Binay supporters answer #StopBinay protest with Makati City’s grand parade

A day after artists led protesters in a rally against Vice President Jejomar Binay's expected presidential bid, Binay and members of his family led residents in a "grand parade" marking Makati's 345th foundation day.

In an apparent response to the #StopBinay protest led by pro-Aquino artists Jim Paredes and Leah Navarro, residents carried placards in support of Binay running for president in the 2016 elections.

"Kahapon #StopBinay, kami ngayon Go Binay.... Kung ano nagawa ni Binay sa Makati kaya niyang gawin sa Pilipinas," said Zenny Camarse, a resident of Guadalupe Nuevo.

Also present during the parade were Binay's wife Elenita, their son Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and daughter Sen. Nancy Binay.

They held a Grand Parade dubbed as "Sampiro de Makati Festival" as part of its month long celebration.

The parade culminates with a street dance competition at the staging area in Makati Avenue. The winners of the competition will be announced during the street party that will immediately follow at the same venue, where five live bands will perform.

A prize of P150,000 pesos awaits the winner.

The party will also feature popular bands like Flippin’ Soul Stompers, Jeepney Joyride, Mean Jay, The Neighbors, and The Dawn.

The grand parade started from the city hall quadrangle, traversed J. P. Rizal St. towards Makati Avenue, and ended near Berjaya Hotel.

It featured floats depicting significant eras in the history of Makati, accompanied by marching bands and colorfully dressed performers who competed in a street dance competition.

The first float depicts Lakan Tagkan, the first known chieftain of the Kingdom of Namayan where Makati originated, with his wife Buan.

The second float portrays the Spanish conquistador who first gave Makati its name, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, aboard a boat with soldiers.

The third float paid a tribute to Gen. Pio del Pilar, Makati’s local hero during the revolutionary period, with the historic Guadalupe Ruins as its backdrop.

The next float was themed Confetti Town with tall buildings with people in yellow t-shirts throwing confetti, reminiscent of the “confetti revolution” that took place in the Makati central business district that preceded the EDSA People Power Revolution.

Another float carries a representation of the Old City Hall building that forms part of Makati’s rich history. The last float will depict the present-day Makati as a leading advocate of sustainable development, and highlight its role in national development, as signified by the display of the Philippine flag and Makati banner. -NB, GMA News