Had a rare chance to meet sir Karlo Nograles or “Mayor” as their supporters would call him.

He had been at the receiving end of hate and scorn by die-hard Duterte supporters, which I wanted to find out how he is taking.

After short introductions, I had a chance for a small chat. I asked him how it is going. Reading all the negativity about you in the social media How do you take it?

His reply was a mild pleasant shrug. “Ok lang man” It is part of what he has entered and seemed prepared for everything hurled at him.

“Depende na sa tawo, depende na sa pagbuot sa Ginoo” (It depends on the people and also on the will of God) Karlo says of his candidacy.

Karlo, just like any other politician hopes that he would emerge victorious in the polls but he admits to being prepared for the outcome.

“It comes when the Lord wants to give it” he says his face lights up with hope and reassurance.

I asked him if he is in any way desperate to gain a foothold in the city hall as some people had been painting him.

He answers that it is all up to God. “I leave it up to him”

“He has plans for me, for you, for all of us, we just have to trust in him. Karlo says.

The former Civil Service Commission chairperson says what he brings to the table is a chance for Dabawenyos to choose their leaders and experience meaningful change.

He offers various platforms and programs which he could implement if ever he is chosen to lead the city. These could create a significant impact to Dabawenyos.

Running for Mayor was not easy as he gave up a good government position as Chairperson of the Civil Service. A term that will last until 2029 plus a nice pension after finishing that term.

But that comfortable life is overcome by his will to serve his fellow Dabawenyos. He says fears and apprehensions were replaced by excitement and passion that he would be given a chance to implement reforms and initiatives in his hometown.

Karlo says he prays everyday to find strength and that energy to overcome a grueling schedule and at the same time face the wrath of hardened supporters from the opposite camps.

“I find solace in the Lord, in Mama Mary,” he says.

He finds time to pray the rosary each day. In his pocket are his treasured essentials. Mary rosaries alongside a Miraculous Medal, medal of St. Benedict, St. Jose Maria Escriva and our Lady of Lourdes. He goes to mass every Sunday and if he finds time during the day he would attend mass.

He says communicating with God is very important and he finds time amidst his busy schedule to do that and it is part of his daily spiritual regimen. During that time he finds clarity and strength.

He excused himself as a group of supporters approached to talk to him. From that short interaction I gained an insight of how he takes all that in stride. He embarked on this path whole-heartedly, giving it all, yet grounded to the fact that ultimately the people will decide, and it rests upon the will of God.

KAhigayunan