BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Organizers of the Negros sortie of the Leni-Kiko team expect a pink wave tomorrow, 11 March 2022, as the seven-area one-day swing starts tomorrow in the northernmost city of San Carlos.
“It’s all systems go,” former governor Rafael Coscolluela told DNX on the eve of the Robredo-Pangilinan sortie in the province.
The province, the Occidental side of the sock-shaped Negros island, is not only the country’s sugar-producing capital but also has the fourth most number of votes at around two million.
Volunteers have stepped up over the past few days their preparations at the Paglaum Sports Complex where a “star-studded” grand rally will cap the day’s events, the Laban Leni Negros Occidental said in a news release.
At least 15 actors and bands, among them homegrown talents, top-billed by the country’s megastar, Sharon Cuneta, a popular actress reputed to be one of the highest-paid in the industry.
She will introduce her husband, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.
Before the crowds converge at the historic Paglaum (Hope) Complex, where an estimated 40,000 supporters are expected to show up, Robredo and her team will stop in five areas for mini rallies in each starting with the northernmost city of San Carlos, the hometown of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
Lacson, who was once mayor of San Carlos, had openly expressed his support for Robredo early this month.
Sagay, a city 65 kilometers away from San Carlos is the second stop for a mini-rally after which they will go to Kabankalan City in the south 182 kilometers away.
From Kabankalan, they will make a whistlestop in neighboring Himamaylan City for a project visit, Coscolluela said.
Binalbagan, the town next to Himamaylan is the fourth stop for a mini-rally followed by La Carlota City.
The team will proceed here for the grand rally.
Coscolluela said it is hard to estimate the Paglaum crowd as some of those who are planning to attend the mini rallies also want to come here for the grand rally.
“The expression of support is simply overwhelming,” he said.
STARS
The LLNO release, which we quote in full below added:
Cuneta will be joined by homegrown talents, Kuh Ledesma, Joel Torre, Ronnie Lazaro and The Company.
Alternative rock band, Rivermaya, earlier announced that they will be performing in the Bacolod grand rally.
Pop-rock band Gracenote and alternative rock band, Mayonnaise will also be in attendance.
Other confirmed celebrities are Edu Manzano, actress Agot Isidro, singer Kyla, rapper Curtismith, DJ Joey, Janina Vela, and multi-talented Gab Valenciano.
Also confirming their presence are actress-singer Nikki Valdez, comedians Mama Loi, Dyosa Pockoh and Ogie Diaz, Philippine Idol Jeli Mateo, Justine Peña, Tippy Dos Santos, and Nica del Rosario.
