November 1, 2019.
The slow rise in food prices might have amounted to no more than the cost of driving a Mercedes an extra day each month to members of the great families and wealthy merchants.
But in Manila's slums, it was a very serious matter.
As food prices climbed, so did the prices of fertilizer, pesticides, and farm machinery. Local farmers had no choice but to raise the prices of produce like vegetables and fruit, making life even harder for the already impoverished slum dwellers.
At that moment.
Garfield arrived on the streets of Manila's Fengdu District with his team and delivered a speech.
Standing at a temporary podium protected by bulletproof glass, Garfield spoke with confidence and vigor:
"My dear compatriots! I, Garfield Fernando, have come here today not to talk about ideals, principles, or spirit. I have brought 30,000 jobs."
The poor people in the small square, who had been forcibly brought there by the gangs, immediately forgot the little resentment they had felt.
"That's right, 30,000 jobs!" Garfield clenched his fist and shouted.
Everyone cheered in unison.
"A million explanations of principles can't compare to one job. A million news reports can't compare to a single egg. A million documentaries can't compare to one opportunity to get an education..."
"I, Garfield Fernando, will do everything in my power to help Luzon rise. Providing 30,000 jobs this time is one way I'm putting my convictions into practice..."
"Someday, everyone will have a job they're happy with. No one will have to worry about going hungry. Everyone will receive a good education."
By the end of his speech, Garfield believed his own words. Tears welled in his eyes as he opened his arms and shouted, "Please believe in me, and please support me. Thank you..."
Clap, clap, clap...