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| (Clockwise from top) Luis Manzano, Vilma Santos, Ryan Christian Recto and Jessy Mendiola |
We were one of lucky media practitioners picked to ask a question at the BarakoFest 2025 conference held yesterday in Lipa City. There were so many activities then that the interview had to be streamlined.
Governor Vilma Santos and aspiring Vice Governor Luis "Lucky" Manzano took the opportunity to clearly verbalize their platforms for the province should they win.
Vilma said she will not only bring back her H.E.A.R.T.S. program but enhance it "para mabigyan ng focus ang basic needs."
"H stands for Health, E for Education and Environment, A for Agriculture, R for Roads and infrastructure, T for Tourism and Technology and S for Security and Social Services," she said.
"Kung magagawa (ang mga ito) with all the help of bawat leader ng bawat bayan, I think kahit paano ay makakaramdam kami ng progress pa sa amin pong lalawigan."
As for Luis, he will not only support H.E.A.R.T.S. but he also has his own platform in acronym: L.U.C.K.Y.
"L is for Livelihood para sa mga Batanguenos, U is for University scholarships---uunahin natin yan at pararamihin pa," he said, adding, "C is for Cash assistance sa mga PWD, seniors, baranggay functionaries, K is for Kabataan at Kalusugan.'
And Y?
"You come first. Para yan sa bawat Batangueno," he said, smiling.
'Magandang panahon'
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| Ralph Recto and (inset) Marvy Mariño |
Congressman Marvy Mariño, who was seated beside Luis and Vilma, believes it makes perfect sense to vote for mother and son.
"Pinakamagandang opportunity na to kasi kailan pa po may nakaupong Secretary of Finance na taga-Batangas?" Marvy said, referring to Vilma's husband Ralph Recto, currently Secretary of Finance.
With that, Marvy emphasized the teamwork and synergy that a Vilma-Luis combo will allow.
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| BarakoFest 2025 press conference |
"Bakit po natin patatakbuhin si Governor Vilma Santos tapos pahihirapan lang natin na ang vice governor ay hindi si Luis Manzano?" Marvy pointed out.
He said that should it happen that every elected official is on the same team---on the same page--then "this is a big opportunity para sa lalawigan para matupad mga pangarap natin."
"Wala na pong mas magandang panahon," Marvy ended.
Another Recto in the running for public post this year is aspiring Congressman Ryan Christian Recto.
Bigger, better
On its third year, BarakoFest 2025 is being held from Feb. 13 to 15 at Manila-Batangas Bypass Road, Marawoy, Lipa City.
Happening today, Feb. 14: Mini concert, Car & Motor meet, Billiards Cup, Angkeys to Win, Angkas Job Fair, Moto Gymkhana Slalom, Last to take hands off, Trade fesr, Food fest, Play fest, Drift fest and so much more.
Tomorrow, Feb. 15, Saturday, the activities are: Main Concert, Barako Games, Basketball Championship, Celebrity Game, Content Creator Fest, etc.
The headliners in the main concert are Joshua Garcia, Alex Gonzaga, Ron Angeles, Hev Abi, KZ Tandingan, JC Santos, Jerome Ponce, Mike Swift, Jessy Mendiola, Eclypse, Good Boyz, Eleven 11 and Vice Ganda.
BarakoFest 2025 is presented by OneBatangas, Bagong Batangas, Talino at Puso and Mentorque Productions. Co-presentors are 107 Angkas Sangga Partylist and CWS Partylist.
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| John Bryan Diamante |
"The festival is for all of us. A celebration of our roots, our values, and our future. Let us enjoy the festivity, honor our heritage, and continue building the legacy worth remembering,” said Mentorque CEO John Bryan Diamante.
BarakoFest 2025 is expected to draw at least 300,000 people.
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