MANILA, Philippines — Some things never change in Philippine election campaigns and Friday was no different as United Nationalist Alliance candidates danced to “Harlem Shake” and “Gangnam Style” in Muntinlupa City.
Some 3,000 people gathered at a bus terminal in Alabang to see UNA senatorial candidates dance to two of what may be considered as among the most popular songs of late with their host for the night — comedienne Tiya Pusit.
Most people were clad in green shirts to show support for UNA local candidate, incumbent city Mayor Aldrin San Pedro.
Among UNA senatorial candidates who joined the motorcade with its local bets were Nancy Binay, Congressman Milagros Mitos Magsaysay of Zambales, Ernesto Maceda, Richard “Dick” Gordon, and the wife of Senator Miguel Zubiri.
The sortie was also attended by Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, UNA’s newly appointed deputy campaign manager.
During the earlier part of the event, stage performances and games were held as supporters waited for the UNA bets to arrive from a motorcade along Barangay (village) Cupang earlier Friday.
When the candidates arrived past 8 p.m., comedian Tiya Pusit took over the hosting, and engaged each senatorial bet in a dance showdown with her to the beat of “Harlem Shake” and “Gangnam Style.”
Gatchalian said UNA would be applying new strategies, adding he is confident that the group will improve its numbers.
“Maaga pa. Two moths is a very long time. Marami pang pwedeng gawin para tumaas ang numbers,” he said.