Kris: Most credible celeb endorser
Author: Jill Serjeant
The consensus among many political observers is that Kris Aquino is earning plus points for her brother Noynoy in the campaign trail. They all agree that the standard bearer of the Liberal Party has the support of her celebrity power to his advantage in the May elections.
Kris rated highest in a recent survey of celebrity endorsers that include the likes of Sharon Cuneta, Judy Ann Santos and Sarah Geronimo, among others. This translates to a confirmation of the high regard for her among the majority of the population.
Despite this high credibility rating though, or because of this credibility rating, the popular TV host has to contend with negative reactions she gets left and right, evidently from her brother's political rivals. These she dismisses as inevitability during the campaign season.
"I feel the warm reception of the public wherever I go and I appreciate their response to my presence," she said adding that negative publicity is the least of her concern.
The first sortie of the Liberal Party she joined, along with husband and basketball star James Yap. They were mobbed at the airport upon arrival and the huge turnout at the rally held at the plaza later was such a thrill for Kris that she promised to come back.
"Zamboanga City was special for Kuya Noy," she said adding that it was there that Noy went for a retreat before he decided to take on the challenge of running for the presidency.
Kris has since agreed to join provincial campaign sorties, on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Saturdays, with James keeping her company.
A couple of weeks back she joined Kuya Noy in Ilocandia, the bailiwick of the Marcoses. It was their first trip to Laoag and Vigan since Martial Law and much to their surprise the Ilocanos welcomed them with open arms.
Kris repeatedly expressed her gratitude for the warm reception. For Noynoy's part, he said there was good chance that he will get enough support from Northern Ilocos to boost his confidence.
While surveys have indicated that he was the second choice of Ilocanos should elections be held today, the senator from Tarlac feels confident about getting enough numbers. "It's our first visit here, and already I'm the second choice, which is just fine with me. I'm here to express my gratitude for the support Ilocos gave me when I ran for senator. I was number 10 in Ilocos, better than in Pampanga where I was 12," said Noynoy.
"Again Kris promised she'll be back for sure. There's much to see and enjoy in Ilocos that she'll look forward to. She has been to other provinces including Davao, Iloilo, and Pangasinan. In the meantime, she will have to juggle her schedule between helping in the campaign and her commitment with ABS-CBN.
