Award-winning celebrities Boy Abunda and JM De Guzman led stars in supporting the Ang Probinsyano Party-list (APPL) in the coming election season.
"Being a probinsyano is the core of my being. It articulates my story. I align myself with the APPL because I share their values and advocacies - pamilya, pagkain, edukasyon, trabaho, kalusugan. A better life for the family, that's what a probinsyano is all about," said Abunda, a true blue promdi who hails from Borongan, Eastern Samar.
JM, who recently starred in the hit series "Init Sa Magdamag," also announced his support for the same party-list.
The actor said he was eager to volunteer as an ambassador because this gives him another platform to reach out and help more people.
JM said that he will be specifically involved with the Alabang Probinsyano program that provides free house-to-house medical checkups for partner communities.
"I have already expressed my willingness to go to the provinces with them. Sasama ako sa kanila to bring public service to various communities. I prefer to genuinely help. So, in the coming months, mag-iikot kami sa mga probinsya, at dito rin sa Metro Manila, para magdala ng ayuda, gamot at iba pa na puwedeng makagaan ng buhay kahit paano ngayong pandemya. Gusto kong personao na ipakita sa tao na Ang Probinsyano ay tumutolong at patuloy na tutulong sa kanila," said JM.
The actor added: "I admire Congressman Alfred delos Santos, and the Ang Probinsyano Party-list he represents. We are about the same age, and yet, through his leadership, he has developed a group that provides a voice for marginalized groups in the provinces. I'm inspired to do more."
Delos Santos, also known as Cong. Apid, said the APPL also enjoyed the support of TV celebrities Coco Martin and Yassi Pressman in the 2019 elections, and in the lead up to 2022, further gained the endorsement of JM and Abunda.
He pointed out that the party-list has no copyright issues with the blockbuster series of Coco. "Pero nag-sound off din ako sa kanya noon na gagamitin ko yung 'Ang Probinsyano."
In the 2019 Mid-Term National Elections, APPL placed fifth among 51 winning party-lists with its mission to represent the concerns of Filipinos residing in the rural areas where government support is much needed to improve social services, infrastructure, livelihood, and quality education, among others.
A Bicolano at heart, Delos Santos has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration (Major in Financial Management) from the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi (formerly known as Aquinas University of Legazpi).
Asked about the female celebrity he wants to meet, Delos Santos said: "Gretchen Ho."
Delos Santos also endorsed living in the province, where he said life is simple and beautiful, during a conference with the entertainment press held at SuperSam Restaurant in Timog, Quezon City on Nov. 10.
"I love the whole Philippines naman, including Metro Manila. But life in the province is so much different. When I go out in the province, the people are heartwarming. The roads to leading to the mountains have fresh air. Ang sarap ng hangin, ang sarap ng buhay. Iba ang charm ng province. It's magical. Life in the province is so simple, so beautiful."
He added: One of the celebrities who appreciate the life in the province in Papa P (Piolo Pascual). Nagpagawa siya ng simpleng bahay sa Batangas. Nag-jogging siya ng walang mask. Pero walang fear of COVID. Hindi mainit. They wake up in the morning with a good view. Walang stress. Iba ang stress level ng mga taga-province sa taga-Manila."
Delos Santos expressed hope that Pascual will soon join the bandwagon in endorsing the Ang Probinsyano Party-list.