PNS — UNAPARELLED by any other candidate, Bro. Eddie Villanueva did again what other presidential contenders have failed to do — fill up Luneta Park with over a million zealous supporters composed of young and old alike.
A sea of humanity clad in yellow and green, which organizers estimated to reach 1.2 million at the peak of the gathering at around 6.30 p.m., trooped to Luneta Park Saturday to show support for Villanueva, his running mate Perfecto “Jun” Yasay and their senatorial slate dubbed APPOINT-PV for Alonto, Zafrullah; Paredes, Zosimo; Papin, Imelda; Ocampo, Ramoncito; Inocencio, Kata; Nikabulin, Adz; Tinsay, Alex; Princesa, Reynaldo; Virgines, Israel.
Earlier in the day, youth supporters from around the Luzon area joined hands to create a human chain along Roxas Boulevard starting from the corner of TM Kalaw near the US Embassy down to the crossing of EDSA.
The human chain was spearheaded by Bangon Kabataan, the youth group of the Bangon Pilipinas Party.
Dancers gave motorists a welcome respite as they danced to Gloc9’s “Eddie Ako” jingle. Honking and chanting of “Pagbabago! Diyos at Bayan!” echoed through the whole stretch of Roxas Boulevard from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Supporters also held placards and banners that professed their support to Bangon Pilipinas candidates. Passing motorists responded by honking four times to the beat of “Diyos-at-Ba-yan!” Others were seen waving the V-sign shouting “Eddie-Yasay!”
In major cities nationwide, Bangon Pilipinas supporters held parallel activities. In Cebu City, supporters formed a human chain in Colon, the main street of downtown Cebu.
“I am overwhelmed by the support of patriotic Filipinos who desire nothing but to see change in our nation,” Villanueva said when he saw the throng of supporters.
He said the turnout of supporters in Luneta and in earlier activities all over the Philippines refute the surveys which he said covered only 1,200-1,500 respondents.
“This is the real survey. The people have spoken!” Villanueva said as he addressed the cheering crowd around 8 p.m. on Saturday.
At around 10 p.m., the concert “Stand for Change: A concert rally for the righteous” started, hosted by TV personality Donita Rose and Bangon Pilipinas volunteer Edgar Robles.
Donita Rose said she was surprised to learn that the people who attended bought their own paraphernalia in support of the Villanueva presidency.
The whole Luneta grounds teemed with yellow and green colors as people from all walks of life joyfully watched the program. Performers like the award-winning Reuben Laurente, Carla Martinez, Gary Valenciano and Jericho Rosales gave special numbers to the delight of the crowd. But aside from performances, pastors and religious leaders from different denominations led prayers for the nation especially for the upcoming elections.