“Yes, there is hope.”
This may be the first time that pink is being used as a Christmas color in the country.
This is quite unusual because traditionally, the dominant colors have been red, green, silver, gold, and even copper. Pink has never been associated with Christmas before.
This year, however, during the few times that I ventured to the malls the past months, pink holiday decorations have been prominently displayed and selling briskly. I know because when I went back to buy, the ones I liked were already sold out.
Pink “parol” are also very popular. In fact, this is the first Christmas decoration that has become publicly visible hanging in front of houses and on trees. We bought some early on but when we needed more, we had to wait a while for stocks that would come from Bicol and Pangasinan. Apparently, the demand has been great. This is good news for small businesses producing lanterns this season.
At home, I have been using a lot of red for past Christmases and since I was not intending to change color schemes this year, it took me a while to decide to also use pink. However, pink ribbons are also hard to find these days.
Using pink this season is a political statement in support of the candidacies of Vice President Leni Robredo for President, Senator Kiko Pangilinan for Vice-President, and their senatorial slate. It is not simply a fad or a trend. Filipinos are proclaiming their political convictions in the hope of better governance, higher chances of fully recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, economic revitalization, full respect for human rights, strong defense for the country’s sovereignty, and, overall better life for Filipinos.
Thus, pink has become the color of hope. Hope for a people in despair because of the tens of thousands of lives lost to the pandemic and drug-related killings; disillusioned by incompetent and corrupt government; wallowing in poverty because of the millions who lost their jobs; and frustrated with how the country is being sold to China.
Some may not be aware, but this pink revolution also gives us hope to significantly weaken, if not totally dismantle some of the major political dynasties including the Dutertes, Arroyos, Estradas, and the Marcoses.
Particularly for the dictator Marcos’ family, this may very well be their last chance to be back in Malacañang palace. Marcos, Jr. is their last card and if he loses, it will take many years for them to make a big comeback. Marcos Jr. is no longer young and for now, there is no one in sight among their youngsters who can take the cudgels for the family.
As far as the Dutertes are concerned, if “daughterte” loses, their bailiwick will just be Davao. Rodrigo Duterte might still become a senator. However, with his advanced age and supposedly deteriorating health his supporters may not be able to expect much from him. With a new administration that he will not be able to control or significantly influence, Duterte’s clout will surely weaken.
The Estradas are already a spent force even if Jinggoy makes it to the senate. JV is of a different mold and cannot be expected to work with his half-brother. Lastly, with a new administration, the Arroyos will not be able to maneuver things in the House of Representatives (HOR) as GMA successfully did before.
Thus, a pink vote, your one vote for VP Leni and Sen. Lacson, is a vote that can dismantle political dynasties.
This pink Christmas is also a demonstration of kindness and cooperation between and among different groups of Filipinos. This may very well be inspired by VP Leni herself who constantly tells her supporters to act kindly. Her “mas radikal ang magmahal line” hit the bull’s eye and serves as a constant reminder to people to be civil and decent even to political “enemies.”
Many times, we see people who initially did not personally know each other work on initiatives to help others. These take various forms from doing Leni Lugaw stands, pooling resources to produce shirts given away for free, providing free medical consultations, gathering books for children, and other schemes aimed at easing the burdens of Filipinos in need.
This pink Christmas season is a showcase of the real spirit of “bayanihan” and this is inspired by VP Leni Robredo herself.
The positive energies emanating from the pink campaign is being internalized by the VP’s supporters and volunteers. Whereas other camps are busy trying to destroy Robredo through fake news and malicious posts, many “kakampinks” busy themselves with work that will have a positive impact on others. This is a “hate” versus “love” campaign and many voters are seeing and feeling the big difference. Surely, the effects will be seen in the results of the 2022 elections.
My hunch is as early as now, this pink Christmas season is a preview of how a Robredo-led government will work. From where I sit, I am liking what I am seeing.
With our one vote each, we can dismantle the big political dynasties. With our one vote for a President Robredo, we are establishing a government of positivity and partnership. May this pink Christmas pave the way for a government that Filipinos deserve and can be proud of.
@bethangsioco on Twitter; Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook
