Poe-Escudero team uses good looks, humor to woo Laguna town students

Sen. Poe talks about her late father during consultation with Calamba residents. MAILA AGER/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

Good looks and humor of politicians still proved to be effective tools in courting students at least in two schools in the province of Laguna.

READ: Poe-Escudero, 5 senatorial bets woo Calamba residents

Students of STI College in Calamba, Laguna and University of Perpetual Help System in Binan, Laguna shrieked when Senators Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who are running for president and vice president, respectively, and their five senatorial bets visited their schools Tuesday.

Joining Poe and Escudero were senatorial bets Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno; Congressmen Sherwin Gatchalian, Roman Romulo and Samuel Pagdilao; and lawyer Lorna Kapunan.

Moreno, who was raised from poverty, was a hit to the students of STI College in Calamba, Laguna when he compared his life with them when he was a struggling poor boy.

“Yung iba malalim ang suliranin yung iba naman ay mababaw katulad ng iniwan ka ng dyowa mo. Pag iniwan ka ng BF (boyfriend) mo, palitan mo. Move on! Magpa bebe ka naman,” he said, drawing a loud cheer from the students.

(Others have deep problems while others have shallow ones like being left by their lovers. When your BF leaves you, replace him. Move on! You should be modest.)

Also a former actor, the senatorial bet tried to dispel doubts on his ability to serve the public and hold a higher post in government.

“Dahil sa pag aartista, nakaahon po ako. Bilang ganti sa ibinigay na pagkakataon sa akin ng Panginoong Dyos, ibinalik ko po sa tao. At a very young age, ibinalik ko po through public service. Yun po ang ginawa ko sa Tondo at sana po’y bigyan nyo ako ng pagkakataon na masiyasat,” he said.

(Because of being an actor, I was able to rise up from poverty. To give back for the opportunity given to me by God, I gave it back to the people. At a very young age, I gave it back through public service. That was what I did in Tondo and I hope that you will give me the opportunity to be probed on.)

“Alam ko po marami po kayong pagdududa sa mga bagay o kandidatong tulad ko na artistang tumatakbo, sana po siyasatin po ninyo ako,” Moreno added.

(I know that you have many doubts on things and candidates who are celebrities like me, I hope you will probe on me.)

When it was Escudero’s turn to speak, the vice presidential bet used humor to entertain the students.

“Mahirap sundan ang mga pananalita ni Isko dahil totoo, malalim ang hugot at sa totoo lang nilalabag ko sa araw na ito ang kaisa-isang utos sa akin ng lolo ko. Sabi ng lolo ko: ‘Chiz, kung pipili ka lang ng makakasama at kaibigan siguraduhin mo ikaw na ang may pinaka may hitsura,’” he said.

(It is difficult to follow Isko’s speech because it is true that his source is deep. In fact, on this day, I am breaching my grandfather’s sole command. My grandfather said: “Chiz, if you will choose companions and friends, make sure that you are the most good-looking one.”)

“Kaya sa linyada ho namin sa totoo lang ang kaibigan ko dito ni isa wala, ang kaibigan ko lang sa linyada dito wala dito, si Neri Colmenares lang. At kaya din hindi ako malapit sa inyong mayor, gandang lalaki din e…single pa.”

(In fact, in our team, I have no friend. My only friend, Neri Colmenares, is not here. That is why I am not close to your mayor because he is good-looking…and also single.)

Escudero was referring to senatorial bet Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares, who is also part of their slate, while the mayor he was referring to was Calamba Mayr Timmy Chipeco.

“Sabi rin sa akin ng lolo ko: ‘Chiz, kung hindi mo rin alam ang sinasabi mo at naiitindihan, bilis bilisan mo na ang pagsabi para kunyari tama at totoo ang sinasabi mo…’” the senator added.

(My grandfather also told me: “Chiz, if you do not know and understand what you say, speak fast so it will seem that what you say is right and true.)

Escudero, who is married to actress Heart Evangelista, also mentioned about his wife.

“Hindi man ako artistahin tulad ni Isko, nakakalawit naman ako ng artista,” Escudero said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

(Although I do not have Isko’s celebrity looks, I was able to hook a celebrity.)

“Ginamit ko lang yung salita nyang ‘kalawit…’” he said, referring to Moreno, who earlier used the word.

(I just used the word “hook” that he mentioned.)

In closing, Escudero said: “Hindi ko po ito pahahabain, nais ko na lang pong batiin kayo, mula sa puso at taus-puso. In English, from heart and from my heart.” His last remark again drew a loud reaction from the students.

(I will not lengthen this. I just want to greet you, from the heart and with all sincerity. In English, from heart and from my heart.)

Poe said that many of their senatorial candidates are not only good looking but they also have plans for the people and the country.

“Sa ating mga kababaihan dito, masaya ba kayo sa hitsura ng aming Senate slate?” she asked the students in jest.

(To our women here, are you happy with the good looks of our Senate slate?)

“Yun nga, marami talaga sa ating Senate slate ang hindi lang magandang tingnan kundi may laman din kung anong pwedeng gawin para sa inyo…” Poe added.

(Indeed, many of our Senate slate not only possess good looks, they also have the abilities to serve you.) RAM