WATCH: Duterte does ‘Twerk It Like Miley’

For the supporters of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, what could be a clearer indication that he will run for president but his willingness to dance in public?

This happened on Thursday, August 20, at the opening night of the Kadayawan Festival.

For the first time, Duterte danced before his constituents – to the tune of “Twerk It Like Miley,” and with backup dancers to boot.

The people of Davao had been used to Duterte just cracking jokes – or issuing threats to criminals – but never dancing, at least in public.

Before this, Davaoeños only saw him dance on TV, when he guested on Gandang Gabi Vice recently.

“Everyone was excited to see him dance because they only saw it on television. Tonight, they see the mayor dancing,” City Tourism Officer Lisette Marques told Rappler.

When Duterte started to twerk, the crowd cheered, “Sayaw pa more, Mayor!” (Dance some more, Mayor!)

Duterte called on city councilors to join him on stage.

The other highlight of the celebration was the search for the Hiyas ng Kadayawan, where judges came from different provinces: Palawan Governor Pepito Alvarez; Sarangani Vice Governor Jinkee Paquiao; Cavite Representative Lani Mercado Revilla; Mary Locsin, wife of Januiay, Iloilo, Mayor Frankie Locsin; Virac, Catanduanes, Mayor Flerida Alberto; Mindoro Board Member Maria Fe Brondial; and television personality Cheryl Cosim.

Downplaying observations that the choice of judges was like tapping into vote bases, City Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, Hiyas ng Kadayawan chair, told Rappler it was the executive committee of the festival that decided who to invite. – Editha Z. Caduaya/Rappler.com

Facebook video from Mabel Sunga Acosta’s page.