‘Raul Roco’ returns

Back so soon and looking hale and hearty?

The arrival of a "presidential candidate" wearing a red polo shirt with white printed flowers caused a stir yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Airport personnel and Filipino passengers rushed to get a closer look at the candidate who was shaking hands with everyone.

It was not Raul Roco back from Houston in his trademark floral shirts though, rather comedian and presidential impersonator Willie Nepomuceno imitating the candidate to the amusement of everyone.

While some people recognized him right away as the impersonator, others were fooled into thinking it was Roco himself. "I want to make sure I could come back ..." said the comedian, also known as Willie Nep, who has lately been impersonating presidential candidates Roco, Fernando Poe Jr. and Panfilo Lacson to promote his upcoming show entitled, "Willie Nep for president (Vote 1 Take all) The Miting de Avance," a comedy cum satire about prominent figures in the May elections.

"I want to make sure I could come back this April 24 for my show," Nepomuceno said.

His show will be held April 24, Saturday, at the Music Museum, located at Level C, Shopsville Arcade, Greenhills Commercial Center, San Juan, Metro Manila.

During a press conference at the arrival area of NAIA Terminal 1, Nepomuceno, imitating Roco’s voice and facial expression, reacted to questions on his state of health. "I am very, very sick. I am very, very tired. I am sick and tired of the present dispensation," Nepomuceno said.

On the other hand, when asked if he would soon withdraw from the presidential race, he deadpanned: "I have withdrawn ... a lot of money. Para sa kanilang pang kape, ice cream and sandwich (For their coffee, ice cream and sandwich)." On the probability that other candidates would withdraw, he said: "They cannot withdraw. I have their bank books."

In the end, when asked whom he will support to be the country’s next president, the impersonator minced no words in recommending himself. "Well, Willie Nep of course! He has all the features of all the candidates! Vote 1 Take all!"