I run on a car-less street at The Fort on a warm Sunday morning. After forgetting to bring my iPod Shuffle, I have little choice but to reflect. My primary aim is to finish the 5K race of the “GMA Tatakbo Ka Ba? Fun Run". My secondary goal is to ponder the significance of jogging for clean elections in 2010. While I take on the uphill road past St. Luke’s, I imagine a literal foot-race for the presidency. Why not let candidates sweat it out, show their dedication to our country (and to a healthy lifestyle) by letting them run in a 10k battle-royale with the throne at stake? No speeches. No campaign promises. No PR. No BS. Let the race for 2010 be a physical manifestation of a candidate’s commitment to the cause. Perhaps, in this manner, voters enjoy a clearer view of candidates’ sincerity. Take away smoke and mirrors. A person’s fortitude is all that remains. After the 10k run, presidential candidates in attendance join a walk for unity. Side by side, arms interlocked, they smile for the cameras and the large crowd. Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and Sen. Francis Pangilinan receive bonus points for arriving in shorts. Former President Joseph Estrada gets twice as many bonus points for sporting full jogging gear. We wonder, though, who among the candidates have the audacity to alter their lifestyles and take on a real race for the presidency?
In our search for the next President, we’re not necessarily looking for well-sculpted muscles or six pack abs. Imagine a candidate with the ability to inspire people, convince others to sacrifice self-comfort, embolden them with his or her example. 
Perhaps this is why Manny Pacquiao connects with Filipinos as easily as he connects with a left hook to the jaw. The language of athletics is basic, readily understood by everyone. A hard-working athlete earns praise. A slacker earns a bad reputation. Talent alone doesn’t suffice. Hence, it is uncomplicated to see heroism in our athletes. To find valor among our politicians is as unproblematic as solving a Sherlock Holmes mystery. It’s not that heroism isn’t there. One has to take great pains, sorting through multi-million peso public relations advertisements, just to find it. Suddenly spin doctors go out of style in favor of personal trainers and running coaches. Our candidates are only thankful nimble Sen. Pia Cayetano, who actually ran the 10k in the event, isn’t part of the 2010 presidential derby. I wouldn’t be surprised if candidates, seconds before the starting gun fires off, wish each other luck by sincerely saying, “Break a leg." I’m on my final 50 meters. The sun is on my face. My shirt is soaked. A final thought pops in my head. In our search for the next President, we’re not necessarily looking for well-sculpted muscles or six pack abs. Imagine a candidate with the ability to inspire people, convince others to sacrifice self-comfort, embolden them with his or her example. We seek a candidate Filipinos will wish to literally carry on their shoulders from the starting gate all the way to the finish line if only to ensure victory. No PR. No BS. No smoke and mirrors. There’s your true winner for 2010.
- GMANews.TV 
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