Free food was passed around among thousands of people attending an election rally for incumbent Philippine Vice President and presidential candidate Leni Robredo.

Trays of steamed rice cakes, boxes of pizza, and plastic bags full of burgers were shared among strangers who flocked Emerald Avenue at Pasig City in the National Capital Region to show their support for Robredo on March 20.

Pasig City Police estimated at least 137,000 people in attendance, with the crowd spilling over from the Ortigas business district into adjacent streets.

People reportedly started streaming into the venue – adorned with pink flowers, banners, and balloons -hours before the program started at 4:30 pm local time.

Robredo later arrived and addressed her supporters in the evening, after performances from local bands and celebrities who have publicly endorsed her candidacy.

She is vying for the presidency, and has chosen the colour pink to brand her campaign. She is competing against nine other candidates, including election poll frontrunner Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Joining Robredo’s ticket is incumbent Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan, who is running for vice president.

The Philippines will be holding its national elections on May 9 this year.