Ricky Reyes throws support behind Villar

Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar Jr. on Wednesday found an ally in the person of self-made millionaire and celebrity hairdresser Ricky Reyes. At the sidelines of the Filipino Hairdressers Cooperative's gathering in Pasay City, Reyes expressed support for Villar, who was guest speaker at the event. “Is there anyone else I should endorse? There is no one else. Now, I am baring that I am supporting Manny Villar," Reyes said in Filipino. Recalling his humble beginnings in the hairdressing industry, Reyes said he wanted a presidential candidate who is knowledgeable in business. Villar is a real-estate magnate and is the only billionaire among nine presidential bets for the May 10 polls. Reyes and Villar both claim to have risen from poverty, although Villar’s story is being debunked by his critics. “I always say that entrepreneurship is the solution to Filipinos’ poverty. If you have a business, you can pay for housing, food, schooling, medicines even if you’re not earning a lot," Reyes said. Villar said Reyes’ endorsement was “a big thing." “I find Ricky’s endorsement a big thing because I really admire him," he said. “He should be a role model because he helps the country and this industry." Villar said Reyes is also a perfect model for “sipag at tiyaga (hard work and persistence)," which is his campaign’s catchphrase. In his speech before members of the cooperative, Villar hailed the hairdressers for their hard work and encouraged them to be entrepreneurs. He said the country’s economy would improve if people would set up their own businesses. He also told his audience not to be discouraged by failure. — KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV