Loren & Sarah: Hawak-Kamay

MANILA, Philippines - The coming together of Sen. Loren Legarda and Sarah Geronimo is hinged on similarities and common advocacies rather than on political strategy.

Loren said that Sarah’s background and work ethics resemble her own beginnings and battles.

Both come from the middle class. Both are known to be hardworking and have become accomplished at a young age. Both are considered as role models to many Filipinos for being family-oriented, God-fearing (as evidenced by their wholesome lifestyles and values) and results-driven.

As for struggles, it is recalled that Sarah got her break by battling it out on a talent search on TV in 2003. Prior, she made the rounds of amateur singing contests and played bit roles on several TV shows to augment the family finances.

Loren, on the other hand, distinguished herself in the late ‘80s as one of the country’s respected broadcast journalists from a sea of media practitioners. When elected into public office in 1998, Loren successfully authored such laws as the Anti-Domestic Violence Act, Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act, Anti Child Labor Law, the Climate Change Act, and the Clean Air Act which aim to correct some of society’s wrongs.

The good senator said she doesn’t see Sarah as a political endorser, but one who “believes in what I stand for and what I have done for the country.” To ascertain this, Loren invited Sarah for a meeting where they realized that entering into a joint advocacy is both to their advantage.

Sarah, who has always had a tender spot for OFWs, is confident that Loren will fight for these people’s rights and welfare. “Lalo na yung mga babaeng OFWs. Alam naman nating maraming kababaihan ang namamaltrato ng mga amo nila abroad,” she said.

Meanwhile, Loren regards Sarah as the perfect bridge to reach the youth. “She is the epitome of what the youth should stand for today. We need more Sarahs in this country and around the world,” lauded Loren.

Aside from women’s rights, the youth and the environment, the two are concerned in uplifting the status of education, Loren’s primary advocacy.

Sarah recently re-recorded her hit song Ikaw, with new lyrics that talk about Loren’s advocacies and achievements. She and Loren also shot in Tanay, Rizal, a TV commercial using Ikaw as jingle.

Loren was quoted to have used some lines in the new version of Ikaw to convey how she feels about Sarah joining her cause. “Salamat, Sarah, dahil ipinagpapatuloy mo ang laban ko para sa kabataan. Salamat na nandito ka para tulungan ako.” Sarah returned the gesture, saying, “Salamat, Sen. Loren . . . ikaw lang talaga ang hindi nang-iwan.”