15/12/2021
I have long been on the lookout for an interesting plot for a novel, but nothing has caught my fancy so far. Until I started scrutinizing the current line up of our Presidential wannabes. There will probably be no other election richer in back story than the upcoming 2022 Presidential contest. Here is what I got so far (without naming the obvious π). I am still trying to figure out a police hero (or villain?) and he is also turning out to be an interesting story as well. Which plot do you think will sell? Which plot do you want to flourish into a full length novel? π
1.) Born to abject poverty, he was toughened by rough life in the streets of Manila. His survivor instincts found a niche in the fight world where his boxing skills propelled him to worldwide fame and greatness. Success followed him everywhere since, making him one of the most famous Filipinos of all time. As he seeks the Presidency, he stands on the threshold of his biggest dream - leading his people out of poverty. But inside the scheming world of politics where betrayal and exploitation is the norm, will he be exposed for his naivete and greed? Or will he live up to the promise of being a man of destiny?
2.) A real life rags-to-riches story of a former matinee idol captivates the imagination of a people always in search for a superhero. With his movie star good looks and charismatic street smart persona, he smoothly transitions into one of the country's local political wonder boys. Riding on the magic of a breathtaking overhaul of the nation's capital as its Mayor, he now looks to bring his acts to the biggest stage of them all - the Philippine presidency. Is his show business savvy enough to conquer the equally unreal world of Philippine politics? Or is he pushing his luck too soon?
3.) An unassuming widow lawyer is unexpectedly cast into the limelight after she enters local politics following her much admired husband's death in a suspicious plane crash. She quietly makes a name for herself and rises to be an influential force within her own ruling political party. Following 2 devastating election losses however, their party is decimated and falls from grace. She emerges to be the last woman standing. The moribund party pins their last hope of political survival on her. But is also proving to be the heaviest baggage that is weighing her candidacy down. Will they let her lead them back up to prominence? Or will they drag her down with them?
4.) A scion of a disgraced powerful family comes home after they were driven out of power and forced into exile. He returns to find a remaining strong base of loyal followers despite allegations of mind blowing corruption and widespread abuses during the family's rule. Even with the massive and virulent movement against him and his family's return, he emerges unscathed and the Presidency - and a return of the family to power - is within his reach. Will he chart a new course for the country or revive a dark chapter of our past?