Philippine politicians hit the campaign trail with a vengeance on Tuesday, keeping the issues to a minimum and going full blast with theatrics and rhetoric.
About 17,000 posts at all levels of government are at stake in the May 10 election, from the presidency - incumbent Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is seeking a fresh term - to seats in the Senate and House of Representatives and jobs such as town mayor.
On this first day of campaigning, whether at rallies with gyrating dancers or out on the streets, the mood was village fiesta amplified by the funding and choreography it will take to win.
Arroyo, suffering from what one commentator called a "charisma deficit" as she trails film star Fernando Poe Jr in opinion polls, called for "prudence, decency and civility".
But personalities, not platforms, win elections in this sprawling republic of 7,100 islands. A tradition of vote-buying, intimidation and dirty tricks is unlikely to change.
Winning is only half the battle, analysts say. Getting most of your ballots through the counting process is what matters.
At a Manila stadium used for cockfighting and prayer vigils, Poe headlined an extravaganza of celebrities, comedians and the Sex Bomb Dancers - all covered by eight TV cameras.
"Poverty is the greatest scandal in our country," the action hero told more than 10,000 supporters before linking arms with his team as confetti rained down. "We need change, change in our dream, and that dream is to have a brighter future."
For some people, the day was all about seeing their movie idol in the flesh. But for others like slum-dweller Felipe Santos, voting for Poe was a way to exact revenge for the ouster of Joseph Estrada.
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