My grandfather was a political and influential man in our city in Bulacan, although he never ran for office. Politics were a big part of our lives because of my grandfather. He talked loud about his political beliefs and principles. He had no qualms about letting people know where his vote and support belonged. I barely understood any of it but I followed because I believed in my grandpa. There were times when his home was headquarters for several political campaigns, which was both exciting and terrifying. The excitement came from the thrills of campaigning from town to town and listening to political debates. The fear came from huge guns held by the bodyguards that secured his house during these times. He supported the political views of the candidates for the well-being of the poor. Most of these political candidates were like my grandfather who didn’t have a lot of money but believed in the people and their power to facilitate change. He was a Democrat in and out. And the entire Cristobal clan’s political views always swayed to any direction my grandfather leaned. He was a powerful man.

The last campaign I remember was PDP-Lakas ng Bayan aka PDP-Laban, which translates to: Philippine Democratic Party-Power of the People in 1986. I was fourteen years old. My sister, cousins, uncles and distant relatives were all there with my grandpa as the leader. Town to town in a caravan of cars, some on foot, others in motorcycles and tricycles, in yellow shirts, and synchronized political rants. It was intoxicating and liberating. I wasn’t old enough to vote but it sure felt great to fight so strongly for something. 1986 was a big year in political change for the Philippines. It was a Presidential snap election. This election started a revolution, which ended the dictatorship. For the first time in 21 years, democracy was restored in the country. For the first time in history in the Philippines and in Asia, a woman took over the presidential seat.

It was a historic time not only because the new president was a woman. It was important because there was a new president after 21 years. There was a glimpse of hope for the people. The fear of martial law was diminished and freedom for the people was regained. I live in the US now and I can’t imagine a world without justice and the freedom of speech or the freedom to express one’s religious or political beliefs openly. I remember when I was eleven years old, my mom came home from law school crying. My sister and I asked why she was upset. She told us that a very important man was assassinated at the Manila International Airport tarmac upon his return to the Philippines after being exiled in the US for voicing his political views against the current regime. This man was finally allowed to come home to his country (facing imprisonment) only to be murdered as soon as his feet touched the ground. What a world! A world that is hard to imagine even for an immigrant like me. I am appreciative that when my son asks me about our US president I have many good things to say and proud that I had the freedom to vote for him.

The upcoming election has been on my mind as I am sure it is with all Americans. I love the United States. I am grateful to be here. Many years ago, my Mom reached a point when the only way for her to move on with life was to start over somewhere far away. Away from my father and consequently the family she loved and the country that raised her. She went to my grandpa to let him know that she was heartbroken and that she had to leave. She told him that her plan was to move to Australia to start life anew. My grandpa was very sad upon hearing this, but he loved her and understood. He advised her, “if you are going to leave me to move to a strange, faraway place to start a new life, then you’ll have to go to America. If I am to lose you, my only daughter, the only place I can allow you to go is America. It is the only place. It will give you opportunities to have a successful life to raise your daughters.” My grandpa made this move happen for my mom. My mom had many struggles here in the US and it wasn’t easy for her but possibilities for a better life were present. She worked hard. Two years later she sent for my two sisters and me. We worked hard and took chances and still do. This month marks our 27 years of living in the US. I can’t imagine what our lives would have been if America wasn’t an option. I only know that I am thankful that this is where we landed.

On November 8, I am going to exercise my right and duty as a citizen and the privilege to vote. I will vote because I care about equality because I am an American and because I care about all people. I will vote because I care about women’s rights and because there are women in my life who would have had big troubles had they not had reproductive rights. I will vote because love is love and I believe in marriage equality.  I will vote because I have a son and I care about his future and I want to choose the right people who may influence his views. I will vote because I want to be able to tell my son that we have a president who works hard for us and who knows what she’s doing. I will vote because I don’t want to have to tell my son that we have a buffoon for a president. I will vote because my grandfather raised me to stand for my beliefs and what’s right.  I will vote because my mother was gutsy and lucky enough to get me to where I am now…the country where a 36-year old woman immigrant with three kids could have a new beginning 29 years ago. There is no doubt in my mind that I live in the greatest country in the world, a country where everyone has choices and rights. I live in the greatest country in the world, the land of the free and the home of the brave. My grandfather would have loved America. I will vote.