Malacañang employees are giddy as they get to shake the hand of US Pres. Barack Obama moments after his arrival at the Palace Monday afternoon. PHOTO BY KRISTINE SABILLO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—It wasn’t part of the welcome ceremony but US President Barack Obama went out of his way to touch base with Palace employees.
Minutes before his arrival at Malacañang, government employees were already on “fangirl” (overtly enthusiastic) mode, looking giddy and waving flaglets of the Philippines and the United States.
It was no surprise that most of them tried their best to get a coveted handshake from the US President when the latter approached their group before heading into the main lobby with President Benigno Aquino III.
Many netizens appreciated Obama for the gesture while others expressed envy towards the employees who got a close encounter of the visiting President. There were also some who pointed out that the presence of “fangirling” employees meant they were not in their offices, doing their job.
Nevertheless, most of those who commented called Obama a “nice guy” for shaking the employees’ hands instead of snubbing them.
Obama is in Malacañang for his first state visit to the country. As of posting time, he is attending a meeting with Aquino to discuss issues of mutual interest, such as trade and security. He will spend the day in the Palace and will attend a couple of events on Tuesday before leaving around noon.
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