Different performances from artists, mascots, dancers, and bands, among others, entertained the crowd of supporters during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The even started around 1 p.m. and featured mascots of Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte on stage dancing to campaign chants and inviting supporters to dance and take “selfies.” Mascots danced to the popular song on Tiktok called “Zoom.”
Bands such as Inner Voices and Plethora also performed and played. Karla Estrada, one of the prominent SONA attendees said she is “very proud’ to sing the national anthem at the opening of 19th Congress. The actress, singer, and host is part of the Tingog Sinirangan Party-List as its third nominee.
“We are just happy here. No more politics. We only have one color. One goal, this is for the unity and harmony of our country, helping together so the Philippines will recover and unite,” Edwin Rodriguez, one of the organizers and president of Malayang Quezon City said, quoted by a GMA News report.
When the video of Marcos delivering his SONA speech started to broadcast on the screen at the venue around 4 p.m., some of the audience were seen leaving the area, GMA News reported.
Militant groups meanwhile voluntarily dispersed before the start of Marcos’ SONA
Authorities said the rallyists left the area at noontime. The rally permit issued to the progressive groups was only until 12 noon. Authorities said the rallyists are “all cooperative.”
“We have not allowed them on Tandang Sora, 500 to 700 meters from the Batasang Pambansa,” the police said.
The protesters – Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Karapatan, Anakbayan and Alliance of Health Workers – marched to Commonwealth Avenue after gathering at the University of the Philippines-Diliman early yesterday and just stayed on Tandang Sora Avenue. With Rio N. Araja