Unfazed by all the “drama” that unfolded among the administration bets, Filipinos from here and abroad celebrated presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo’s candidacy through meet-ups, clean-up drives, feeding programs, and awareness campaigns.
The “kakampinks,” a term that now refers to Robredo’s supporters, expressed their support for the Vice President as they held various activities over the weekend amid the frenzy of candidacy withdrawals and substitutions that happened on Saturday, Nov. 13.
Filipinos in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan all wore pink while brandishing Robredo’s and running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan’s banners.
The Filipino-Australian community in Sydney, Australia organized a picnic for Robredo with many of them tying pink balloons around the vicinity of the picnic area.
Those in the United Kingdom gathered for a “Lakwatsa sa London Para Kay Leni” last Saturday to show their support for Robredo, Pangilinan, and some of the opposition’s senatorial bets.
“The volunteers went on a three-hour walking tour of London Iconic landmarks that started in the heart of the capital, Trafalgar Square. The group was comprised of students, first and second-generation Filipino immigrants, and OFWs (healthcare workers, teachers, and more),” the post on the Team Leni Robredo—UK page said.
Another group of supporters will hold a picnic at the Green Park on Sunday, Nov. 14 (UK time), the group added.
The Filipinos in Taiwan for Leni Robredo group also posted on social media their photos for the first-ever gathering of Robredo’s supporters there.
They held pink and green balloons, the colors of Robredo and Pangilinan, as they waved banners with their images. Some of them even held placards written in traditional Chinese characters.
In the Philippines, supporters held a clean-up drive and feeding program among the fisherfolk in Capiz at Baybay Beach, Roxas City.
In Burias Island, Masbate, volunteers also held a feeding program by serving pink puto (steamed rice), biscuits, and candies. They also held a motorcade where some volunteers are seen riding on the back of a truck, motorcycle, and even a horse.
READ: Robredo's campaign supported by 'awakened people' — Bam Aquino
On Facebook, a certain Nathalie Jane Lazaro dismissed allegations that they were paid to organize the caravan.
“Walang bayad na binigay, tanging prinsipyo ang bitbit at suportang kusang binigay para sa hangaring magkaroon ng mas maayos na administrasyon ang bansa (There was no payment given, we only brought our principles and support is freely given for the hope of a better administration of the country),” she said.
In Alcala, Cagayan, which Robredo’s office helped during the typhoon in November last year, supporters held their first general assembly of leaders.
The Vice President herself replied to the post: “Wow!! Amazing (pink heart emoji) Pls thank Mayor Tin for me (thankful emoji).”
Mayor Tin is Alcala Mayor Tin Antonio who was one of the first local executives to publicly voice out her support of Robredo’s candidacy for president.