[My mentor told me not to look for answers to question. He said that I would rather look for the reason for when I find the reason, I automatically find the answer. I agree. And that's what I always do.]

Literally, yesterday's event has made me cry. I just cannot help but to express how sorry I am for the country and for my fellow Filipinos. My tears were not the answer to my question: Why do these things have to happened? Yet, they helped me to somehow figure out what these things are all about.

I've found the reason.

This country will never move forward. Not--unless every Filipino decides to sacrifice his personal interest. This country will always back to zero and start from a scratch. Because almost everyone wants the canvas painted by his own hands--alone. This country is killing itself. Because of the system of self-destruct created by our leaders.

But I won't take time criticizing the old. I would only waste my time. I want to appeal to my fellow youth instead: Let us avoid the same self-destructive mechanism that this generation has created for us.

My call is a simple commitment. Let us prepare our ranks. Let us learn from these destructive events. Let us promise ourselves that when our time comes to lead this nation, we will never magnify division that we see today, political circus that they play today and selfishness that everyone is seemingly serving.

The real essence of democracy is not marching on the streets to depreciate the power of peso. It is not working outside the system to change it. It is working inside the system and promising not to be eaten by it. It is not going against the government. It is working with the government.

Democracy, for me, is not about leftists or the rightists. It is about left and right talking about what is common between them. It is not shouting loud. It is about talking softly and diplomatically. It is not something to die for. It is somthing to live for.

My friends, democracy doesn't work simply because the people don't know what it really means. We don't use democracy as a tool to improve this country. We abuse democracy. And we use democracy to justify what we unbecomingly do to one another. We don't know what was fought for 20 years ago. We only thought what we fought was freedom. Unfortunately, we don't have any concern on the responsibility enclosed in it.

No matter how we celebrate EDSA People Power every year. If we won't have a clear and common understanding of what we are celebrating about, going to the streets, leading wreath laying ceremonies and attending photo exhibits would only mean a common celebration to get the attention of the media.

Some anti (or pro) administration may say I was not present during EDSA 1, nor in EDSA 2. So I say: The difference between those were there and those who were not there lies on who live the Godly essence of democracy. I thank God I was not part of either EDSA. At least, I do my part in my small place in Fort Bonifacio. And that I don't join those who build a nation of self-destruct.