AS expected, a throng of adoring supporters trooped to the Philippine Arena in Sta. Maria, Bulacan on Tuesday to witness the proclamation of presidential candidate Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., his running-mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, and the UniTeam’s senatorial ticket in a massive show of force to kick off their campaign for the May 2022 Elections.

Traffic was heavy on the northbound lane of the North Luzon Expressway as early as 10 a.m., with all kinds of vehicles making a beeline to the designated entrances of the world’s biggest indoor arena to send off their candidates as the campaign season officially begins.

At least 25,000 seats were reserved for guests and VIPs in the 55,000 seating capacity venue, but crowd estimate went as high as 30 thousand even before the program started as organizers decided to allow the crowd that was gathering outside after the rain fell.

Celebrity host Toni Gonzaga repeatedly reminded all those present inside the venue to observe health protocols while ushers were busy doing the rounds to make sure that everyone was observing proper distancing.

While all the other candidates opted to hold their proclamation rallies in their respective bailiwicks, the BBM-Sara UniTeam chose the Philippine Arena, away from their own turfs and comfort zone, in an act of confidence that was bolstered by their consistent showing in all the reputable surveys.

The three-hour political rally culminated in Marcos’ fiery speech, urging his supporters to be resolute and steadfast in the commitment to unite in the face of all the adversities the country bears during recent years.

After the band Plethora played the song “Bagong Lipunan,” Gonzaga shouted “Tapos na. May nanalo na, tapos na ang laban! Buhay na buhay ang pagmamahal kay Apo Lakay Ferdinand Marcos,” which was greeted with a thunderous applause by UniTeam supporters.

Marcos initially expressed his gratitude to Inday Sara for agreeing to be his running-mate, describing her as competent and “having a firm grasp of her vision for the country.”

“Ako ang pinakamapalad na presidential candidate sa aking palagay dahil ang nakasama ko bilang bise presidente ay si Mayor Sara Duterte, pinakamagaling, pinakamahusay at higit sa lahat ay may paninindigan sa kanyang mga pangarap at hangarin para sa ating bansang Pilipinas,” he said.

Continuing with his call to unite, Marcos said all “he wanted is a decent means for every Filipino to earn for his family and to live dignified lives.”

“Doon po kami nagkasundo kaagad noong aming pinag-usapan kung ano ba ang mga pangangailangan, ano ba ang mga dapat gawin, para tayong mga Pilipino ay makabangon na sa krisis na ating pinagdadaanan, ang krisis ng pandemya at ang krisis ng ekonomiya,” he said.

Marcos rallied his supporters to believe that everyone should be involved in a movement for unity.

“Siguro naman kung hindi man tayo magkasundo sa maraming bagay, sana ay magkasundo tayo sa paniniwalang kakayanin natin ito para naman kung haharap tayo sa buong mundo ay maisisigaw natin na ako ay Pilipino, taas noo kahit kanino,” he added.

In the end, Marcos said what he wanted was “a victory not only in the May Elections, but a victory of unity that will usher our country to a better future.”