I was asked to lead the ribbon cutting as a symbol of a great start for the first Auntie Anne's in Iloilo City and probably also in Western Visayas

I gave a short message thanking the people behind Auntie Anne's and the Betita siblings for choosing Iloilo City as their place of business

During the blessing of the Auntie Anne's store in SM City Iloilo

Sen. Mar Roxas receives a very warm hero's welcome in Iloilo City after he gave way to the candidacy of Sen. Noynoy


September 9, 2009

It takes so much strength, inspiration, willingness, selflessness and good character to make a sacrifice.

The first day of September was something that couldn’t be forgotten. My deepest condolence goes to Punong Ministro Erano Manalo, the leader of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), that passed away. He was the reason why INC was able to expand nationwide and internationally. He is well loved and respected by the people. He apparently offered his lifetime for Christ and for the spiritual life of the members of INC. On the same day, the ZTE Controversy was again heard by the Blue Ribbon Committee of the Philippine Senate. We saw the likes of Jun Lozada who seemingly gave up his “freedom” and “security” for the sake of the truth and the country that even affected the lives of his wife and children. The biggest surprise was in the political world when a very unexpected press conference and public declaration was made by Liberal Party President and then Standard Bearer of the LP for President Mar Roxas that he was giving way for Senator Noynoy’s Candidacy for President.

Senator Mar was preparing his run for the presidency since year 2007. He has even built his organization down to the grassroots level. He has been making his presence felt by going around the country, spending millions for his infomercials, and declaring his bid for the Presidency. Who would have thought he would ever sacrifice his personal ambitions especially that he has worked hard for it for such a long time already. He gave way for the sake of the party and for the country. I salute you Senator Mar. I am privileged to be his friend and to have a direct line with him. I am also proud that he is an Ilonggo. Astig gid ya ang Ilonggo. He has shown that it is about country first before self. He has now moved from being a politician to a statesman.

I hope and pray that politicians take the lead of Senator Roxas. In my case, I have said from the start unahun ko ang Syudad bag-o ang akun pinolitika kag kaugalingon. I will decide for what is best for the City.

As what I usually say as my battle cry or my usual spiel, Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.