It wasn’t just your typical Friday. It was a Friday most people from Laguna had been waiting for. In my hometown Calamba, youth volunteers have been campaigning for Vice President Leni Robredo for President and Senator Kiko Pangilinan running for Vice President. These volunteers have been going house to house to inform people of their platforms. They’ve also been conducting feeding programs and recruiting (or looking for volunteers) people to help the campaign, to name a few. I volunteered; of course, I wanted to give a hand on the drive. It sucks that I came in late; I wish I could have signed up early.
Anyway, this story is not about me. It was never about me. Maybe, I will tell this story through my own eyes and narrate it with my own heart. The latter is probably the best way to paint this picture, this experience, and the journey. There are stories or experiences you cannot be simply told, written, or narrated because there are simply no words for them. But here I am, trying my best to tell you mine, not just my story, maybe their story. The volunteers’ and supporters’ stories.
Indeed, it was a one-of-a-kind story that can be told through thousands of eyes and maybe experiences. When Leni and Kiko declared their candidacy, I always wanted to volunteer. Maybe my being a people person or perhaps just my above-average writing skills could contribute to the campaign. I was happy when I was able to sign up as a writer and contributor to some writings, and I wished that I had signed up early.
First, I would like to pay tribute to the volunteers who not only devoted their time, effort, their own money, and for some pride so they can ask for donations. Second, some of them had to endure countless harassment from other people just because they supported a different candidate. Third, it’s not easy to go on the ground, talk to people, and introduce Leni and Kiko. Fourth, some lend their talents to paint murals, only for some of them to be bastardized by local officials and supporters of other candidates. It was both rewarding and frustrating, but they soldiered on.
It was not just Leni and Kiko’s campaign; it was a People’s Campaign. I’ve never seen this kind of effort from the youth, transportation, and even celebrities, farmers, professionals, etc. I’ve seen people who have nothing do their best to campaign in their own little way. That was the spark that inspired me to be part of this. Now, I want to do more.
So, on the 29th of April, VP (Vice President) Leni and Senator Kiko dropped by Calamba to meet their supporters and talk to different community sectors. They were greeted by their adoring supporters, from the youth, the elderly, and the fishermen, to name a few. But unfortunately, I never had a chance to meet them because our transportation left a little early to our next stop, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Santa Rosa, Laguna. I spent a lot of time there; I worked there before. I spent a good four years there. Going back is nostalgic, looking at my old office (now it’s ultimately being remodeled and is looking for a new tenant), where I hang out, eat, and shop. The venue was just a stone’s throw away from my old office behind a mall constructed years after I left kgb_ Philippines. When we arrived, the place was buzzing with people trying to find their place, and some were jamming to their favorite tunes performed by artists on stage.
It took a few more hours before we got to the main part. The part where senatorial candidates would share their platforms if they get elected. Then Sharon Cuneta, an actress, singer, and wife of Kiko Pangilinan, started talking. She delivered what could be the second-best speech of the night. She spoke about the struggles of farmers and the true brotherhood and sisterhood of Leni and Kiko supporters, among others. It was amazing. I was dead tired, but Sharon’s speech gave me a jolt of energy.
Kiko came out and greeted the crowd, who numbered around 225,000. He then asked the crowd if we wanted a government that would help people during the Pandemic, the fishermen’s issues against the Chinese government, to name a few. He then promised to help farmers, fishermen, and other food-producing industries, so that they could produce a lot and prices would go down. Kiko spoke from the heart; we all listened as he narrated a local farmer’s struggle in the country and how he intended to help. Then it started raining.
Now, it’s Leni’s turn. After the show of support to some local officials, Leni then started talking. Before that, the rain stopped when Leni showed up on stage. During her speech, Leni jokingly said that every time she goes on stage, the rain always stops, and this is probably the 3rd or 4th time it happened, and I was there to witness it. She then thanked the crowd, who endured the rain and heat to support her. She then told her struggles at the Office of the Vice President and how she was able to help through her limited budget and some donations. She promised that her presidency will focus more on the poor through her Angat Buhay Program. She promised that she would be the people’s president regardless of your political affiliations, region, or whatever. A true unity, not a unity of thieves and liars.
After her speech, the Sumilao farmers came out, and their speakers endorsed the Leni-Kiko ticket. Then their representative gave a speech, and you should have been there to experience it. It was the best speech at the event. They walked for 40 days (with rest, lodging, and food of course) to fight for their rights and show support to Leni and Kiko.
End of Part 1
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