Yesterday, like the millions of other Filipinos, I braved the searing heat and trooped to the local High School in San Juan where I was registered. Today would be the acid test of the first-ever automated elections for my country, the Philippines. It would be a testament to modernizing our electoral process and, should it succeed, bring the fruits of democracy on its wings by helping us select the new leaders that would shape our next 6 years and the years yonder.

I knew that I was already registered, but this new “clustered” precinct system, I had to ask for help. Good thing the people manning the Voter’s Assistance Booth just outside the gates of the school were kind enough to help me. After rifling through reams of listings, I found my precinct, 115-A.

I was slightly terrified of going through the long lines which I saw on TV earlier. I was elated to see that the classroom assigned to my precinct was almost empty. I went in, signed the registration form and was handed a ballot. Boy, was this ballot looooong. Damn Party List system should be abolished, I told myself silently as I found the tight, cramped seats (which could barely fit a nine-year) and started to vote.

I was finished in less than 5 minutes. The PCOS machine, now butt of jokes and surrounded by controversy for reports of failures and technical glitches across the country, accepted my ballot in one, fell swoop.

I won’t go into details and tell you who I voted for. Most of them lost, but I’m proud to have voted with my conscience, didn’t take any money for my vote, and exercised my right as a citizen of the republic to partake in this most sacred of processes under the altar of democracy – suffrage. My right to choose who I want to entrust my future and the future of my children and grandchildren.

Segue into Iron Man 2, yeah the movie. I know that it doesn’t seem to “connect” with this article, but hear me out first.

In that movie, Tony Stark, speaking to a crowd and about to launch his Stark Expo, said; “You know, it’s not about me, and… it’s not about you… it’s about Legacy. What we are about to leave behind. That’s what counts”.

Looking back at the historic events yesterday, I think I tend to agree with Mr. Stark.

Yesterday proved to everyone that we, Filipinos, can be resilient, we can make things happen. If we just put our minds and soul to whatever it is we want to achieve.

Despite some technical glitches and some PCOS machines failing, I believe that the automated elections were a success. We just have to improve on a lot of things. It’s a good start. Kudos to Smartmatic and the Comelec and a thousand thanks to our unsung heroes, the teachers and volunteers who are part of the system. Without them, everything would fall into oblivion.

The new leaders of our country would be well advised to heed Tony Stark’s words… it’s about legacy. What can they do for future generations? What can they do NOW to protect our future? We have scores of issues and problems that need to be addressed. Some of those who lost graciously have great ideas on how to do things right. Our new president should listen to them and work with them and throw aside politics.

I applaud those who have graciously conceded. They have honored the will of the people and submitted to the democratic process. Your sacrifice and your fight will not be forgotten. You should be welcomed to serve in the new government.

I call upon the new administration to unite everyone for a common goal. What separates a mediocre leader from a great one is Vision.

And he has to know that, in essence, it’s not about him…

Best of luck, Mr. President. May God bless this great country and its people!