by Gene Alcantara
March 20, 2022 - In what could be a symbolic move to claim early victory at the polls, supporters of Philippines presidential aspirant, Vice President Leni Robredo in the United Kingdom on Sunday staged a “Kakampink” grand rally at the famous Marble Arch in London, icon of British triumph in the Napoleonic Wars .
Senator Francis Pangilinan runs in tandem with Robredo as her vice presidential candidate.
An estimated crowd of 400 Filipinos joined Kakampinks rally at London's Marble Arch (photo by Gene Alcantara)
The word “Kakampink” is a combination of Tagalog and English terms, “kasama” (companion) or “kapanalig” (co-believers) and the colour “Pink”, campaign color of Robredo.
Adelina Duenas of Bicol Group was overjoyed at the unexpected turnout of supporters.
Adelina Duenas, Filcom leader and member of GAFHDS and Bicol Group (photo by Gene Alcantara)
“Super super happy. So successful and we pray talaga na kailangang manalo na ang ating VP Leni. Siya ang ating susunod na presidente ng Pilipinas, para gobyernong tapat, angat buhay lahat,” she said.
A video message from VP Leni was played at the rally addressing overseas Filipinos in the UK.
Grant Gannaban O’Neill of the Filipino LGBTQ+ community was convinced that Robredo will herd the Filipino flock out of the present misery.
Grant Gannaban O’Neill of the Filipino LGBTQ+ community (photo by Gene Alcantara)
“Ang alam ko kasi wala nang ibang choice e. Si Leni Robredo lang ang parang way para we get out at the end of the tunnel. Kasi masyado nang nalugmok ang Pilipinas, kung hindi pa si Leni ngayon, kailan pa. Siya na lang yung choice ng Pilipino.”
An estimated 400 Filipinos joined the rally with participants coming from as far as Birmingham and Kent tagging along their children, with a speaker who travelled from Belgium.
Filipina mother and child join Kakampinks rally in London (photo by Gene Alcantara)
Marc Rodriguera, an officer of the Filipino Nurses Association UK and of GAFHDS believes that the latest mobilization for Leni-Kiko tandem could be the biggest so far in Europe, if not outside the Philippines.
“The public gathering is probably one of the biggest of its kind and history in the UK. It shows the strength of conviction and hunger for positive change in leadership in our country,” he said.
Rodriguera observed that the locals who joined and passed by were surprised because the rally is different from the usual mass actions as “there were singing, dancing, poetry reading, free food and merry chanting. All efforts were through voluntary contribution and donations, the type of volunteerism of the Leni-Kiko leadership that is inspiring the nation right now.”
Robredo-Pangilinan campaigners however raised fears of massive cheating in the May 9 elections given that Comelec officers are appointed by the president, and the national courier of the Commission is F2 Logistics, a company owned by Duterte crony, Dennis Uy.
Nino Alvarez, alias Kuya Nino, videographer/blogger (photo by Gene Alcantara)
Nino Alvarez, alias Kuya Nino was overwhelmed with the big mobilization.
“Surprised na surprised ako kadami nang tao. Naniniwala ako na ang mga Pilipino ay tunay na nagkakaisa. Ito po ang tunay na unity kasi buong UK nagsamasama. Grabe nakakakilabot kaya pag dinaya nila tayo, alam na nila ang mangyayari. Never again, Never forget. Leni Robredo Kiko 2022,” he added.
On the makeshift stage could be seen the posters of VP Leni, Sen Kiko and senatoriables.
The various speeches included a talk by Lawyers for Leni; LGBTQ+ from Grant Ganaban-O’Neill, a personal friend of VP Leni; OFW proposals for the elderly from Adelina Duenas; a talk by Phoebe Dimacali of FDWA and Makabayan block; Giovanni Pallan of Samahang Magdalo UK (who was in prison with Sen Sonny Trillanes); Arthur Nieva of Camsur; Fr Herbert Fadriquela of 1Sambayan; Roselle Cabanero an oldtimer who spoke about earlier campaigns on Filipino rights; Asher Serrana of 1Sambayan Belgium who came for the day; and Regie Gadayan for GAFHDS.
The crowd cheered at the speakers and waved pink balloons and showed their banners and placards.
Popular songs for VP Leni were sung including Adik sa Iyo, Alapaap by Eraserheads, Liwanag sa Dilim by River Maya, Kay Leni Tayo, at Di mo ba naririnig, Ina ang Kailangan, Ligaya at Pinoy Ako.
Pink pandesal, puto and butsi were distributed by attendees who prepared them for free as they said, “hindi kami bayaran” (we are not paid).
The groups who joined the grand rally include Global Alliance Filipino Human Democratic Society, Team Leni Robredo UK, UK Pinoys for Leni/Kiko, Bicol Group, Camsur, Lawyers for Leni, Samahang Magdalo UK, DAMPi Gentle Touch, Migrante UK, and Filipino Domestic Workers Association, Katipunera for Leni, Aguman Kapampangan and 1Sambayan.
Kakampinks rally at Marble Arch, Central London (photo by Melissa L Alcantara)
Attendees and organisers are proud that Filipinos not just in the UK but especially the Philippines are now coming out in huge numbers to show their support for Leni-Kiko and their senatorial slate.
Host and organiser Mirasol Batoy Edgecombe, married to a Briton had her daughter here then worked in Dubai for five to six years and came back in 2017 to settle in UK.
She noted that volunteerism is alive and kicking as it is inspired by Robredo, and grateful for the outpouring of support for Leni-Kiko team.
Mirasol Batoy Edgecombe, host and organiser (photo by Gene Alcantara)
“Sobra pong nakakataba ng puso, lahat ng mga kakampink lahat ng supporters kay Leni, Kiko, at mga senatoriables, na talagang sariling abono, sariling pagod, sila ang nag organise, Kanya kanyang talent, skills nilabas talaga para lumakas ang loob ng mga natatakot. Pero ngayon ay nagsishift na po kasi ang ganap ngayon ay iselebrate ang people’s campaign kasi mismong mga tao na ang lumalabas para kay VP Leni,”’ Edgecombe said.
The Kakampinks Grand Rally had the full approval of the Metropolitan Police, who were aware of their plans and agreed location, marshalls and contingency plans.
[Gene Alcantara, London]
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