I could think of a million ways to begin this simple epistle.

I can start by saying "Congratulations!" or by writing a thousand flatteries that can make you feel good until perhaps your next birthday. However, I know for a fact that you've been getting tons of those already, and whatever positive things this ordinary citizen might say is something you've already heard of before, I'm sure.

Instead, allow me to just say: President Aquino, I am proud to be one of the 15 million people who has helped to put you in power. And I will never ever regret that decision.

A few months prior to the actual elections, I seriously had no idea as to who my choice would be to be the next president of this country. I am one of those people who take pride in being socially aware of what's going on. But at the same time, I was one of the many who was pessimistic, and had this twisted ideology that no matter who sits as the president, no matter how qualified and good their intentions may be, things in this country is just so bad that it will take a lifetime of miracles to accomplish anything. Still, I kept myself abreast and contributed in what way I can to help ease the impossibility of a "Better" Philippines to actually take shape. As a student studying AB Communication Arts during those days, I held up to one of the roles anyone taking up that course should play--I closely monitored what was going on, and I kept myself involved in state affairs, even if sometimes, I have to admit, I didn't know at least half of the things I see or hear or read.

I have undergone tons of experiences in my life that has proven, time and time again, that anything is indeed possible if you're just backed up by a positive spirit, a willing heart and the perfect timing. And timing has indeed been perfect because it was so timely that election fever was on just when things seemed really dank for this country. Once again, we had been presented with a roster of candidates (some of them good, a handful are just in it because of pressure and most of them, well, talk about unqualified) that have promised us a better future. Promises that, should they win or lose, will haunt them forever if never put into action because the lives of 90 million people are at stake.

This year, I was fortunate to be a part of the very first ever automated elections in the Philippines. And like everybody else, I was also a skeptic--I feared that the system will be rigged to favor the candidates of the administration, ergo, another six years in hell, should that happen. At first, I almost didn't consider voting, because I didn't want my first time to participate in the elections to be put to waste. Still, with all these fears aside, I continued doing my research and surveillance.

I remember a time during the aftermath of your mother's, Former President Cory Aquino's death, that I distinctly said, I will be completely turned off should you run for President, because I felt at that time, you were just gonna use her death and the well loved "Cory magic" to your due advantage since it was still fresh from all our memories. I even said that I will not vote for you because of mere branding.

However as months passed by and you got more media mileage and thanks to your willing participation in debates and forums, I ate back what I said and decided that hey, I was gonna vote for you. My mind, since then, had been set.

It was your visit to UST and the way you actually handled yourself and your responses to the questions that really and utterly impressed me. Other than, I was very very starstruck by the fact that you were in the same auditorium as we were.

But the reason why I voted for you and Mar Roxas goes beyond the shallow reasons of the fangirl in me.

I voted for you because above anything else, I can truly feel that you are a man of MORALS. I know some would say that it takes more than a good heart to run a country, but if you ask me, it is where it should begin. A conscientious person thinks of others before thinking of himself.

I voted for you because despite the number of people doubting your capacities as a leader, you have proven them wrong by just keeping quiet and focusing on what you have to do to make them think otherwise.

And I voted for you, well, because I believe in you. I won't make it any more complicated than that.

I won't pretend that I know at least a quarter of the nitty gritty stuff PolSci students have to undergo to make sure someone is worthy to be a president, but I usually rely on my gut feel for decisions like these. It may be a shallow reason, but it's my reason. And no one should ever question it because we all have our own prerogatives in life.

Now that I have cast my vote, and to my perfect delight, that one vote has enabled you to win, it doesn't end after that for me. Because as far as I'm concerned, as long as you are in office, I will be as vigilant in trying to defend you like I have been doing so many times before.

I won't be writing my expectations because I would never want to jinx your tenure by demanding what I want. Instead, I shall allow you to do what you can for this country, and at the same time, contribute in my own little way to make your stay as president in Malacanang as bearable as possible. I, along with those 15 million other people, shall be with you until 2016.

And as for your critics? Well, let me just say that their criticisms can only do as much, but remember, the progress we so want this country to have depends on each and everyone of us. No governance, no leadership is perfect in itself. We must know that change lies in our hands. It is also our responsibility to take an active part in the quest for reform.

President Noy, no matter how much other people doubt you, or if ever there shall be instances in the future that they may believe you have failed this country, I will never think the same way they do.

Basta ang alam ko sa sarili ko na hangga't ako ay nakikialam, ako ay kumikilos, at ako ay gumagawa ng paraan para makatulong tungo sa pagbabago, wala na akong dapat hilingin pa.

It will take the leadership of an Ironman, the heart of Mother Theresa and the force of the Greek army to keep things in perspective for this country. But for the mean time, the morality of and the faith we have in this man is enough to keep this country going.

Thank you, President Noy for giving this country hope and espousing what a real president is--a servant leader.