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VP Leni Robredo and Sen Kiko Panglinan; MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from Official VPLeniRobredo
https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH
Written by
Jude Bautista
Sen. Kiko Pangilinan could not hold back the tears. He saw Meg Alfaro, an 87 year old Pampango farmer who attended the rally to endorse him. After a touching ‘mano po’ and hug, Kiko immediately went to his running mate VP Leni, to pull her with them. So both of their hands would be raised as symbol of the farmers’ endorsement.
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Sen. Kiko Panglinan’s touching mano po with farmer Meg Alfaro. MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
Sigaw ng mga magsasaka ng San Nicolas: Leni-Kiko tayo!
When farmer Darren Simbulan was given the mic to say a few words, he said Kiko-Leni instead of the oft used Leni Kiko. To the farmers, Kiko was their choice ahead of Leni. Kiko himself a farmer, is their true champion, the agricultural sector who are often marginalized, victimized by government policies and smugglers. Although this was how Leni established her reputation as well, when Sumilao farmers thanked her for defending their rights in a land dispute as a lawyer.
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Sen. Kiko Pangilinan hugs Darren Simbulan. MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
It was a night of surprises last April 8, 2022. No one would have expected the staggering number of 220,000 attendees in Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, dubbed MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally which is translated to ‘making a stand’. Translation by Philstar columnist Federico D. Pascual Jr. in his very insightful column: Cabalen’s Leni-Kiko rally tops all records
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Sen. Kiko Panglinan and VP Leni Robredo endorsed by farmers from Brgy San Nicolas, San Simon, Pampanga. MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
BIYAHE NI KIKO #1 – SAN SIMON, PAMPANGA | KIKO PANGILINAN
Robinsons Starmills Pampanga’s Vast Expanse
It was a rally that broke even Leni Kiko’s previous record of 130,000 in Pasig. Which was not that big a shock since that was held in the middle of the Metropolis (National Capital Region) with residents in the millions. While Pampanga is vote rich it has a lesser population density. This makes 220,000 figure estimated by the PNP, even more impressive. The overwhelming support was a slap in the face of former Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who promised to deliver Pampanga votes to BBM and Sara.
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Drone shot of MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
Robinsons Starmills Pampanga was the perfect venue. The property has a 23.8 hectare size that accommodated the historic rally.
A few days later (April 12, 2022) Leni Kiko was in another city called San Fernando, this time in La Union. They were still able to attract a sizable crowd which was again an achievement considering, La Union is already considered a part of the Marcos territory.
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VP Leni in Angeles mini rally, April 8, 2022. Photo from Official VPLeniRobredo
https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH
The newly constructed Robinsons ELYU (La Union) also in San Fernando, does not have the incredible expanse of its sister Robinsons Starmills Pampanga. That’s why organizers may have chosen the Father Burgos Gym of St. Louis College of La Union instead. But Robinsons ELYU, has already grown in popularity, because of its central location and interior design honoring its surfing locale. Remarkable, since it opened during the uncertain times of the pandemic in September of 2021.
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The colorful and artistic entrance to MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
Not A Campaign But A Movement
As to why and how, the Leni Kiko Rallies have attracted tens of thousands even hundreds of thousands, is another matter altogether. Senator Frank Drilon personally witnessed the massive crowds in his home province of Iloilo that turned up for Leni Kiko. He called the Feb 25 event the ‘biggest political rally in Iloilo history’.
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Artwork by Angel Datu depicting Sen. Kiko Panglinan’s mano po with farmer Meg Alfaro. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
He was also the first one to call the phenomenon as a ‘movement’. In a March 14, 2022 interview with Karen Davila for HEADSTART on ANC, Drilon said, “to be candid Karen, I have not seen this kind of a crowd and passion since 1986, when Cory came into power. 40,000 in Iloilo, 75,000 in Bacolod, and Cavite 40,000 etc. This is already a movement. Not just people wanting to attend the rallies. Karen, I have been in this game for quite a while. And I know how difficult it is to bring people to political rallies. Why should they leave the comforts of their home? To walk? This is a phenomenon. This is beyond political affiliation.”
Headstart: One-on-One with Sen. Franklin Drilon | ANC
Ignited a Crusade
Yet another expert went beyond the description of a movement. Alan German said, “In my opinion, VP Leni and her team are no longer running a campaign. They’re igniting a crusade. This has already become a crusade. It has already become a movement. That’s why they use words like ‘Pink Wave’. Napaka rami ng tao unstoppable force na ito. If you notice their messaging: ‘the pink wave will hit Pasig’, ‘the Pink wave will hit Makati’, ‘The Pink wave will hit Pasay’. By area, the message is aabot at aabot din kami diyan. You will be swept up.”
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MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from Official VPLeniRobredo
https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH
Alan German is a second generation Political Strategist / Persuasion Specialist. He is currently the President of Agents International, one of the top PR firms locally. German had a discussion with Mon Isberto who was Head of Public Affairs for SMART Communications for 26 years (until 2020). In 2019, Isberto earned the Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Relations at the CMO Asia Awards. From PDI: Mon Isberto prepares for life after PLDT
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From left: Persuasion Specialist Alan German and OPTICS host Mon Isberto aired on One PH / Cignal TV, April 10, 2022. (10)
On April 10 – The two PR veterans broke down the nitty gritty of VP Leni Robredo’s campaign and how it was able to attract hundreds of thousands for OPTICS – The Politics of Perception. Isberto currently hosts OPTICS and TECH KA MUNA, both TV shows are aired in One News PH / Cignal TV.
OPTICS – LENI ROBREDO | APRIL 10
Drone Shots’ Muscle Flexing
During the OPTICS episode Isberto opened the topic of drone shots of the large crowds in VP Leni’s rallies as a powerful visual statement, “This is the first election I’ve seen where drone shots have played a much more visible role. Large crowds, without saying anything you’re saying so much!”
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Drone shot of MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
German agreed but noticed it’s the prevalence of the new tech of drones being readily available and cost effective. According to him drones can easily be bought online, “Dati kasi yun tinatawag nilang aerial shot literal na aerial shot siya. You need a crew up there to take an aerial shot. You need to be in a high place with your massive zoom lens. So ngayon naging very prevalent yung drone shots. Because technology, No. 1 has made it possible. No. 2 this is also a way for the candidate to muscle flex. Tinatawag nating muscle flexing.”
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Persuasion Specialist Alan German appeared in the show OPTICS aired on One PH / Cignal TV, April 10, 2022
Once you do get the drone footages, even the way people see it is different now. This could lead to a bandwagon effect. He continues, “Dati makikita mo sa diyaryo frontpage candidate X, holds massive rally in Luneta. Tapos ang daming tao. Yon yung pinapakita mo meron kaming force. Maraming sumusuporta, you’re muscle flexing. And it’s also a way to get a bandwagon effect.” These days there are also more ways to show the footage: Youtube, facebook, etc.
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Drone shot of MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
Leni Angkas
The happy accident of VP Leni riding on the back of a motorcycle to beat traffic to a rally in Cavite was another powerful image. The video and photo that surfaced made Leni more relatable. As it highlighted everyday problems of traffic and transport. “Na kita ng tao she’s one of us. Kahit Bise president siya sumakay dahil na traffic. On the other hand binatikos epal. Ano daw yan publicity stunt. In the past we’ve had clumsy attempts by other politicians to engage in similar political stunts. Para sakin net positive eto. Overwhelmingly”, said German.
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VP Leni had to ride ‘angkas’, back of a motorcycle just to make it to the Cavite Rally, March 4, 2022. Photo from Leni Kiko2022 fb: https://www.facebook.com/lenikiko2022LabanNatinto/
Then the irony of the motorcycle driver having been a BBM supporter, only confirmed the authenticity, “Naging cementing factor, dahil yung mismong motorcycle driver, inamplify niya. Yung authenticity of the moment. At kung talagang papagaralan mo. Ang buhay at behavior ni VP Leni, I’m not saying it’s one way or the other, but if you really scrutinize her life and behavior. And not only her but her children, and her late husband, makikita mo na hindi katakatakang gawin ni VP Leni yan.”
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OPTICS host Mon Isberto; aired on One PH / Cignal TV, April 10, 2022
Debate: An Obligation to the People
Apart from the visuals, a thorny issue for her main rival Bongbong Marcos is his consistent absence from the debates. And refusal to be interviewed by awarded broadcast journalists like Jessica Soho. BBM also recently refused a sit down interview with Karen Davila. His sister, Senator Imee Marcos chided his non-attendance. From PDI: Imee tells Bongbong Marcos: Go to debates
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For Drilon debates serve a critical function during elections, “The debates are very important so the people will know where you stand. Rather than just attend media events where it is a friendly discussion. Because you have to probe the candidate. The people have to know if you have the qualification. Whether you can stand pressure, what kind of thinking do you have? Very important to me that the candidates should attend the debates.”
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CNN Philippines left a podium empty for Sen. Bongbong Marcos during the Presidential Debate last Feb 27, 2022, UST, Manila.
Drilon believes the absence is an indication that BBM is running away from issues, “It is unfair to the Filipino people if you do not participate. Because anung pagbabasehan natin? Kung di po natin titignan ang kakayahan ng isang kandidato? Social media are self-generated. You do not have the capacity to test in social media, what the candidate is capable of. I find the non-appearance of the candidate as a point against that candidate. People should take that into consideration. May tinatago ba? Ayaw humarap sa isang debate? Very important to me.”
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Sen. Franklin Drilon, interviewed by HEAD START host Karen Davila aired on ANC, March 14, 2022.
On the other hand, German theorizes that BBM’s absence could be due to the lack of substance in the campaign. The strategy itself of style over substance has its own advantages and disadvantages.
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Nadine Lustre; MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
Lobo Strategy in ‘Unity’
Campaign Strategists, PR communicators classify taglines or messaging either as lobo (balloon) or lunchbox. German defines lobo (balloon) strategy, “Its bright, its attractive, makikita sa malayo. Makes you feel good kasi lobo siya. It’s a kumbaya moment. Pero pagkinalkal mo, ano ba talaga nasa loob ng message na yan? Wala pala hangin. Di mo pwede distill. Di mo pwede pag-isipan. Nawawala tinatawag natin sa communication na journey. It doesn’t take me to a journey.”
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MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb (20):
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
It’s not necessarily wrong, the campaign just has to be prepared with its drawbacks, “Di ko sinasabing masama yan. Ang akin lang be prepared for the trade-off. If you choose a lobo messaging. Unity! Pagkaka isa! Wow ganda tignan. In the case of former Senator Marcos Jr., a bright, red, big balloon. Trade off niyan di mo pwedeng kalkalin. Anung sagot sa kahirapan? Unity. Anung sagot sa West Philippine Sea? Unity. Bakit di ako nagtatrabaho? Dahil di tayo nagkaka isa. Magka-isa na kayo. Magkakaroon ka na ng trabaho. It’s not open to scrutiny. So hindi ka pwede sumali ng debate. Di ka pwede magpa interview.”
Basically, IF BBM has subscribed to that bright balloon of ‘Unity’, there’s no need to substantiate it by going to debates or meaningful interviews.
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Lunchbox Strategy in Gobyernong Tapat Angat Buhay Lahat
German contrasts the lobo vs the lunchbox strategy where the tagline is supposed to encourage more scrutiny, more thought, essentially having more substance. This too has its own strengths and weaknesses.
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MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
“Yung lunchbox messaging naman sa Gobyernong tapat Angat buhay lahat. So pwede mong buksan. Bakit? Pag matapat ang gubyerno, ah kasi di ako ninanakawan. Kasi yung binabayaran kung tax na babalik sakin yung serbisyo. Magkano ba ang nawawala sa korupsyon? Taon taon? X billion. De sana nilagay na lang nila yan sa mga eskwela, sa healthcare. “
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MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
German makes note that having a lunchbox strategy doesn’t guarantee its effectiveness either, “At the same time kelangan mong tanong sa sarili mo. Ilang Pilipino ba ang willing na pag isipan yung mensahe mo? Na kalkalin? Who will distill it? Who will actually go on that journey with you? So may trade off siya. Lobo o lunchbox?”
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Duterte Blowback
Going back to the main question of how and why Leni Kiko has attracted hundreds of thousands to their rallies, I have my own theory. Admittedly, it’s not as highly regarded as either Senator Drilon or Alan German’s. I speak from my own small experience in covering two rallies: Pasiglaban and CAMANAVA.
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Kimberley Herico Roque of TEAM LENI SINGAPORE attended the Angeles mini rally in Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from Official VPLeniRobredo fb:
https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH
I noticed that the most rabid reactions of the crowd were from the times, speakers reminded them of the current administration’s failures. I could certainly relate to everyone’s sense of pain and frustration.
The Philippines has had one of the strictest and longest pandemic lockdowns. Which may have stemmed from the government’s desire to stem dissent by a repressive regime guilty of thousands killed from EJKs – extra judicial killings. On top of the tepid pandemic response are several scandals of corruption: Pharmally Deal, PhilHealth Crisis, Fontana Casino Bribe, Pastillas pay-offs etc.
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It doesn’t take a genius to figure out, the hundreds of thousands in attendance to the rallies of the only true opposition candidates. They are equal parts frustration and anger at the Duterte administration, as much as it is love and devotion for Leni and Kiko.
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VP Leni Robredo and Sen Kiko Panglinan; MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb (27):
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
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Artwork by CJ De Silva depicting Sen. Kiko Panglinan with farmers from left: Mameng Alfaro and Meg Alfaro. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
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Sen. Kiko Panglinan and VP Leni Robredo endorsed by farmers from Brgy San Nicolas, San Simon, Pampanga. MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
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Drone shot of MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb (30):
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BBM supporter Gov. Johnvic Remulla during Ateneo – DLSU, UAAP game April 12, 2022. Photo from Chales Llagas fb
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VP Leni Robredo; MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from Official VPLeniRobredo (33)
https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH
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OPTICS is on One PH / Cignal TV.
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Sen. Kiko Panglinan with farmer Meg Alfaro. MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
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Drone shot of MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
https://www.facebook.com/officialkikopangilinan
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Sen. Kiko Panglinan and VP Leni Robredo endorsed by farmers from Brgy San Nicolas, San Simon, Pampanga. MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb (37):
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MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022.
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Angeles mini rally, April 8, 2022. Photo from Official VPLeniRobredo
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The colorful and artistic entrance to MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb: (40)
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Youth for Leni Mural visited by Doc Tricia in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. April 8, 2022.
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OPTICS is on One PH / Cignal TV.
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VP Leni in Angeles mini rally, April 8, 2022. Photo from Official VPLeniRobredo (43)
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Drone shot of MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
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MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb: (45)
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Drone shot of MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
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Sen. Kiko Pangilinan in Angeles, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb: (47)
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MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb:
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Drone shot of MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from official Kiko Pangilinan fb: (49)
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Sen. Franklin Drilon, interviewed by HEAD START host Karen Davila aired on ANC, March 14, 2022.
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MANALAKARAN Pampanga People’s Rally, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, April 8, 2022. Photo from Official VPLeniRobredo
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