LAST Sunday, June 26, was like a people's serenade of the 16th president. The songs were, apparently, the favorites of the former Davao City mayor, who is exiting on June 30. This was the first of its kind, as so-called DDS and others joined forces to give a one big send-off to ex-mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

It was a cloudy afternoon, and the huge audience that had followed candidate Duterte was not apparent in the late afternoon. Two rainbows were on the horizon, and an afternoon downpour had everyone moving out of the open area. The crowd from the general section was ready and opened their umbrellas, holding on, begging each other that they will stay and hold for their idol. Duterte could have the crowd if he wanted to, but those who were holding the fort and carried the faith stayed and watched the first Mindanaoan president make his final bow.