I would like to apologize for not writing this column the last couple of weeks. I was an active volunteer in the campaign of Senator and soon to be, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino. I voluntarily took a pause from writing in order to prevent being misconstrued as using this column as a campaign tool.

My life took a tremendous jump into the abyss as I and countless others put our lives on hold to actively fight for what we believe in. The journey has been amazing, and has given me experiences that will be forever etched in my mind and heart. I was awed by the fact that TIME Magazine, in its cover story on Senator Aquino quoted my description of the latter as well as what we felt we were fighting for.

The crystallization of the moment of realization that we had finally achieved our goals came from a call from Cathy of CNN, who told me what she had reported back to the headquarters, she said , “The Philippines actually pulled it off!”.

And for that, I think , we , and I mean all of us, regardless of political affiliation, beliefs, or colors, deserve a pat in the back. This election made history for not only being the first fully automated national election, but also for the speed and accuracy of the reports. It was also the most peaceful and devoid of much of the drama that normally happens.

The fact that the other candidates for President conceded early, most especially Senator Manny Villar as well as Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro offers hope that politicians can put away the divisiveness and become statesmen and advocate working for national unity and healing of the wounds.

I want to thank everyone that actively participated and volunteered for the campaign, regardless of the candidate. It shows that the people, especially the youth, have taken a keen interest in the affairs of our country and have made a statement that they want to be involved in making this country better.

I myself have undergone a dramatic and amazing change. I have discovered how beautiful our country really is, as I have been given the opportunity to have traveled to almost 90% of the provinces. I have met so many people from all walks of life, speaking so many dialects and yet all reveling in the fact that we are all Filipinos.

For the past few days, I have been trying to put all my experiences into words but am still at a loss. I know that as the days go by, I will slowly be able to come to grips with what has happened in the last few months, even as I try to pick up the pieces and reconnect with my normal life.

I want to share a small story that for me describes what the task lies before us as a nation and as a people. Shane De Rolf wrote…

"While walking in a toy store, The day before today, I came upon a crayon box, With many things to say. "I don't like red!", said Orange, And Green said, "Nor do I!" And no one here likes Yellow, But no one knows just why. We are a box of crayons, That does not get along," Said Blue to all the others, "Something here is wrong!"

Well, I bought that box of crayons, And I took it home with me, And I laid out all the colors, So the crayons could all see… They watched me as I colored, With Red and Blue and Green, And Black and White and Orange, And every color in between. They watched as Green became the grass, And Blue became the sky. The Yellow sun was shining bright, On White clouds drifting by.

Colors changing as they touched, Becoming something new. They watched me as I colored, They watched 'till I was through. And when I'd finally finished, I began to walk away, And as I did the crayon box, Had something more to say... "I do like Red!", said Orange, And Green said, "So do I! And Blue, you were terrific, So high up in the sky!".

"We are a box of crayons, Each of us unique, But when we get together, The picture is complete."

We are one country, one people. Lets all now put aside what divides and unite towards what we all want, a better and brighter Philippines. Congratulations to the Filipino People, we did actually pull it off.

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, lets all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.

For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me at stirspecialist@gmail.com , or visit www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com