IN PHOTOS: Stars, politicians, ordinary folks turn up for Grace Poe

MANILA, Philippines – As much as Grace Poe is anchoring her presidential campaign on her father’s pro-poor aspirations, the mix of people who turned up at her declaration event was very much like Fernando Poe Jr’s supporters in 2004. (READ: Grace Poe: I offer myself as your president)

Entertainment personalities, politicians from different parties, and ordinary folks from different cities and provinces trooped to the University of the Philippines Bahay ng Alumni on Wednesday, September 16, for Poe’s much-awaited announcement. (READ: Festive mood as Poe supporters flock to UP)

Below are some of the people that Rappler spotted among the thousands at the event:

Actress Susan Roces, Grace Poe’s mother.

She said she doesn’t mind going through another presidential campaign since the circumstances, candidates, and the overall situation of the country are different now compared to when her husband FPJ ran 11 years ago.

Grace Poe’s family (from left): son Bryan Llamanzares, husband Neil Llamanzares, and mom Susan Roces

Grace Poe’s daughter Hanna Llamanzares

Celebrity husband and wife Zoren Legaspi and Carmina Villaroel

Actor and director Albert Martinez

Movie producer Roselle Monteverde (left), whose mother, the entertainment industry’s Mother Lily, attended the proclamation of Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II in July.

Roselle said she has a “deep relationship” with Poe. Mother Lily, meanwhile, went to Roxas event because President Aquino is their family friend.

Publicist and talent manager Lolit Solis.

In the article “15 things you did not know about Grace Poe,” the senator told Rappler of a recent incident when she thought Solis’ Prada bag was an ecobag. Poe called Solis and apologized for the mistake, saying she really was not familiar with designer bags.

True Faith

Singer Yeng Constantino

Former National Security Adviser and Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez

San Juan Representative Ronaldo Zamora (left) and former Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte of the Nacionalista Party

Camarines Governor Migz Villafuerte, son of LRay

Among the organizations that were represented at the event was the Filipinos for Peace, Justice, and Progress Movement (FPJPM) – which in 2004 also became the Fernando Poe Jr for President Movement) – headed by Boots Cadsawan.

Groups such as All for Grace, Bagong Umaga Bayan Movement, Aksyon Demokratiko, Changemovers, and Anti-Crime and Poverty International Foundation Inc (ACAPIFI) were also in attendance.

Supporters from Bicol, Valenzuela, Nueva Ecija, Malabon, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Rizal, and Mindanao also came.

Representatives Giorgidi Agabbao and Mark Enverga, members of the Nacionalist People’s Coalition, came to show their support for Poe while their party is still in the process of deciding who to endorse in 2016. (READ: Grace Poe could propel NPC as PH’s biggest political party) – Rappler.com