Noynoy Aquino announced this morning at historic Club Filipino in Greenhills that he is going to run as the country’s Chief executive. Flanked by partymates in the Liberal Party, Civil Society, Former Government Officials, Activist Artists, Media, Supporters and Family, Noynoy made this historic announcement during the 40th day of her mother’s death, of which was preceded by intense retreat and reflection last week. We can recall that Noynoy went through a retreat as per advice by his sister Pinky Aquino of which Noynoy went to the Carmelite Convent in Zamboanga to pray things through after Sen. Mar Roxas withdrew his plan in the Presidential Bid in support for Noynoy.

Even before the said announcement, Media people saw hints of the forthcoming message of Noynoy. Congressman Acosta was seen smiling from ear to ear by ABS CBN Pinky Web and was asked if that was a sign of a positive news. While in GMA 7, while Arnold Clavio is interviewing Franklin Drilon, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan came and then hugged each other with tears in their eyes. Franklin Drilon later confirmed in the interview that the emotion was high because Noynoy has finally decided to run, minutes before Noynoy broke the news and that in the liberal party, it was only Franklin Drilon which Kiko sought for advice…

Before Noynoy announced his decision, the press conference began with a prayer from Fr. Arevalo and Fr. Francisco of the Jesuits followed by the Philippine National Anthem.

Noynoy’s statement was brief, insightful and sometimes witty and humorous which made the people laugh and giggle. He first thanked his family who were all present in Club Filipino then went on in telling the story of 3 common people he encountered during the process of thinking things over. He said, he encountered 2 Grade 5 students who at their age was already aware of the political situation of our country. The first student approached him in a CD store and said that the kind of music that the kid was listening to is a rock band with social relevance. The second student approached him in a restaurant in Tarlac and said that as early as now, the kid is already campaigning for him. The third person he encountered was that of a customs employee who asked one of the Liberal Party member if Noynoy would run. When the employee found out that there was a possibility, he said “Posible na uli mangarap”.

After the anecdotes which he also included a reference to God, he finally break the news:

“Tatakbo po ako sa pagka-pangulo sa susunod na eleksyon!“

In the Open forum, one of the questions that were raised was the question of who will be his running mate. Noynoy said that he asked Sen. Mar Roxas to accept his offer to be his running mate but is still waiting for his yes.

Perhaps the most striking in the brief open forum was when Noynoy touched on 3 issues:

1. Trillanes’ questionable imprisonment wherein he stated that there was nothing in the law that states that a hotel is a venue wherein a coup can be qualified.

2. His preview of his platform where he discussed how he can re-allign the budget of the state

3. His rejection of the campaign funds offered by Senator Ping Lacson.

4. and his disclosure of his campaign machinery in which he said he will depend on the people to campaign for him and thus avoiding the TRADITIONAL SYSTEM of making political allies in exchange of financial support.

The Piso para for Noynoy was also informally launched as Noynoy passed a piggy bank can of which Sen. Rodolfo Biazon was the first one to donate a 100 peso bill.

Noynoy also announced the first three candidates for their senatorial slate who were Former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Activist Riza Hontiveros-Barachael and Bukidnon Representative Nereus Acosta.

His announcement commenced also in lieu of his mother’s 40th day of death which also coincides with the significant date of September 9, 2009 which some numerologists considered as lucky numbers, hence 999.

As Noynoy begins his Presidential Bid, expect that a lot of demolition jobs would come his way and many TRAPOS would shift gears (balimbing) to his side and take advantage of his popularity.