We all know that Grace Poe is the daughter of the famous king and queen of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe, Jr. and Susan Roces. She started from being an extra in her father's movies to being chosen as the chairperson of the MTRCB. She's also the top senator who pushed for the extension of the driver's license and passport, as well as promoting the right care and nutrition for the mothers and their babies.
But my love for her started during a presidential campaign rally in Laguna in 2016. I was an on-the-job trainee in a TV network at that time. Although the distance is impossibly far because of the thick crowd, I was captivated by her charm, her wit, and her simple approach to the public. After that, I decided to know about her through social media and videos from Youtube. From then on, I never missed out of updates and making sure that I will never miss every single "like" on each post. My love for her grew deeper.
I decided to make a portrait of her with a light blue heart through a cross-stitch. I framed it and wrote a poem and my phone number. I gave my masterpiece as a gift for her birthday. A few days after, I did not expect that my idol - Senator Grace Poe - sent me a sweet text message!
I had my first up-close encounter with her, and it took place at the Senate on September 6, 2017. Clad in a collared green dress, her first impression on me was cute. I hugged her and took a selfie before I handed her my pasalubong. I was fresh from an examination in a bank.
After that, two more encounters with her followed - in November 2017 and August 2018. Her voice is calm and her approach is very motherly. Although she is short in height, her energy remains high and her heart is full of love.
Aside from her, I also met her staff. Like my idol, they are also full of energy and very friendly. I remember when she ran again for senator, they sent me four packages full of campaign materials. My mom and I distributed the materials to transport groups, neighbors, co-workers, and friends in my hometown, Quezon Province. On election day, I voted for her.
And three months after she placed second on the midterm race, I decided to write a letter of gratitude and bought pasalubong to meet her again. Although I came running late to the Senate, I didn't fail to see her again. I waited for her to appear while I was entertained by her dynamic staff.
She was fresh from a meeting when she appeared, and about to go to the session hall. At first, she did not recognize me because of my height (I was wearing three-inch wedges at that time, compared to my previous visits when I wore only flats). Later on, she hugged me tightly and kissed me. She was amazed by my recent achievements and asked my age. She was smiling and very optimistic to see me again. I also saw her dashing son, Brian. He is now the chief of staff of my idol.
I usually take selfies with her before, but this time, it's her turn. She handed over her blazer to her son, handed my phone to her, and took a selfie. I was really surprised to see her gesture that is simple yet so cool. However, my recent encounter with her lasted for almost a minute.
After my idol bade goodbye and walked to the session hall, I took another chance to take selfies with a few of her staff - Ate Azi (who got married and gave birth to her first child recently), Ate Menchie (who first accommodated us during the September 2017 visit), Kuya Enteng (who served as our guide during the November 2017 visit, is already engaged and almost didn't recognize him because of weight gain), Ate Eira (who recently had a trip to the land down under) and Ate Dane (Senator Grace's trusty close-in who really appreciated my artworks). However, I missed the chance to see Ate Minnie (which I have a special gift for her because she appreciated my work as an online English tutor) and Miss Jetka (who is our first guide in the September 2017 visit), who were both on leave.
But for me, the encounters of Ate Azi, Ate Eira, and Ate Dane are the most memorable, apart from my greatest source of inspiration and joy. Ate Azi was our guide during the August 2018 visit. She missed me badly and was surprised to know about my recent job. Last year, I asked her about the things I don't know about Senator Grace and used a few facts for my post for her 50th birthday. I enjoyed her FB and IG stories about her newborn son.
Next is Ate Eira. I first met her on my first-ever solo Senate visit (which happened on my birthday and failed to see my idol firsthand). She's a sharpshooter, whether using a camera or a gun. Not to mention, she is the first person to help get the campaign materials to my hometown. I also like her FB and IG posts because of her humorous content.
The last one is Ate Dane. Although I first met her last year, I like her posts so much because of the wittiness and the "hugot" factor. I'm also amused by her FB and IG stories, featuring her pet cats. But this one-of-a-kind encounter took place near the Senate canteen. We exchanged DMs and I patiently waited for her. After a few minutes, she arrived from the senators' lounge. She's clad in a black long-sleeved shirt and black pants while holding two iPhones and a snack. She offered me her snack and ate while exchanging stories. She took a picture on one of my new tattoos, bearing the signature of my idol with a small blue heart. I also gave her a gift, which is one of the artworks that I made and posted during the 2019 campaign.
I am more than grateful and blessed to see my greatest source of inspiration and joy, as well as her dynamic and amazing staff. Although my recent visit took only a few hours, I am still thankful that my birthday wish finally came true.
As I look back into the pictures, especially those with my idol Senator Grace, I couldn't help but shed tears of joy. I am proud to say that I am one of the 22 million people who voted and supported for her. I can't wait to see her and her team again next time!
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