Their shelter from the storm

I was aimlessly wandering around CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) when I sighted what seemed to be structures amid a clump of coconut trees. So I went further to explore what looked like a park, half-expecting to sit for a while in the shade. What I found instead were bare-footed kids playing and later on people lying on cartons under the shade. And then it dawned on me that these people could be ACTUALLY living here. From afar, camouflaged by trees and foliage, I spotted makeshift tents. And more kids. I tried making conversation with Joey and Jingjing -- they won’t give me their surnames -- and learn more about the people living there. They told me there are about 200 people who live in this park Joey, a 47-year-old native of Iloilo, was the more amiable one, telling me stories about how they are able to survive through "pangangalakal" or the picking up thrown away stuff they can sell -- along Roxas Boulevard and nearby areas. According to this marker I found, the 6th ASEAN Square Sculpture Symposium was ordered built in 1989 by former Foreign Affairs secretary Raul Manglapus. Some of the sculptures produced during this gathering were put in this park right beside the Sarimanok site, the venue for the Miss Universe pageant held in the country back in 1974. Spain’s Amparo Munoz, who later became actress, won that year. I wanted to linger for a while but seeing more and more kids gathering around me begging for alms -- not to mention this suspicious -- looking character who tried to lure me to look more “statues” somewhere -- I decided to go. So then maybe it’s just fair to warn people to be extra cautious should you find yourself in this park along Roxas Boulevard, fronting Aliw Theater right beside CCP. The sculptures look interesting but in dire need of restoration. Unfortunately, I won’t guarantee that the place is safe enough for a leisurely stroll.

Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and cris

And so it begins. With the recent announcement of Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III bid in the upcoming 2010 Philippine Presidential Elections, top local celebrities have been openly expressing their support for the senator, many of whom have close connections to his younger sister – popular TV host, Kris Aquino.

According to Kris in a recent interview, many of her celebrity friends have been communicating with her to affirm their support for her senator/brother’s presidential aspirations come 2010. Ogie Alcasid even sent her a song, which he composed and recorded together with Regine Velasquez, to be used in Noynoy’s presidential campaign. Martin Nievera will also collaborate with Zsa Zsa Padilla for another Noynoy-inspired campaign song, this time as a duet, to be recorded later this year. Even Jodi Sta Maria-Lacson, who is married to Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s son, told Kris that she is willing to offer her services for her brother’s campaign regardless of her current political affiliation in connection to her marriage. Other top Philippine celebrities such as Claudine Barretto, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Anne Curtis, Bea Alonzo, Pokwang and Mariel Rodriguez have also personally expressed their support for Noynoy Aquino and will volunteer as campaign endorsers for Noynoy’s presidential ticket.

To show their appreciation, Kris and her family will be hosting a dinner on October 4 for all the celebrity friends who have expressed their support for Noynoy Aquino’s presidential campaign. This event will also be an opportunity for the celebrity endorsers, in Kris’ words, “for them to get to know my brother well”.

With the impending Presidential Liberal Party tandem of Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, who is scheduled to marry popular TV host and newscaster Korina Sanchez on October 27, expect a star-studded celebrity affair when the 2010 official presidential campaign season begins.