Marines, Abu Sayyaf united behind Jessica Sanchez

Jessica Sanchez: Uniting factor

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—The Philippine Marines here and in other parts of Mindanao took time off Thursday morning to watch American Idol, anticipating that Filipino-American Jessica Sanchez would clinch the coveted title.

A Marine commander said his troops would have vented out their disappointment over her loss on the Abu Sayyaf but did not because the alleged terrorists were reportedly rooting for her, too.

When Sanchez sang a duet with Jennifer Holiday, the Marines shouted: “Panalo na ang manok natin (Our bet is a sure winner)!”

Colonel Orlando de Leon of the 2nd Marine Brigade in Sulu said he and his men were glued to their TV set for the full two hours of the AI’s Season 11 finale.

He told the Inquirer by phone that they were deeply disappointed when host Ryan Seacrest announced Phillip Phillips’ name as the season’s winner.

“Nagluluksa kami dito, walang gustong kumain, walang nagluluto, walang umiigib ng tubig, gustong ibuhos ng tropa ang galit sa Abu Sayyaf, kaso pati ASG kakampi namin kay Jessica Sanchez,” De Leon said.

De Leon said he and his troops had closely followed Sanchez’s rise from the eliminations to the finals because aside from being half-Filipino, she is also a daughter of a retired soldier. Jessica’s father was a member of the US Navy.

“She is our idol here at inaabangan namin lagi ang American Idol,” De Leon said.

At the Platinum Gym here, health and fitness enthusiasts also took time off from their regular workouts to watch American Idol.

Jayvee Rodis, 25, a member of the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay (village) Guiwan was seen crying when Seacrest announced that Philipps was this year’s American Idol.

“She is the best singer, full of talent but all we can do right now is accept the results. I know that Jessica will reap better opportunities than Phillips,” Rodis said as he tried to regain his composure.

Junie Tabernero, 55, a tricycle driver, said he lost a bet when he chose Sanchez over Phillips.

When Phillips was declared the winner, Tabernero quickly left the eatery where he watched the broadcast, visibly downhearted.