Strings Of Perfection

38

Huminga ako nang malalim. Then I looked up---chin slightly raised, voice calm but firm.

"I'm Leo Creu Livreun. And I'm not here para lang magdagdag sa listahan ng kandidato."

"I'm not here to say all the right things. I'm here to say what needs to be said."

"I believe in a kind of leadership na hindi lang present kapag madali. Hindi ‘yung biglang lalabas lang kapag maganda ang spotlight, tapos tatahimik kapag kailangan ng tunay na paninindigan."

My voice was steady. Like every word was meant to hit somewhere.

"I stand for action---not just promises. For presence---not just titles. And for courage---lalo na sa mga panahong hindi sikat ang manindigan."

Tumigil ako sandali. Just long enough for the weight of the words to settle.

"Because let’s be honest. Ilang beses na tayong nagtiwala sa mga lider na naunang umalis kapag naging mahirap ang laban? Ilang beses na tayong piniling taniman ng katahimikan sa gitna ng ingay ng problema?"

I didn’t look at him.

But I didn’t need to. I knew he was listening. I knew he felt that. Kasi alam naming dalawa kung kanino tumama ‘yon.

"Kung magpapaligsahan tayo, sana patas. Kasi hindi lahat ng laban nadadaan sa galing magsalita. Minsan, ang tunay na tapang, ‘yung kahit alam mong masasaktan, lalaban ka pa rin."

I returned the mic with the same composed expression.

Tangina. My chest was burning. My jaw ached from how tight I was clenching. My hands felt like they wanted to throw something, or hold on to something I already lost.

"Wow, Leo really didn't hold back."

"Tama siya, ha. Hindi lahat ng leader may boses na naririnig."

In the corner of my eye, I caught movement.

Nanatiling tuwid ang katawan niya, like he was carved from ice. Pero may bahagyang tiklop sa mga daliri niya, like he didn’t know where to put his hands.

Flash.

May pumasok sa mata niya. Gulat ba ‘yon? O sisi? Hindi ko sigurado.

"Next, we have the candidate for President, Sylas Storm Eliunous."

His name echoed through the speakers like thunder before a storm.

He walked toward the front. May konting delay sa bawat hakbang niya.

I watched quietly.

Let’s see, Mr. Know-It-All.

Let’s see how you try to answer without using my name.

"Good afternoon, I'm Sylas Storm Eliunous. I'm running for president of the student council because I believe in pushing the boundaries of leadership."

Halos matawa na 'ko, pero pinigilan ko.

Pucha. Boundaries? This guy. His whole speech felt like it came straight out of some textbook. Parang galing lang sa utak, hindi sa puso.

"I believe leadership means being someone who sets the standard, someone who shows strength even in the face of adversity. As president, I will not let anyone down. I will ensure the success of every student under my leadership. No one will be left behind. I will fight for all of you."

"Fight for all of you?" Ulol. Totoo ba 'to? May naniniwala pa ba sa linya niyang 'yan?

Kaya hindi ko maintindihan, eh. How can he stand there and act like this? Like he's the hero. The savior. The one who’s always been there.