When we arrived at Barangay Telabangca, I couldn't hide the bit of worry i felt. I didn't expect it, but the sight that greeted us was surprising, there was barely anyone outside. It was quiet. Just an ordinary evening in the barangay.
I looked around at the windows and the closed doors, feeling the calm air that gave no sign of any campaign excitement. I felt uneasy for a moment and thought, "Where is everyone? I thought this was solid Team Anjo territory?"
But that wasn't the end of the story.
As soon as the first vehicle in the motorcade moved, it was like magic. One by one, people came out. Some peeked through windows, some opened their doors, others came from the side streets, and kids even ran after us shouting:
"Andy! Andy! Bring Back the Red!"
And they didn't come empty-handed. They held banners, red balloons, and even pot lids they banged together. One family even held a big tarp that said:
"From then until now, you're still our Mayor!"
That's when i realized: you can't measure a community's true support by how many people you see at first.
The people of Telabangca might be quiet at the start, but their hearts always burn with loyalty when the time is right.
As the cheering grew louder, as the line of people behind the motorcade got longer, and as the pot lids clanged, it hit me: "They're here. They're united and they're loyal."
In the middle of it all, Mayor Andy couldn't help but smile, as if telling himself, "Telabangca didn't abandon me."
During our house-to-house campaign, Mayor Andy visited every family. At every door, there were warm smiles inviting us in. Some offered snacks and cold drinks to show their genuine welcome.
He wasn't just a politician in this barangay. To them, he was their guiding light in tough times, a source of strength and hope.
One family even brought out a huge banner and hung it on their house. Mayor paused to read the words and couldn't help but grin.
They handed it to him as a sign of their support, and he hugged them tightly.
Despite the heat of the day, the people of Telabangca didn't mind the exhaustion. Kids ran around laughing. Mothers happily prepared their small gifts. Elders offered their quiet but heartfelt prayers.
Almost every house still had a tarp of Mayor Andy, even the old ones still hung proudly.
Another unforgettable moment was when an elderly woman came up and hugged Mayor tightly.
She didn't want to let go, even as we kept walking, tears streaming down her face.
"Mayor, thank you so much. You were our hope then and even now. We'll never stop supporting you," she said with emotion.
Mayor couldn't help but get emotional too, trying hard to hold back his own tears while hugging her back.
One special part of the house-to-house was the sound of people banging pot lids in unison, from seniors to the young.
That unique "orchestra" was a clear sign of their unity and determination. It was like music that lifted everyone's spirits.
"This is the sound of our unity! The sound of our support! The sound of our love for Mayor Andy!" a group of young people shouted.
Mayor listened and smiled.
"This sound will inspire me to serve even better," he told them.
By evening, the whole of Barangay Telabangca gathered again for the miting de avance. The area was full of red flags and banners.
People were excited, giving loud cheers and chanting:
"Andy! Andy! Bring Back the Red! Team Anjo!"
Mayor Andy walked up to the stage.
He began his speech with thanks:
"My brothers and sisters here in Barangay Telabangca, you've never failed to show love and support. This fight is for all of us. It's for the future of our children, and for the town we all love."
He explained the projects he wanted to continue and his plans for a better barangay.
After the program, many people came up to shake his hand and thank him. Kids brought red balloons and flowers. The elders smiled quietly but with real warmth.
As we walked home from Barangay Telabangca, I carried the memory of that day, the cheers, the banging pot lids, and the thankful hugs.
It wasn't just a campaign. It was a story of hope, unity, and lasting love.
And in Mayor Andy's heart, he carried that flame, a flame that would keep shining in all the days to come for his town.