It may be tedious and time consuming, but it is the best way to connect with the constituents, present message of alternative change, and explain platform of governance.

Thus pointed out former Philippine National Police chief and Manila mayoral bet Sonny Razon referring to the daily town hall-type gatherings known as "caucuses" and house-to-house sorties all over the city.

"Caucuses and going house-to-house are more strenuous and you cover less ground but it is also the most interactive way by which we who are seeking public office could communicate with the voters and vice-versa," Razon said.

Based on feedback that his camp is getting, the two forms of campaigning described by Razon have been effective compared to the more flashy ones such as motorcades and staged rallies complete with entertainers, which are also more costly.

A typical day for Razon starts with a breakfast dialogue with members of various city-based organizations, then going house to house in an area that culminates in a caucus. Even lunch is used for touching base with constituents, followed by another round of house-to-house sorties and caucuses, finishing late into the night or even early morning.

He seems to have no problem coping with the grueling daily schedule because he is still young at 57 years old and remains fit, a result of the discipline and healthy lifestyle he has carried over from his days in the uniformed service.

Asked about the state of his health, Razon said that except for gaining weight since his cadet days at the Philippine Military Academy, his body remains in good condition. It helps that he used to command the Philippine Constabulary Special Action Force (PC-SAF), now known as the PNP-SAF, which demands that one is in top physical condition, able to join his men on long runs, skydiving and scuba exercises.

"The only reason I retired from the uniformed service is because I reached the mandatory retirement age of 56. I stepped down last year as presidential adviser on the peace process because I wanted to devote all my energies to pushing my advocacy of alternative change in Manila. Otherwise, I am in good physical and mental shape and I don’t have any medical condition. I am as fit as I was when I was a PMA cadet," Razon said.