Red Love Monday: Denise and Carlo

Every Monday, Dating Politics features leftie couples who’re shaking the laws of lust and motion while saving societies in crisis and motion.  Based on the novel by Russian Rev Alexandra Kollontai, Red Love Monday is about love on the other side and inside the class struggle.

If you and your partner are lefties and want your stories posted, check out the Underground Notes and let me know. I’ll transmit the questions.

Denise Valdecantos and Carlo Sayo

She: Denise Valdecantos.  Chairperson, The Philippine Women Centre of B.C.

He: Carlo Sayo.  National Chairperson, Filipino-Canadian Youth Alliance-National.

Active Turf: Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Changing the world since: April 2003

The Meeting of Two World Outlooks: Met the first time at Under the Volcano Festival  in August of 2002. While attending a women’s conference in November later that year, she saw him wearing a shirt that said, “Men of Quality Respect Women’s Equality.” She left for the Philippines 2 weeks later, and they e-mailed and texted until she returned to Vancouver in April 2003.

Anthem: Toss up between Stevie Wonder’s “Sunshine of my life” and “I’ll Cover You” from Rent.

Battle cry: “Makibaka! Huwag Matakot!” **

Why she activates his world: “I am always inspired by her creativity and compassion. Most often, I find she is the first to volunteer to help someone in need. She’s also more good natured and fun than I am.”

Why he activates her world: “His hard work and commitment to serving the people. I love his creativity, thoughtfulness and watching him perform poetry.”

The Long March: A bundle of revolutionary children --who will grow up to change the world in their own way.

**Advance the struggle!  Do not fear!"