthday greetings to my fellow Cebu Squad member Timmy Osmeña Oppus, who turned a year older last Monday. The same greetings go to Daisy Joy Dellosa-Tano.

I’d also like to say belated happy birthday to Blanca Margaret Acaylar, who celebrated yesterday.

Today’s greetings go to my good friend Eileen Rizada, my fellow Sambisig George Blanco, my cousin Ladi Quiñones-Starkey and my former classmate Hazel Quiletorio-Ypil.

More power to all of you!