June 3, 2009

Up to this very day, I still can’t believe that we made it despite all efforts to put us down, to destroy me, to make up stories against me, to put down the ability of the youth, to push aside those who are considered to be non “tumandoks” and to have all the forces of the powers that be in the City work hard against our victory.

To have become the youngest elected City Official at age 27 without any political background whatsoever in the City of Iloilo and I was just a new resident at that time of the City is a big accomplishment not only on my part but the part of those who believe that dreams do come true, that there is nothing impossible and we can as young people make a big difference. I was born in Iloilo City and I am now a proud resident of Barangay MV Hechanova, Jaro, Iloilo City. Furthermore, I am hoping to graduate from my first soon to be alma mater in Iloilo City, Central Philippine University once I finish my dissertation and receive my diploma as one of the youngest Doctor of Management with concentration in Public Management graduates. I am very thankful of the continued warm support of the people of Iloilo City.

I always put in my mind that without the resident of the City, I wouldn’t have made it to my post right now. They are my boss. I owe to them my position and the level of influence I have right now. This is what guides me in making well thought of decisions for them and to strive for excellent public service by working even beyond what is expected and mandated of and from me. Together with concerned individuals, organizations, sectors and stakeholders, I work with them for the creation of meaningful and innovative legislation and even special programs and projects. I believe in working well together and in continuous consultations. I also would like to believe that I work well beyond political affiliations as long as it is for the good of the City. I love Iloilo City and I always put its best interest first.

After being blessed to have won a seat in the City Council, talks started that I am aiming for a higher post specifically as City Vice Mayor. If ever I run for it I will be the youngest candidate for the post and the youngest to hold the position if ever I make it. To be honest, I never thought of running for a higher post. What I wanted was just to serve the City in any capacity that the people will entrust to me. I never thought that a then candidate for city councilor who was thought of as a long shot winner will be considered as a serious and viable contender for a higher post in Iloilo City. I am honored, privileged and blessed to be even considered as such and to get the trust, admiration and support of people of my beloved City.

As of the moment, I am still undecided. There are so many factors to consider and so many things to think about. As I said before, I will continue to serve the city at my best and to listen to its people. If the people feel I would be of best service to them as City Councilor, then I will just run for re-election for the time being but if they would ask me to run and become the youngest City Vice Mayor, then I will listen and follow their advice. They will be the one to decide and to lend to the position to the person they believe would be of best service to the city in that particular capacity.

At this point, I am asking for your comments and suggestions. What position do you think I should run for? Let me know. I will listen to each one of you who will be kind enough to give me their advice. Please send me a message to councilorlextupas@yahoo.com or post a comment here in my blog. Thank you very much and I will be waiting for your emails. My political strength is from the people of Iloilo City. I trust to you guys and to the Lord my political fate and fortune.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, Ugyon Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

May 31, 2009

Who isn’t amazed of the creatures that roam and swim the Earth? Who isn’t fascinated about seeing the sun set, the sun rise, marine life, the forests, and the like?

God has given us a beautiful abode. It has also given us a lot of things to enjoy.

In my case, ever since I was a toddler, I enjoy taking care of pets. I have dogs and fishes. I also like plants especially bonsai plants. For fishes, I started putting them in plastic containers, until I had cement ponds and then to fish bowls until my various sizes of aquariums. Some couldn’t understand my amazement of fishes since there is no physical contact with fishes but it is said to make one relaxed just seeing them swim and move. As for dogs, I like it but the problem with its waste makes me opt for fishes than dogs. I was told by a friend who works in the medical profession that aquarium fishes serves as a therapy to make one calm, collected and relaxed. Furthermore, I was told before when I was a kid that taking care of animals and plants makes one live longer. I also believe that it trains a person to be responsible since having pets and plants needs some taking care of.

Let us protect our natural resources. Let us love mother nature. Taking care of pets and plants are surely better hobbies than things or other hobbies that might be detrimental to our health and life.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

May 29, 2009

Most people have a hard time moving on from a loss of a loved one, a dream, a goal, etc. In cases like those mentioned, one has to always be prepared of anything and everything that might possibly happen.

It apparently is true that moving on isn’t easy. It takes some time and a lot of getting used to and some adjustments. These are the reasons why I always am guided by some sayings such as, “Life is too short. Everyone deserves to be happy” and that “Treat each day as if it were your last so that you savor each moment”.

We have our own way of dealing with a loss or what some call a coping mechanism. Grief or sorrow is something that reminds us that we have loved but sometimes lost…

Let us value what we have because we may never know what will happen tomorrow.I never want to lose something valuable to me that's why I'm taking good care of whatever is precious to and for me.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

May 20, 2009

One is seen to be firm, strong minded, earnest, certain, determined and resolute when he is decisive. To reach the level of firm decision, it is said to pass through a thorough analysis, deliberation, consultation and a mature and rationale mind set.

We do this especially with the most important things we have to decide on like the person to have a relationship with, the person to marry, where to live, what job to take, how many children to have, what business to undertake, and a lot more.

In my case, especially in one of the careers that I have chosen which is in politics, I have firmly decided to run again in 2010 but I am not yet decided as of yet on just going for re-election or to listen to individuals, sectors and groups that are urging me to run for a higher post. I was elected at age 27, the youngest City Official right now and I’m just on my first term not withstanding such I am blessed and honored to be considered as a serious and viable candidate for a higher post. I am thankful of the warm support and great trust of the people. I have a few months more to go before I make the final decision. I have so many factors to consider such as my family, my chances, the support of the people, my readiness for the post and the responsibilities with it, the finances needed, the organization, the group I would run with, the plans and programs after possibly winning the position and most importantly what is best for the City of Iloilo. For now, I will continue my work for the City and continue with my consultations with the people. I will listen to them. My political strength comes from the people and I owe my post to them.

Indecision sometimes is good because it gives time for one to think about things well before making as life changing decision and be committed and firm to that decision whatever the results will be.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.