Local candidates under the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) party attend the 10 a.m. Holy Mass at the National Shrine of the Our Lady of Guadalupe. The simple and solemn Mass marked the first day of BO-PK’s campaign period. CDND Photo / Dela
CEBU CITY, Philippines — There was no fanfare, no loud music and no celebrities on the first day of the campaign period for Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK).
Instead, the BO-PK slate chose a simple and solemn kick-off activity by attending the 10 a.m. Holy Mass on Friday, March 29, 2019, at the National Shrine of the Our Lady of Guadalupe in Barangay Guadalupe.
Leading the slate is incumbent Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who seeks to defend his post against Partido Barug standard bearer, Edgardo Labella, who is the incumbent Cebu City Vice Mayor.
Osmeña was joined by running mate, Cebu City Councilor Mary Anne de los Santos, who is pitted against former Mayor Michael Rama for the vice mayor position.
Cebu City North District Representative Raul Del Mar, who is seeking reelection this year, led the candidates for councilors of the North District. These are Alvin Arcilla, Jerry Guardo, Sisinio Andales, Joy Young, Leah Japson, Nestor Archival, Marlo Maamo, and Alvin Dizon.
Another reelectionist, Cebu City South District Representative Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa, led the group of councilors of the South District which consists of Kirk Bryan Repollo, Eugenio Gabuya, Jr., Dave Tumulak, Michael Gacasan, Amay Abella, Roberto Cabbarubias, Raul Alcoseba and Rengelle Pelayo.
Osmeña said he did not expect a crowd of supporters to join the solemn Mass in the church since they intended it to be a small affair.
“I did not expect anything,” said Osmeña.
De los Santos said she was the thankful for the supporters who willingly brought banners and showed their support to BO-PK.
“This was not really a publicly announced affair yet people came,” she said.
After the mass, the BO-PK candidates went to Casino Español to meet with allied barangay captains. Osmeña did not elaborate on the meeting’s agenda. / celr