this is the first time i am voting as an american and i am so excited. i am 50 years old, an immigrant, just given US citizenship over a year ago. i come from a country that’s had its share of political bad luck. the philippines has shot its collective foot so many times by electing the worst leaders so i know what could happen when people are careless, subscribe to personality cults or don’t give a shit.

most americans don’t know how lucky they are to be born in the united states – a country that is generous, kind and values freedom and individuality even as it strives to be a perfect union. a country that is open to people who can be successful if they work hard. i chose to be an american and i don’t take this day for granted.