RJ Aquino

"It’s difficult to convince others that we become better versions of ourselves as time passes when my wife doesn’t look a day older than when we first met. Happy Birthday, my love."
A Message for the Filipino Community

The 2011 Vancouver Municipal Election was unprecedented in that there were three candidates from the Filipino community that sought positions within City Council and the Parks Board. While the outcome was ultimately disappointing, it was not discouraging.

As I reflect on my experience, I would be remiss not to acknowledge and express my gratitude for the invaluable support I received from our community. I’ve met so many people and established lasting relationships. All throughout, there were words of encouragement and acts of friendship and solidarity. Young people in our community took an active interest in civic engagement and became immersed in learning many crucial lessons in this election.

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Reflections on Running for Public Office

The Vancouver 2011 Civic Elections are now behind us and I congratulate the mayor and councillors that have been elected. I wish them all the best in their new/renewed roles and may they serve the city well.

Seeing the first handful of poll results come in indicated that I would be in for a long night. What was unexpected was how the rest of COPE’s candidates would fare. In the end, only Allan Wong for the School Board would get elected and the rest of us would be left pondering our immediate futures. What was most disappointing was seeing the narrow margin that kept Ellen Woodsworth out of the last council spot.

This is my first time running for office. Really, this is my first foray into politics and it’s been a memorable ride. It’s now a few days since the results came in and I’m finally feeling like I can catch my breath. From the exciting nomination to the disappointing end of the election, it’s been an amazing experience.

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From Here to There

The starting point is contentious
The destination is ambitious

We dwell in the in-between, that’s in our dreams
Unwritten stories about ourselves
Like unwritten books on yet to be dusty shelves

Our characters, move from left to right: starting out unrefined, undefined
But our principles, motives and spirit are bold, italics and underlined

Each word, heavier in thought
As it ponders the price its meaning had bought

Buying meaning with a purpose? Or meaning to buy a purpose?
What is your currency for change? It’s not what jingles in your pocket, it’s open-minded exchange.

Swap ideas, swap stories, swap spit.
By the way, I’m talking about open-mouthed kissing with that last little bit.

As chapters fill our pages, our book writes itself in stages.
Let love be the dominant theme, not anger or hate - those two are a dangerous team.

Sure there’s plenty to be angry about but your judgement will be clouded
Instead fill your heart with love… passion will keep that space crowded.

Passionate people are admired for their persistence
But it’s their sincerity and genuine desire for change that defines their existence.

Let love be your guide and passion be your drive. For the betterment of humanity, let’s define that as what will keep us alive.

What is over there? Me. You. Them. Us. It’s not complicated, we’re all on the same bus.

In life, with love, we can accomplish anything. Is it ambitious? Well, yeah sort of.

What is over here? Me. You. Them. Us. It’s a little more complicated, that’s something we can discuss.

We can scratch an unknown itch by participating in democracy and earning our right to bitch.

You’re not done when you cast your ballot, you’ve just begun to paint with democracy’s powerful palette.

Open your eyes and see what your world needs and share what’s on your mind, lest your public servants end up being the blind leading the blind.

I promise that I won’t read your mind. The last thing you want from an elected official are guarantees they know what issues you’ll get behind.

I promise to engage and listen. To take action so as to motivate you to speak with me so I can continue to listen.

This is where we are. This is where we stand. If we don’t respect democracy, what we ask from others are just soulless demands.

My hand is now open, outstretched, more useful than an angry fist in the air.

So I can help who I can, so you and I - we’re both moving from here to over there.
Nov 23rd

What time is it?

RJ Aquino

"It’s difficult to convince others that we become better versions of ourselves as time passes when my wife doesn’t look a day older than when we first met. Happy Birthday, my love."

A Message for the Filipino Community

Reflections on Running for Public Office

From Here to There