Beginning 8:00 in the morning today, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will start accepting certificates of candidacy and nomination of official candidates of registered political parties for the May 10, 2010 National and Local Elections.  COMELEC will continue to do so from 8:00 am up to 5:00 in the afternoon until November 30, 2009 and up to 12:00 midnight of December 1, 2009.  The biggest circus is therefore ushered in today and will build momentum until election day next year.  During these times, the voter is KING.  Expect even the most respectable candidate to perform silly dance numbers and sing songs off-key.  Expect a windfall of goodies and a bagful of promises.  This is the Philippines.  This is home.  So enjoy the circus.