DAVAO CITY Even celebrities recently in town for the Western Union-sponsored concert here wanted the “right” President elected in 2010.
“Please, let’s choose the right President,” pop singer Christian Bautista suddenly blurted out in the middle of the concert at the CAP Auditorium on Anda Street in June just as he was about to start another song.
His companions, soap opera actor and singer Jericho Rosales and talent-search champion Yeng Constantino, shared the same sentiment. At the after-party interview, Rosales said a person’s educational background is not an assurance that ones choice of a leader is good. As an example, Constantino said an economics degree of some of the countrys leaders did not guarantee good things for the country’s economy.
Christian Bautista and Yeng Constantino. (davaotoday.com photo)
Rosales said he would choose a God-fearing man to be the country’s next leader. “If we get a God-fearing leader, wala na tayo masyadong poproblemahin (we wouldn’t have too many problems),” he said.
But Constantino said the deluge of ads leading to the 2010 elections would make it difficult for one to choose the right candidate. “Yung iba nga nagbibisikleta (Some are riding a bicycle),” she said, referring to an advertisement of perceived Presidential aspirant Mar Roxas portraying himself as a traysikad (unmotorized three-wheel vehicle) driver to win the sympathy of men on the streets.
She expressed hope that the next leader would be more sincere and would genuinely care for the people. She said she was frustrated that, while other countries are exporting goods and technology to other countries, the Philippines is sending overseas contract workers abroad.
Constantino, a first time voter, is eager to register in her hometown of Rizal province. I will maximize my right as a citizen to say that we care, she said, adding that she wanted to be part of the process of choosing the next leader.
Constantino also expressed her frustration over the rice shortage in the country. She said this shouldnt be the case. “Our country is rich and there shouldnt have been a shortage if only those in power were serious about their job,” she said.
Rosales said that power is a dangerous thing to have if you dont know how to use it and what the country needed is a man with good character.
Movie star Jericho Rosales in the sea of fans during the Davao city concert. (davaotoday.com photo by Barry Ohaylan)
Rosales also said Filipinos should be united and be more active. Things like picking up trash, being polite and even just recalling values taught to us when we were younger would make a big difference, he said.
But Rosales clarified that some celebrities had contracts that will not allow them to endorse national candidates. Bautista said hes sick and tired of corruption and would never endorse anybody unless he really believed in that person.
The Cebu leg of the Western Union Gintong Galing (Golden Talents) show was earlier held in Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City and then later at the Aliw Theater in Manila.
Western Union described the concert as a tribute to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families, giving regular customers who had Western Union gold cards, a 50 percent discount on their tickets.
All three performers were chosen because they entered show business by winning a talent contest. Bautista was finalist in singing search Star in a Million while Constantino was the champion of the first season of Pinoy Dream Academy. Rosales was crowned Mr. Pogi in the mid-90s. The show opened with a talent contest featuring OFWs or their families.(CJ Kuizon/ davaotoday.com)
