Around 137,000 people have filled the streets of Emerald Ave. in Ortigas to attend the #PasigLaban Street Grand Rally including students from Adamson University on March 20.
The rally included people from various age groups and communities such as the LGBTs, artists, elderlies, and even including a few of our fellow Adamsonians who have decided to take the initiative and join the massive event.
Among the attendees, Pia Silvano, of AMC-102, shared that she went to the rally to support her presidential bet and to experience a campaign rally.
“The reason why I went to the rally is to show my support for the Leni-Kiko Tandem. I also wanted to experience what it feels like to attend a campaign rally,” She said.
Silvano added that it was a meaningful experience where she was able to openly support the tandem along with other supporters who share the same stand as hers.
“It was a fun and meaningful experience. Even though it was really tiring, it was nice to be able to attend an event wherein you can fully express your support and be with people who have the same political stand with you and unite for one common goal, to have a better future," Silvano said.
Moreover, Mike Osorio of BSBA - Marketing Management Dept. exclaims that he is proud to become a part of history by joining the said campaign rally.
“We shouted with joy and love. I cannot believe that people will go to a campaign rally with this much. I can say that I am part of that history and I am proud,” he said.
He added that despite the uncertainty of who will win the elections, the rally is an effort made for the future of our country.
“Even though we do not have certainty on who among the candidates will win the positions, we are now doing these efforts for the future of our country. We can proudly say that the candidates that we campaign and we endorse are not associated with anomalies, corruption and human rights violations.”
Alongside, the Vice President for External Affairs of AUSG, Pao Binasbas who also attended the rally, expressed his gratitude towards the Adamson Community’s proactive support, even going to the extent of lending transportation, to every Klasmeyt who decided to attend the event.
“I'm so proud dahil very supportive ng Adamson University sa mga ganitong engagement, tulad ng pagpapahiram ng shuttle bus, at makikita mo rin ang mukha ni Fr. Manimtim na we deserve a true and honest leader at si VP Leni 'yun," Binasbas stated.
Hours even before the initial starting period of the program, many people have already crammed outside of Emerald Avenue in wait.
Volunteers have also started setting up stalls along the venue to hand out free varieties of food & bottled water to everyone who has decided to join the rally.
At around 3:20PM, the pre-show began with live performances from bands, dance troupes, chorales and queer models that willingly volunteered to lend their talents for the event.
Within the pre-show course, Neri Colmenares made an appearance promoting righteous voting and fighting against misinformation followed by the OPM Band, Autotelic, performing their hit song ‘Laro’ as one of the opener acts.
The emcees for the event were mostly public figures in support of Leni Robredo, namely Julia Barretto, Melai Cantiveros and Robi Domingo, while others were known personalities also attended as co-hosts like Angel Locsin, Jolina Magdangal, Ramon Bautista and more.
Shortly after, the presidential candidate Leni Robredo was introduced to show appreciation to the attendees and formally commence the event.
In a statement that the presidential candidate Leni Robredo addressed to the Filipino people who were still undecided on whom to vote: “You’re all welcome to join us, hope overflows here," she said.
Pertaining the same message, Vice President of AUSG, Binasbas also encouraged all of his fellow Klasmeyts to grab opportunities like this to attend and take part in activities like this.
“Yes, nakakapagod siya pero worth it lahat ng iyon kapag alam mong kaya kang ipaglaban ng susuportahan mo. Hindi natin kailangang matakot na sumali, this is our chance para kabataan naman ang mapakinggan," he said.
On the other hand, Robredo’s running partner and vice-presidential candidate, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan wasn’t able to attend but was able to create a pre-recorded video message in the stead of his absence, stating his appreciation to everyone who came.
The Leni-Kiko Senatorial Slate consisting of Atty. Chel Diokno, Teddy Baguilat, Dick Gordon, Risa Hontiveros and many others went next, who have also shown appreciation to the partylist’s supporters and provided their brief insights to the platforms they are planning to make.
The introduction to the Senatorial Slates and other endorsing politicians, also took intervals to give room for the rest of the huge OPM live performers who voluntarily showcased their talents and support to the tandem, namely Itchyworms, Rivermaya, Donny Pangilinan, and Ben&Ben.
The atmosphere of enthusiasm wafted around greatly along Emerald Ave as the participant count officially tallied into a total of 137,000 attendees, making it officially the largest rally within the Leni-Kiko Tandem’s campaigns so far, and possibly one of the largest held campaigning events held in Metro Manila.
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