Ely Buendia, Bito, Rivermaya Turn the Tide for Leni-Kiko

Posted on February 28, 2022

Gwapas, Gwapos adore VP Leni Robredo, they carried her in the 2016 elections and hopefully in the 2022 elections as well. Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Written by

Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

The drone shot of the Iloilo Sport’s complex during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally, February 25, 2022, said it all. The ‘estimated 40,000’ was extremely conservative and could have reached as high as 50,000 or more. Crowd estimates from mb.com – Kakampinks on a high: #IloiloIsPink still trends nationwide; 40,000 attend Robredo’s Iloilo rally

Ely Buendia has turned the tide for VP Leni; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Biggest Rally in Iloilo History

Iloilo’s Son Senator Frank Drilon, a political veteran of several decades, proclaimed it the ‘biggest political rally in Iloilo history’. Seeing the photos and videos, no one can dispute his claim.

RIVERMAYA drummer Mark Escueta boards Cebu Pacific flight to Iloilo. Photo from Mark Escueta fb – https://www.facebook.com/markescueta/

The crowd of Leni supporters composed of various youth organizations, from school, church, LGBTQAI+ communities were not assured that Ely Buendia was going to perform that night. Or found out only during the event itself, when it had already started.

Pinoys have united for VP Leni; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

He only appeared as finale after VP Leni’s speech. When he did start to play songs made famous by his former band the ERASERHEADS, the Iloilo Sports Complex, erupted with joy and frenzy. The venue was so full that the stands were packed and the whole field beneath it was also filled with supporters. There was an overwhelming feeling of hope from the attendees and the millions of viewers on social media. The band could easily be considered as Philippines’ Beatles.

Ely Buendia has turned the tide for VP Leni; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

RIVERMAYA

IF that wasn’t enough, VP Leni’s entrance was accompanied by RIVERMAYA performing their hit Liwanag Sa Dilim (Light in the Darkness). Although RIVERMAYA was less of a surprise given that they already performed during the Campaign launch in Quezon City a week and a half before. RIVERMAYA is also another iconic Filipino band, from the same era.

RIVERMAYA Mike Elgar; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Hala Bira! Damo gid nga salamat, Iloilo!

Turning Point

Watching both Ely and RIVERMAYA, I sensed a turning point. Where the tide of sympathy and supporters were growing in favor of Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan. For weeks the public has been fed survey results from SWS and PULSE, showing a seeming insurmountable lead for Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte.

RIVERMAYA performed at the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

And yet now, with the crowds, the aerial shot of tens of thousands, throngs showing up, excitedly for Leni and Kiko it cannot be denied, Filipinos are solidly behind the lone woman candidate. The crowd of 50,000 in Iloilo was followed by a rally the day before (Feb. 24) in Cebu of about 10-15,000 held at the Southwestern University PHINMA. Figures from mb.com – #CebuIsPink: Over 10k supporters show up for Robredo in Cebu rally

Pinoys have united for VP Leni; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Demographic Pull

From a demographic perspective Ely Buendia’s performance, is also a strong indication of the tide turning. Female voters, the LGBTQAI+ communities have been identified with the campaign that has chosen Pink as its official color. Now with Ely, bands RIVERMAYA even ITCHYWORMS, they may pull in male voters as well.

ITCHYWORMS performed via zoom at the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

It’s like Paul McCartney endorsing a candidate in the U.K. or even the U.S.. Although, that’s still not a sure thing as McCartney did perform for a fundraiser for Hillary in 2016. Who, sadly, just happened to lose to Trump.

So no one, is taking things for granted.

Sharon Cuneta and Edu Manzano; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

OPM Artists and More

The biggest OPM artists have been unanimous in their support for Robredo. That same night (Feb 25 in Iloilo) Bituin ‘Bito’ Escalante and JK Labajo sang PARA SA MASA (also an E-HEADS hit) immediately before Ely came on.

Bituin ‘Bito’ Escalante has been with VP Leni since the beginning. Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Other artists endorsing the Leni Kiko Tandem during that night: Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, Red Ollero, Edu Manzano, Cherry Pie Picache, Ogie Alcasid, Jose Mari Chan, Gab Valenciano, Rica Peralejo, Lara Quigaman-Alcaraz, Ogie Diaz, Gabby Padilla, Vic Anastacio, Gaia Poly, Pipay, Mama Loi, Dyosa.

From Left: Gabby Pangilinan, Ogie Diaz and Lara Quigaman Alcaraz; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Countless Endorsements

The list above is only for the ones that showed up or sent video messages that night. The real number of artists, celebrities who have given written, video endorsements can reach more than a hundred. It will take a comprehensive effort to collate them all.

Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

THE COMPANY composed of Moy Ortiz, Sweet Plantado, O.J. Mariano, Annie Quintos, for example have been with the campaign from the very beginning.

The dedication and love for their craft of ALL OPM artists remind me of my own cousin. She is successful singer songwriter Robyn Imperial De Guzman. She has written songs for Zsa zsa Padilla: GOIN AWAY, THROUGH MY EYES (for the album KAHIT NA) and most recently Nyoy Volante’s NARITO KA ( with Manno). Robyn happens to be Bicolana and now lives and works in Silicon Valley in California. Please check out her Spotify page.

VP Leni serenaded by THE COMPANY from right: OJ Mariano, Sweet Plantado, Annie Quintos and Moy Ortiz. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/thecompanysingers

To find out why so many performers, musicians and artists support Leni-Kiko there are two recent articles also on this site: Why National Artists Endorse Leni Robredo and

Leni Adopts Culture Kartilya

25,000 people attended the PEOPLE’S PROCLAMATION RALLY, February 13, 2022, Quezon City Circle. Photo from Mark Escueta fb – https://www.facebook.com/markescueta/

Quezon City Launch

The official launch of the campaign last February 13, 2022, dubbed PEOPLE’S PROCLAMATION RALLY, attracted 20,000 supporters. Again a conservative estimate, the real number could easily have been 25,000. As the whole Quezon City Circle had been covered in pink shirted supporters. From PDI – 20,000 supporters show up for Robredo in QC rally

VP Leni with Rivermaya from left: Nathan Azarcon, Mark Escueta, Mike Elgar and friend. This was backstage at the PEOPLE’S PROCLAMATION RALLY, February 13, 2022, Quezon City Circle. Photo from Mark Escueta fb – https://www.facebook.com/markescueta/

For that event, the final act was another legendary Pinoy band in RIVERMAYA. The band performed their hits. For both RIVERMAYA and Ely Buendia / E-Heads, their music is strongly identified with the youth.

Muntik Na Kitang Minahal – The CompanY with Ryan Cayabyab and Bituin Escalante

56% of Electorate

The youth is an important factor to consider knowing that 56% of the electorate is in the age range of 18-41 years old. The range is considered as ‘Prime voter’, by the COMELEC, Commission On Elections. From cnnphilippines.com – 56% of May 2022 voters part of the youth – Comelec

The youth composes 56% of the electorate according to COMELEC. Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

One cannot discount the sphere of influence, of these artists. The number that attended the events are also a huge indication especially since the cities are considered the most vote rich in the nation. Quezon City ranks no.1 (1.4 million), Cebu City ranks no.4 (733,044) Iloilo no.15 (330,470) From rappler.com – Most vote-rich provinces, cities for the 2022 Philippine elections

VP Leni and the Robredo sisters: Jillian (w phone), Tricia (w glasses) and Aika at the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Energy

The youth seen in practically ALL Leni-Kiko Rallies all over the country, bring a lot of energy and excitement that’s immediately palpable. They are the ones making posters, painting murals. They are the ones going online creating hashtags and tweeting about them: #10RobredoPresident #IpanaloNa10To #7KikoPangilinanVicePresident #HelloPagkainGoodbyeGutom #KikoAngManokKo #21ChelDioknoSaSenado #KuyaAlexLacson #Matula45 #MatulaSaSenado2022 #DickGordon2022 #LeniKiko2022 #LeilabanTayo #LabanLeila2022 #TrillanesSaSenado #R1saPa #34Hontiveros #10RobredoForPresident #IbobotoKoSiLeni #PadreDePagkain #GobyernongTapat #AngatBuhayLahat #KulayRosasAngBukas #KatutuboSaSenado #16ColmenaresSaSenado #TeamNeri2022

Pinoys have united for VP Leni; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Debate No Shows

In truth, even before the Ely Buendia, RIVERMAYA endorsements there were already similar turning points in the support for Leni Kiko. One of them is the absence of Bong Bong from the Jessica Soho interview, while all other candidates of note were present . Literally adding insult to injury, Marcos spokesperson Atty. Vic Rodriguez, accused Soho of being ‘biased’. Which, the GMA network, rightly took offense with. Filipinos are well aware that Jessica Soho is a decades long, multi awarded journalist.

Ely Buendia has turned the tide for VP Leni; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Bong bong also absented himself from a KBP forum and (most recently) CNN Philippines Presidential debate. His running mate was also a no show or the CNN Philippines Vice Presidential debate. People tend to ask: if you are unable to express yourself or defend your track record in an interview or debate, how are you going lead in a pressure packed job as President or Vice President?

Pinoys have united for VP Leni; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

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Ikaw ang magsasabing, “Kaya mo ‘to”

Tulad ng isang tanglaw sa gitna ng bagyo

Isigaw mo sa hangin, tumindig at magsilbing

Liwanag, liwanag sa dilim

Harapin mong magiting ang bagong awitin

Ikaw ang liwanag sa dilim

From LIWANAG SA DILIM

RIVERMAYA

RIVERMAYA performed at the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

At sa paghamon mo sa agos ng ating kasaysayan

Uukit ka ng bagong daan,

Ikaw ang aawit ng, “Kaya mo ‘to”

‘Sang panalangin sa gitna ng gulo

Isigaw mo sa hangin, tumindig

At magsilbing liwanag, liwanag sa dilim

From LIWANAG SA DILIM

RIVERMAYA

RIVERMAYA performed at the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Sa lahat ng di marunong bumasa

Sa lahat ng may problema sa skwela

Sa lahat ng fans ni Sharon Cuneta

Sa lahat ng may problema sa pera

PARA SA MASA

Ely Buendia

Sharon makes the Darna pose beside Edu Manzano (played Captain Barbell); Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Ang daming bawal sa mundo (ang daming bawal sa mundo)

Sinasakal nila tayo (sinasakal nila tayo)

Buksan ang puso at isipan (buksan ang puso at isipan)

Paliparin ang kamalayan (paliparin)

Masdan mo ang aking mata

‘Di mo ba nakikita

Ako’y lumilipad at nasa alapaap na

Gusto mo bang (gusto mo bang)

Sumama?

From ALAPAAP

Ely Buendia

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From right: Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, VP Leni Robredo, Sen. Franklin Drilon, Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas, Atty Sonny Matula and Atty. Dino De Leon representing Leila De Lima. Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

From left: Ogie Alcasid and Jose Mari Chan sent their heartfelt video endorsements to the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

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Matahum nga paglaum –translated from Cebuano: Beautiful hope; Leni Kiko Rally in Cebu at the Southwestern University PHINMA, February 24, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Pinoys have united for VP Leni; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

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Bituin Escalante and JK Labajo; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

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From left: Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr, VP Leni Robredo and Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas. Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Pinoys have united for VP Leni; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

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Sen. Franklin Drilon called it the biggest political rally in Iloilo history. Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Sharon Cuneta; the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

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VP Leni and the Robredo sisters from left: Tricia, Aika and Jillian at the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

The youth composes 56% of the electorate according to COMELEC. Photo taken during Leni Kiko Iloilo Tour, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

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Cheri Pie and Edu Manzano Kiss during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

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RIVERMAYA from left: Mike Elgar and Nathan Azarcon; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Gabby Valenciano wowed audiences with his dance moves. Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

Pinoys have united for VP Leni; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

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From left: Red Ollero, Rica Peralejo and Edu Manzano; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

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Pinoys have united for VP Leni; Photo taken during the Leni Kiko Grand Rally in Iloilo Sports Complex, February 25, 2022. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/VPLeniRobredoPH

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Text and Photos by Jude Bautista

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