When OpinYon 8 publisher Raymund Junia (also known in the media business as Ray Junia) celebrated her nth birthday at the Georgia Clubhouse in Santa Rosa City in Laguna recently, his guests had no inkling that he would file a Certificate of Candidacy (CoC).
On the table where he sat with friend Joe Escartin and colleagues Diego Cagahastian, Bobby Ricohermoso, James Veloso and others, there was no announcement from him other than conversations about politicians, old and new, who would register and join the midterm elections in 2025 for various posts.
Waraynon music artist Michelle Nikki Junia’s dad guns for Leyte’s first congressional district
Although there were rumors that Ray would throw his hat in the political ring, there was no confirmation from him during his natal day.
Until he flew to Tacloban City one day after the party and tongues start wagging that the newspaper honcho would indeed run for public office.
Ray Junia has already filed his CoC in Tacloban City as representative of the 1st District of Leyte Province. The Junias are from Tolosa town.
Ray’s filing of his registration papers is a welcome treat not only to his friends but most especially to his fellow Waraynons in the district.
From there, people close to him have been pouring well-wishes and optimism of his embarking on a new journey.
His family was obviously behind him.
Junia has been a very active player, not necessarily as a politician, but as a keen observer of the political events in the country and in his province of Leyte.
The dad of music artist, arts manager and owner of Musik Garten Manila Michelle Nikki Junia is determined to introduce a new kind of leadership in the grassroots.
Ray has been coming in and out of Region 8 not only to manage OpinYon 8 but to observe and analyze the current situation of the region.
In our past conversations, Ray would articulate his desire to serve the people, particularly his kababayans in the 1st congressional district of Leyte.
“Gusto ko lang naman talagang makatulong (I really want to help),” he confessed.
We could only say a little prayer for the candidacy of Ray.
Photo Captions: Michelle Nikki Junia (Photo Credit: Michelle Nikki/Facebook); Ray Junia (Photo Credit: Raymund Junia/Facebook)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #MichelleNikkiJunia #RayJunia #CandidacyforCongressionalDistrict