VIGAN CITY, Philippines?Thousands of people filled the town plaza here Thursday night to witness the political rally held for the first time by Liberal Party's standard-bearer Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.

Yellow balloons, ribbons and streamers and supporters wearing yellow shirts greeted the senator when he arrived at the Plaza Burgos shortly before 8:00 p.m.

Just shortly after he arrived, his sister and popular TV host Kris Aquino with husband James Yap also came to join the rally.

Kris, who claimed to have first stepped foot in this province for the first time in 39 years, flashed a "Laban (fight)" sign when she climbed on stage.

Once again, Kris proved her star-power as shown by the reaction of the crowd every time she spoke on stage.

In her brief speech, the TV host admitted she was nervous to face the Ilocanos for fear they might not accept her being a member of the Aquino family.

The province is considered the bailiwick of the family of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, blamed by the Aquinos for the assassination of former senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

In introducing her brother, Kris described him as a simple person, who only wants to serve his countrymen.

She said her brother was a good brother that every time she gives him a head ache, the senator always managed to fix the problems of the family.

"Noong panahon na kami ay away-away, si Noy ang gumawa ng paraan para magkabati kami," Kris said, referring to her marriage.

Yap agreed with Kris? statement.

Despite his busy schedule, Yap said the senator answered his calls to give advise to them.

Before ending their speeches, the couple granted the request of the audience for an onstage kiss.