Ara Mina is running for councilor in the Second District of Pasig City.
She is not bothered that there are some who sneer at the idea.
She believes public service is in her blood, noting her biological grandfather and father, Mel and Chuck Mathay, respectively, were both politicians.
“Besides, I really think I can be of help to people,” she added. “Sincere ako sa layunin ko na makatulong sa ating bayan. Nasa tao naman kung sakali ang desisyon.”
But why Pasig City?
She answered, “Kasi tagarito talaga ako. I consider Pasig my home. Dito ako lumaki, sa Barangay Santolan. Nandun yung aming family home at doon nga ako nakatira ngayon. So, I am a legitimate resident of Pasig City and have every right to run as a councilor for District 2.”
If elected, the actress vowed to continue her advocacy – that of providing assistance to persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“Even before pa naman, ginagawa ko na ito through my foundation,” she said. “Pero siyempre, kung papalarin tayo mas pagtitibayin pa natin yan.”
Note that Ara ran for the same position in QC not long ago.
When asked about it, she said, “Yes, I did and unfortunately I lost. Okay lang. Hindi naman katapusan ng mundo. But I feel like Pasig is different. I feel at home dito e, so, baka dito, finally, makapasok tayo.”
At the same gathering, Ara introduced us to Sarah Discaya, whom she refers to as “ate.”
Sarah, owner of St. Gerrard Construction, is running against incumbent Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.
Said Ara, “Malaking karangalan para sa akin ang maging katuwang ang isang katulad ni Ate Sarah na may mabuting puso. Gaya po natin e, kilala na po si Ate Sarah na matulungin lalo na sa mga nangangailangan. And we share the same beliefs. Gusto namin pagandahin pa lalo ang Pasig.”
Sarah, on her part, admitted going up against Vico is a huge hurdle.
“Opo, aminado naman po ako na napakalaking pader ang babanggain ko. Pero naniniwala ako na qualified po ako sa posisyon at marami rin po akong ideya para mapaganda pa lalo ang Pasig.”
She then praised Ara, noting, “Noong nagdesisyon ako tumakbo, gusto ko talaga kasama ko si Ara. Pareho kami ng paniniwala. Pareho kaming matapang at proud na Pasigueña. Pareho kaming may malasakit sa kapwa, lalo na sa mga kapuspalad. Together, we can do this.”
