May 12 is coming up, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect—not just as a voter, but as a freelancer, a tita, and someone trying to do the right thing in a world that doesn’t always make that easy.

This won’t be a political post. You won’t find any party names, endorsements, or slogans here. What you will find is a reminder to look inward before you cast your vote. Because who you are, and who you care about, should guide your choices more than any campaign ever could.

Start With You

I’m a freelancer. I work online. I’ve built my income stream from scratch, and I know many of you reading this have done the same.

So when I vote, I ask:

Which leaders understand the needs of freelancers and self-employed Filipinos like me?

Who is pushing for laws that recognize our work, protect our income, and give us access to benefits, without making us jump through impossible hoops?

We deserve fair representation, too. Our work is just as valid, and our voices matter.

Then Think About Your Family

We don’t live in isolation. We have parents, grandparents, siblings, titas, pamangkins, and friends. Some of them are seniors, persons with disabilities, OFWs, students, teachers, employees, or small business owners.

So I also ask:

Who is looking out for the people I love?

Not just in words, but through real policy—laws that actually make life better for ordinary Filipinos.

If someone in your family relies on government healthcare, education, or social support, then voting for the right kind of leaders isn’t just political—it’s personal.

What Do You Need Every Day?

Forget the noise online. Let’s talk about what we actually need:

✅ A stable, fast internet connection so we can work and learn from home

✅ Lower grocery prices so our income can stretch a little further

✅ Fair labor laws that don’t leave freelancers or regular employees behind

✅ Quality education for our kids

✅ Accessible healthcare for our parents and grandparents

✅ Better infrastructure so commuting or getting around isn’t a daily burden

✅ Economic policies that support small investors, not just for now, but for the next 10-20 years as we prepare for retirement

Who can help turn these basic needs and long-term goals into actual policies?

Who’s creating policies that help ordinary Filipinos grow their wealth, protect it, and retire with dignity?

Who’s working for the next generation, not just the next election?

Choose People Over Party

At the end of the day, I don’t care about party colors or political labels. I care about people.

So when I vote, I’m thinking about my community—the fellow freelancers I work with, the friends working or trying to start small businesses, the families raising kids while juggling bills, the seniors waiting for better healthcare.

I’m not voting for a party. I’m voting for the chance to make life a little better for the people I care about. And maybe, for you too.

A Quiet But Powerful Act

Voting is personal. It’s not about being loud or confrontational. It’s about showing up, being thoughtful, and doing the right thing even when no one’s watching.

So I hope you take a moment before May 12 to ask yourself the same questions I did. Because your voice matters. And when we choose with clarity and care, not hype or hate, we help shape a country we can all be proud to live, work, and retire in.

Let’s choose wisely, not loudly. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! 🇵🇭

And if this post helped you reflect, feel free to share it with someone who might need a gentle reminder too.