MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Philippine presidential candidate Mar Roxas has just added a new feather to his cap.  Indeed, President Aquino’s anointed successor is the undisputed candidate of the masses.

During the aftermath of the worst typhoon to hit the Philippines, Roxas was seen in ground zero overseeing relief operations and giving aid to residents except those who were loyal to his and President Aquino’s political nemesis, the Romualdezes.

When there was a shortage of garlic in the Philippines, he was seen carrying a sack of garlic on his shoulder.

When there was rumor about a rice shortage, he was seen carrying a sack of government rice on his shoulder.

When Metro Manila experienced the worst traffic nightmare ever, he was seen directing traffic in one of Manila’s most congested street intersections.

When Metro Manila’s light railway system (MRT) was the subject of intense criticism for its overcrowding, inefficiency and mismanagement, Roxas was seen riding the train on non-commute hours.

More recently, his campaign released a photo of him eating rice out of a coffee cup and drinking water from a plate. Just like the masses do. Or so he thinks.

Roxas’ latest campaign publicity shows him having a meal in a Southern Leyte public market, just like many  poor people do.

The only thing his campaign staff forgot to do was ask him to wear his tattered t-shirt as previously described by his wife Korina Sanchez.  It would have been more perfect.

Also, there was too much yellow in the publicity photo. Oh well…