Annabelle confirms bid for Congress

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s cousin and talent manager Annabelle Rama confirmed that she would run for Congress in next year’s elections.

Annabelle announced the confirmation through Twitter yesterday, two days after she joined the Team Rama in visiting the city’s north district.

She said nothing can stop her from running.

“I am very, very serious to run for Congress. Wala na makapigil sa akin (Nothing can stop me),” said Annabelle.

Mayor Rama said he is happy that her cousin finally decided to run, knowing that she has the capability to win considering her popularity.

“Kanang moadto ko sa ubang lugar sa Pilipinas, mangutana g’yud ang mga tawo kon ig-unsa nako si Annabelle Rama,” the mayor said.

Annabelle said she had bought a few pairs of rubber shoes that she would use during her visits to the 34 barangays of the north district.

She narrated her unforgettable experiences of waking up at 4:30 a.m. last Thursday so she would reach the assembly area in Lahug on time.

Annabelle said she went to the barangays with the mayor and other members of Team Rama, walking along alleys and riverbanks to greet the people in Lahug.

“Mahirap pala umakyat at bumaba sa bundok na naka flat shoes. Kamuntik pa ako madulas. (It’s hard to go up and down the mountain wearing flat shoes. I nearly slipped),” she said.

Annabelle sustained swollen feet while walking for almost four hours. But she said she was encouraged to continue walking because she was inspired.

“Nawala ang pagud ko at sakit ng katawan ko dahil di ko akalain na kilala ako ng mga tao doon. Ang tawag nila sa akin ay idol. Na-meet ko iba’t-ibang klaseng tao. Marami silang sinasabing mga reklamo sa kahirapan nila (My tiredness and body aches were gone because the people know me. They call me ‘idol.’ I met different kinds of people. They complained about poverty),” Annabelle said.

Former congressman Raul V. Del Mar and north district Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar did not make comments about this development. Although Annabelle admitted that she has no knowledge on legislation, she said “madali namang mag-aral para matuto (it is easy to learn).”

Annabelle transferred her registration from Quezon City to Barangay Zapatera in Cebu City in May, but the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is yet to announce whether her application was approved. — /LPM - THE FREEMAN