“ANG lalawigan ng Bulacan bilang tahanan ng unang malayang republika ng Asya ay handa nang salubungin ang liwanag ng bagong republika.”

Thus said Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando, referring to Vice President Leni Robredo whose presidential candidacy he endorsed recently.

Fernando, who is the National Unity Party’s standard-bearer for Bulacan, has been vocal in his support of Robredo’s bid.

During the second grand rally held at the Malolos Sports Complex in Bulacan dubbed "Republika 2.0: Tindig ng Bulakenyo," the opposition candidate was welcomed anew by Fernando and around a 140,000 crowd.

Instead of the usual pink crowd during Robredo’s people’s rally, her supporters waved Philippine flaglets in support of the opposition bet’s call for unity among all Filipinos.

Robredo’s runningmate Senator Kiko Pangilinan, meanwhile, was not able to attend the rally as he visited the cities of Caloocan, Navotas and Malabon.

Robredo said they are visiting as many places as possible as the election period is coming closer.

Meanwhile, several celebrity supporters of Robredo including Nadine Lustre, Yeng Constantino, Darren Espanto and Vice Ganda were present during the rally.

The event culminated with a synchronized drone exhibition — the first of its kind during this campaign season — and a grand fireworks display from the country’s fireworks capital, Bocaue, Bulacan.