Updated: November 15, 2021, 4:17 P.M.
Vancouver, B.C.
(Editor’s note: Yesterday’s nation-wide rallies/caravans for Leni Robredo’s presidential run proved once again that a ‘ people united cannot be defeated’. From Vancouver and Victoria and Calgary in the West to Winnipeg in the Praries to Toronto and the nations’ capital – Ottawa, people came out of their comfort zones and braved the elements to show their support for Leni Robredo. These initiatives were not funded by the dirty money of the Dutertes or Marcoses whose paid trolls have been busy with their lies and fake news.) – This is a developing story.
Here is a report by Charmaine Janis Rodriguez from Vancouver, B.C.
Rain or snow or sleet cannot stop the Pink Revolution
By Charmaine Janis Rodriguez
HUNDREDS of cars in different shades of pink filled major roads in eight major areas in Canada yesterday (November 14) as supporters of Presidential candidate Leni Robredo launched activities to show the massive support she and running mate Kiko Pangilinan has here.
Toronto’s over 600 Robredo-Pangilinan supporters turned a huge portion of Earl Bales Park’s greens into pink Sunday morning with their overwhelming attendance for the Pink Caravan of Hope.
In British Columbia, over 140 cars drove around the major streets of Vancouver before heading to Landsdowne Mall’s parking lot in Richmond City where more than 300 Robredo-Pangilinan supporters braved the heavy rains to take group photos and chant “Leni, Leni” despite the cold.
While in Manitoba, about 150 supporters braved the minus 6-degree temperature in Kildonan Park to show their love for Robredo.
With a backdrop of Ottawa behind them, close to a hundred caravan participants were picture perfect as they gathered for a photo shoot.
Robredo sends video message
In a message to her supporters in Canada, Robredo thanked them for their deep sense of love for fellow Filipinos and for the country and its future.
“Maraming, maraming salamat sa pakikiisa ninyo sa ating Pink Caravan! Alam ko na kahit wala kayo sa Pilipinas, ramdam na ramdam din ninyo ang mga pagsubok na pinagdaraanan ng mga Pilipino. Marami sa inyo, inaalala palagi ang mga mahal sa buhay, pamilya, at kaibigang naiwan dito sa atin. Diyan man kayo nakatira, iniisip niyo pa rin ang kinabukasan ng bansa, dahil Pilipinas pa rin ang una ninyong tahanan,” she said in a video message.
“Pero kahit malayo, naitatawid natin, dahil puso ang puhunan natin sa laban na ito. At ang totoo, puso mismo ang kailangan natin para manalo. Ang mahalagang gawin natin ngayon: Kausapin ang kayang kausapin. Makinig, maging bukas, magmalasakit. Magtatagumpay tayo hindi sa pakikipagtalo, kundi sa pag-ibig. Madaling makipagdebate; mas radikal ang magmahal. Sa huli, tayo mismo ‘yung pinakamabisang daluyan ng mensahe natin—dahil iisa lang ang pangarap na nagbibigkis sa atin: A better and more loving country, built on the foundation of honest, competent, and compassionate leadership,” she added.
She also said that there’s still a long way to go before the May 2022 elections but if the solidarity will continue, victory will be within our reach.
Pangilinan, for his part, thanked their supporters in Canada for giving him and Robredo “immense hope” that they can wage a successful campaign even if they do not have the political machinery that the other candidates have.
“Taos puso kaming nagpapasalamat ni Vice President Leni sa apoy nga pag-asa’ng inyong sinindihan para sa mga Filipino-Canadian na kagaya ninyo,” he said.
The Caravan of Hope was done in Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary and Manitoba.
Other reports to follow.