Annabelle joins Team Rama, barnstorms north

CEBU, Philippines - Talent Manager Annabelle Rama yesterday joined Mayor Michael Rama and his team in a hand-shaking activity in Barangay Lahug.

   Annabelle is being considered to run as representative of Cebu City’s north district although she has yet to announce her final decision on the offer.

   “Mora’g nagpakita na kini nga seryoso si Annabelle nga modagan sa pagka-kongresista,” Rama said when asked about the latest political development of his team.

   Annabelle and her husband, actor Eddie Gutierrez, surprised the people in Lahug although they said they already heard of reports that the talent manager is planning to run in the elections next year.

It was Mayor Rama who suggested to field Annabelle as she can be a good candidate against any of the Del Mars in the north district.

   Annabelle has transferred her voter’s registration from Quezon City to Barangay Zapatera in Cebu City last May.

   At first, some of her children, including actress Ruffa Gutierrez, were against her intention to run as she has no experience in politics.

   But they were later convinced to support their mother.

   “Karon si Eddie Gutierrez pa lang ang miuban ni Annabelle sa hand shaking, pero sa sunod manguban na ang iyang mga anak nga artista, apil si Ruffa,” said Basak-San Nicolas Barangay Captain George Rama, Annabelle’s older brother.

   Annabelle has said in previous interviews that several movie stars have assured to help in her campaign.

   Rama also revealed that during their nightly “pulong-pulong” in different barangays, the people are aware that his team will be fielding Annabelle to run as representative of Cebu City’s north district.

   It is not yet clear if Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel “Cutie” Del Mar will seek reelection or her father, former congressman Raul Del Mar will run to replace Cutie.

   Raul did not comment when asked about Annabelle’s presence yesterday and just said, “Thanks for the info friend.”

   The Del Mars have been serving the city’s north district for the past 22 years already.

   When Raul’s nine-year term as congressman ended in 1998, he was succeeded by his son Raoul who only served one term.

   Raul ran again in 2001 and still won the congressional seat and served the post for another nine years until in 2010.

His daughter, Cutie succeeded him.  - THE FREEMAN