Battle of nicknames in the polls Ilonggo-style
"Boy" is not only the opposite of "girl" nor the easiest to spell for in the Province of Iloilo, a total of 26 hopefuls in Iloilo towns for the elective position of councilor chose such as official nickname.
Topping the highest number of commonly-used campaign name here, "Boy"- councilorables are found in all districts starting off with Eusebio "Boy" Villacencio of Oton, San Miguel's Rogelio "Boy" Beltran, Mina's Giovani "Boy" Grabato, Passi City's Romeo "Boy" Pasibalo and San Dionisio's Edgardo "Boy" Canong.
Easy to recall and write too the nicknames of "Mick-mick," "Jun-jun," Jo-jo," Lic-lic," Mot-mot," and Nok-nok," but easier even for the likes of "DRV" (respected businessman Dennis Valencia, administration candidate for Mayor in Tigbauan with running mate Roel "Dok Biboy" Jarina for vice mayor.)
No one would beat though the originality of a independent candidate German Bedia in Barotac Nuevo who wants to be in public office and be known as "Kingkong." A movie blockbuster hit worldwide, it was not immediately clear what inspired Bedia to adopt Hollywood's gorilla as his official nickname and preferred name to appear in the ballots.
In contrast is Oton resident Joemarie Portillo, independent candidate for councilor here who seemed most secure in his sexuality and used "agi" as official nickname and one of the accepted names to appear in the ballot as well.
And if there is a "Boy Batok" in Gerardo Diaz of Leganes, there is also a "Boy Sunog" in Leon, both Second District towns. Janiuay for its part has the opposite in Teresita Colada being the town's "Tisay." All three are running for councilors in respective municipalities.
Former mediaman and Tigbauan Vice Mayor Jessie Terre for his part was all content in his bid for a lower position as town councilor that he opted to use "Ayos." While fellow Independent candidate for councilor Felipe Tauro chose "Puwisto" for undisclosed reasons.
And if there are former teachers and police officers, there is also "Tony Lampitaw" in Antonio Unarce of Leganes who given his nickname, could safely be assumed was a former detective or at least, popularly known in town as one.
In Balasan, no guts no glory so it's a go as well for the candidacies of 26 councilorables including a regular bet called "Cathy" in Catherine Delos Reyes to the not so regular in Andres Bedro Jr. who opted to be called "Maoy," local name for a drunkard.
It's a battle of nicknames Ilonggo-style only in the Philippines.