was only three in the afternoon when we arrived in Barangay San Jose, but you could already feel a different kind of energy in the air.
It was as if the wind itself was shouting with hope and the longing for dreams to come alive again in the hearts of the people.
This wasn't Mayor Andy's first visit here, but with every return, there seemed to be a new, deeper story of trust being written.
As one woman said with a grin:
"Mayor! Even if you come here every day, we'll never get tired of welcoming you!"
When we stepped out of the vehicle, we could barely move for the crowd pressing in.
From the elderly to the youngest children, everyone seemed to be carrying something a bouquet, a garland lei, colorful tarpaulins with messages of support, or simple gifts offered with genuine gratitude.
Children handed over roses, women had prepared native delicacies and cake, and groups of men were blasting Mayor's campaign jingle from huge speakers.
As Mayor Andy walked down the street, every step was met with cheers of support.
"Mayor, we've been your supporters from the beginning!"
The children's hands offering flowers turned into small palms reaching out to hold his.
Every hug was overflowing with emotion.
In one small corner, we noticed an old man sitting in a chair, quietly waiting.
But the moment he saw Mayor Andy, tears streamed down his face.
Mayor immediately went over, embraced him tightly, and thanked him, eyes shining with feeling.
"I didn't think I'd ever see you again, Mayor. Thank you for everything you've done for us," the old man said, voice trembling.
Elsewhere, a group of teenagers was playing Mayor's jingle on their phones and tiny speakers.
They were dancing with glowing eyes, full of excitement.
Mayor Andy even joined in, dancing along with them not like a politician, but like an old friend who had shared in both their triumphs and struggles.
You couldn't deny how many people had come out to show support.
The streets were crowded with red balloons, every corner had gifts of food, flowers, and garland leis seemingly beyond count.
At one intersection, confetti poppers were set off just as the motorcade passed by, drawing delighted cheers from the crowd.
As we walked further along the winding roads, you could see Mayor Andy's tiredness, but it never stopped him from showing heartfelt gratitude.
He shook nearly every outstretched hand, embraced people, and never refused the children who clung to him asking for photos.
"You didn't abandon us before, so we won't abandon you now," Mayor said to the people, watching their beaming smiles.
Nightfall wasn't enough to dampen the support.
Even as it got dark, the crowd refused to leave.
In fact, even more people showed up.
The streets lit up with cellphone flashlights and lanterns, and the chants of support echoed through every corner of the barangay.
The house-to-house campaign finally wrapped up at around eight in the evening.
But even in their exhaustion, the joy and hope shining in everyone's eyes were priceless.