Clutching pink flyers and face masks, never-say-die supporters of Philippine presidential hopeful Leni Robredo are going door to door across the archipelago nation in an against-the-odds bid to win over voters.
Nearly two million volunteers are involved in a grassroots movement for Robredo, the incumbent vice president, as she battles to close the gap with frontrunner Ferdinand Marcos Jr for the May 9 polls.
Voter surveys show the son of the country's former dictator heading for a landslide victory, the endgame of a decades-long, well-funded effort to return the powerful clan to the presidential palace they fled 36 years ago.
But there are signs 56-year-old Robredo's pink-colored campaign is finding traction, with huge rally turnouts, endorsements from pop stars and Catholic priests, and a bump in a recent poll raising hopes among her fans.
"I'm really craving for change, for decency in the highest position," says Rocelle Mendoza, 29, who uses her own money to print Robredo T-shirts and aprons that she gives away at markets in Manila. "We are aware that we have to climb a mountain. And I think it's also why we're no longer hesitating to spend."
Some analysts have likened the feverish support for Robredo to the people-driven movement for Corazon Aquino in the 1986 snap election campaign that led to the ousting of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Robredo, a widow and former congresswoman, made a last-minute decision to enter the presidential race in October after Marcos Jr, 64, declared his candidacy.
That set up a rematch with her rival in the 2016 vice presidential contest that she narrowly won.
A volunteer-driven campaign mushroomed across the country, putting the mild-mannered Robredo in second place in the polls.
But the chances of beating Marcos Jr again appear slim.
Relentless attacks from President Rodrigo Duterte and a nasty misinformation campaign on social media have undermined Robredo's popularity and eroded her support among local officials, who are key to garnering votes.
The latest poll by Pulse Asia Research shows her gaining ground, but Marcos Jr still has a clear lead.
Marcos Jr has been bolstered by an alliance with first daughter and vice presidential favorite Sara Duterte, the backing of powerful political clans and a massive social media campaign portraying his family in a positive light.
But Robredo followers are undeterred, dipping into their own pockets to support the former lawyer for farmers and battered women in an election they see as critical for the nation.
After six years of authoritarian Duterte and his deadly drug war, Robredo volunteers say they are scared of a Marcos Jr presidency, pointing to crimes during his father's 20-year rule.
"I'm afraid there will be a repeat of martial law," says Sheilla Oledan, 31, as she door-knocks in suburban Manila. "The videos I see about torture and rape - it's scary."
The volunteers campaign for Robredo on social media and on the ground belong to groups representing diverse interests and ages, such as Seniors for Leni, Doctors for Leni and Youth Vote for Leni.
Talking to people face-to-face is the best way to break out of our echo chambers" on social media, says Georgina Hernandez Yang, joint leader of a group set up by the Robredo camp to coordinate volunteer efforts. "There's a lot of fake news and disinformation we're able to clarify and correct."
But changing minds is not easy.
In suburban Manila, supporters hand out the pink flyers and face masks to residents and street vendors, striking up conversations to explain Robredo's platform.
Some people wave them away while others listen. Occasionally, they are heckled or harassed.
"Someone asked us to kiss them before they will listen," says Marielle Chico, 26. "It's very offensive."
But as election day looms, volunteers like Mendoza are determined to continue campaigning.
"It all comes down to May 9," she says defiantly. "We won't stop."
Leni Robredo's pink army hotfoots it in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte province, and, below, puts up a campaign tarpaulin.
