A man born of pedigreed stock but embraced by the downtrodden and poverty-stricken sector of society. The groundswell of support can aptly be called the Noynoy phenomenon.

And every day, as he sweeps the four corners of the Philippines to campaign, Liberal Party standard bearer Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, his party stalwarts and the myriad reporters covering his sorties are silent witnesses to the throng of people from all walks of life, rich or poor, young and old, who gather around him as he passes by willing to embrace like their own.

It helped that he was the only son and namesake of martyred Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
And the death of Cory, who has been hailed by Time Magazine as the "Saint of Democracy," due to her well-known spiritual life and strong adherence to non-violence and democracy, on Aug. 1, 2009 practically carried Noynoy to the brink of presidency.

It is the legacy that his parents bestowed to the country that has been fueling his campaign.
In this aspect that critics dismiss him as nothing but the son the two icons of democracy citing his lackluster legislative achievement during his stints as Tarlac representative then as a senator.

But supporters was quick to dismiss this as they point out in unison that Noynoy may not have the same fiery tongue of his late father, and or the strong charisma of his mother but Noynoy definitely has the same burning passion of his parents - the will to fight inequities, preserve democracy and serve the Filipino people.

They claim that Aquino has been consistent in standing up for the rights of ordinary Filipinos and representing the nation’s interests in Congress.

Aquino, himself, highlighted that his platform of governance is a social contract with the Filipino people - 16 points on society, economy and job generation, government service, gender equality, peace and the environment

This he echoed throughout his campaign sorties wherein people actually saw him as who he really is: not just the heir to his parents legacy but someone who can actually mingle with the crowd.

The campaign, that took him to places where he has never visited all his life, actually endeared him to the public.

I witnessed the groundswell of support for Aquino even in Ilocos, home province of his father’s nemesis Ferdinand Marcos to the far ends of Mindanao.

Having been assigned by this paper to cover the campaign sorties of the Liberal Party, I saw the effect of the people on Noynoy. His adrenaline is the people. Seeing people coming out to see him even under the extreme heat of the sun seemingly transforms the senator from Tarlac like a superhero floating on a makeshift campaign trailer.

Before he retires from the day to day grueling campaign, Noynoy would often stop to look at his hands with scratches and inflammation which he suffered from throng of over eager supporters and followers who swarm him during motorcades and rallies.

But even this he would brush aside.

At times, Noynoy would show his playful side to reporters covering his sorties as he exchange jokes, far from his serious character.

He is simply down to earth and lighthearted but when faced with the black propaganda that his rivals would throw his way every now and then, a sudden gloom would fill his face but just for a moment at least.