Today officially marked the start of the 45-day campaign period for the upcoming election.
For Team Anjo's journey, they chose to return to their roots — to the very barangay where Mayor Andy Lacson grew up and was shaped into the compassionate, wholehearted leader he is today: Barangay San Bartolome.
Even early in the morning, the whole barangay was already alive. Elderly folks took their places along the roadside, mothers came with their children, eager to catch a glimpse of their "Mayor," and young people held up their phones, ready to capture every moment.
The Team Anjo riders stood in formation, carrying flags of unity, ready to show their wholehearted support.
When the motorcade started, the barangay looked like a festival. People clapped and cheered, shouting "Andy! Andy!" Some even shed tears of joy. With every wave from the Mayor, every smile from inside the vehicle, everyone could feel his sincerity.
He didn't need an introduction. He was known not just as a politician, but as one of them — a true son of San Bartolome.
After the motorcade, the whole group went to the church to attend a solemn Mass.
Quiet, reverent, and full of prayer. Inside the church, bathed in candlelight and surrounded by altar flowers, Mayor Andy was seen bowing his head — as if asking for strength, not for his own success, but for the town he serves.
From the church, they proceeded to the covered court. As soon as Mayor Andy entered, a loud cheer welcomed him. But there was something more that filled the air — a melody that hadn't been heard in a long time.
The song "Buwan" was played first — but not the usual version. This was a special rendition prepared by Mr. Erwin Ferrer for Team Anjo. It was the public's first time hearing it, and where else could it have been more fitting than in the barangay where the Mayor came from?
"Concepcion is excited... for your return..."
Hearing that line sent an electric charge through the court. People shouted together, some screamed in joy. Many stood up, waving their hands in sync with the music.
"Don't be blinded by money,
Don't sell your dignity.
Andy Lacson is still the one we love,
Our beloved town..."
It was a moment that no amount of money could buy. A message that didn't need to be shouted because it was sung from the heart.
Afterwards, Mayor Andy was invited to speak on stage. As he climbed up, he paused and looked at the crowd — not with pride, but with gratitude.
"This is where I first learned to dream. As a child, I already wanted to help. I didn't know back then how I would do it, but I knew that every good deed planted would return as blessings."
The crowd was silent, all eyes on him.
"This campaign is not just about me. It's a fight for the future. A fight for what's right. And thank you for your trust, because behind every clap and every smile, I know I am not alone."
Before stepping down, he turned slightly to the massive crowd.
Again, he gave a smile — simple, genuine, enough to make you feel that he was not just a leader. He was a friend. A son of the town. A partner in hope.
After his speech, the people still kept coming. One by one, residents approached to shake his hand, express thanks, and ask for photos with Mayor Andy.
Despite the exhaustion from a long day of activities, the sparkle in his eyes never faded.
"Mayor, thank you for the scholarship for my child. Without it, he might not have graduated," said a woman, holding the Mayor's hand, tears in her eyes but a smile on her lips.
"Thank you so much, Mayor. Please don't grow tired of helping us," added another, as their child reached out for a photo.
Mayor Andy smiled and nodded, "I will never get tired because you are the reason why I do this. Just please, let's never let go of each other."
While the youth posed for pictures, an elderly man with a cane approached and gently tapped Mayor Andy on the shoulder.
"Son, before, your father was the one we trusted. Now, you are our pillar. Please don't let the town down."
Mayor nodded, a hint of sadness but strong determination in his voice.
"I won't fail you. As long as I can, I will serve."
Stories, laughter, and photos continued. It was as if no one wanted Mayor to leave just yet.
He wasn't a celebrity, but to them, he was someone deeply loved — not because of fame, but because of honesty.
As the lights on stage slowly dimmed one by one, a feeling remained — one that won't easily fade. A night of hope, conviction, and a new beginning for the town.