By MACEL INGLES
Photos by Rhyan Olivio/Macel Ingles
Holding pink and green balloons, around 80 supporters of Philippines presidential and vice presidential candidates, Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan, respectively, marked the “Araw ng Kagitingan” or Day of Valor, with “Lugaw Fiesta” at Sofienberg Park in Oslo last April 9.
Participants prepared traditional Filipino congee or “lugaw” of which Robredo is known for during her feeding sorties for the hungry.
There were also special treats such as pink “puto”, “pansit”, “kwekwek” and pink “pandesal”.
Kakampinks carried placards with witty and relatable messages about Leni and the elections.
Overseas voting began last Sunday, April 10 and wil end on May 9, the national election day in the Phlippines.
An elderly woman´s placard reads,
“Mahina man ang tuhod ko, si Leni naman ang tungkod ko.”
Another held by a youthful female says,
“Nakikipagbardagulan sa social media for Leni. Ang tanga nila e.”
A smiling man holds one that says “Jowa ng Ilocano for Leni”. Some of these won prizes for their entries.
This is the biggest gathering of Kakampinks in Oslo since the campaign kicked off.
While most came from Oslo, others came all the way from Stavanger and Bergen.
Artist Kiko Bustamante started with a mural and invited participants to paint.
Remigio Confesor Jr., a researcher, admitted he once supported President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 but has since changed his mind and is now throwing his support to Leni Robredo and her running mate, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
“Dati ako DDS, pumili (ako) ng akala ko yun pero hindi (ko) tiningnan kung may kakayahan na maging national leader,” he said.
In Robredo, he finally found the leader he wanted for the country.
“Yan ang nakikita ko ki Leni, na kaya niyang maging matapat at marangal na lider,” he added.
Photographer Rhyan Olivio is still waiting for his ballot from the mail but already convinced who will get his vote in this election.
“Siyempre si Leni, di na tinatanong yan, siya naman ang pinaka-kwalipikado sa lahat,” he said beaming with pride.
Another kakampink in Oslo also made her choice very clear on her prefered candidate to lead the country for another six years.
Mabel Del Rosario, healthcare worker, said she is choosing Robredo because she was able to handle the Covid situation and her being a single mom to her daughters.
“Napamangha ako sa kaniyang ginawa noong Covid sa Pilipinas at the same time being a single mom, nakakabilib na ang produkt niya ay napakagaling at nakapa-successful,” she told the crowd when asked why she wanted Leni to win.
Aside from the “Lugaw Fiesta”, the group also sang “Rosas” at some point and held a mini-march inside the park shouting “Leni-Kiko” and “Sa Gobyernong Tapat, Angat ang Lahat.”
Philippine celebrity, AJ Dee, brother of Filipino actor Enchong Dee, also graced the event and thanked the crowd for their support.
He showed up in the rally as his way to thank the community for showing they still care about the homeland.
The organizer, Aibee Gaur told participants to watch for future activities on the Facebook page for Leni supporters in Norway.
Supporters of the Uniteam endorsing Bongbong Marcos and Sarah Duterte also held a gathering a week before at the Vigeland Park in Oslo.
END
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