2010 hopefuls coming for Dinagyang
Presidential hopefuls are among the very important persons (VIPs) during the highlight of this year's Dinagyang Festival on Sunday.
According to a guest list provided by City Hall, Senators Manny Villar and Richard Gordon, and Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando would be among the 26 VIPs during the highlights on Sunday.
Villar has expressed his intention to run for the Malacañang post in 2010. The names of Gordon and Fernando have also cropped up as likely candidates for the presidency. His son is reportedly the one to escort the Jaro Fiesta Queen, Andrea Aileen Marie Vinco Montelibano when the district celebrates its religious fiesta on February 2. Jaro district is home to some of the country's business tycoons and sugar barons. Last year, the Senate President's daughter, Camille, was the fiesta queen.
Gordon, on the other hand, has attended previous Dinagyangs. Accompanying Fernando will be his wife, Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando.
Other VIPs are Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez Sr., himself an Ilonggo, Tourism Undersecretary Salvador Sarabia, Mayor Melissa Savares of Dededo, Guam, and a representative from the US Embassy in the Philippines.
Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. executive director Ben Jimena also said in a radio interview yesterday noon that a US Ambassador to Kuwait Ambassador Richard LeBaron is also expected to come. Several other lawmakers and mayors from around the Philippines are scheduled to come.