Filipinos baffled the rest of the world on Thursday, when "Ant-Man" and "Scott Lang" were trending on social media without any upcoming or recent movie featuring the tiniest Avenger with a big heart.
Marvel fans who are not aware of the May 9, 2022 presidential elections likely missed the interview of Bongbong Marcos' wife, Liza Araneta-Marcos, where she recalled the moment her husband decided to run for president.
She said it happened while they were watching "Ant-Man," without saying whether the film influenced the decision of the only son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
"We were watching 'Ant-Man' in the room, kasi we love Marvel movies. And then he looked at me and he goes, 'Okay, we're gonna do this.' I said, 'Do what?' 'Run for the presidency," Mrs. Marcos told celebrity talk show host Boy Abunda.
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"Ant-Man" on the Marvel Cinematic Universe debuted in 2016, followed by "Ant-Man and the Wasp" two years later. A third installment, "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania" is due for a 2023 release.
The smallest of the Avengers (when he so chooses), Ant-Man is a reformed thief who joined Earth's mightiest heroes after serving time in prison and redeeming himself as a father figure to his daughter, Cassie. The films star Paul Rudd as Ant-Man. The character also appeared in "Captain America: Civil War" and "Avengers: Endgame."
Critics of Marcos Jr. drew parallels between his wife's statement and allegations of corruption against the Marcos family, which they have denied and largely ignored during the campaign, instead urging "unity" among Filipinos.
"Mabait talaga si Bong, I can't even begin to say how intelligent and how kind he is. If that were me being bashed like that for 30 years, I'd be a basketcase," she said.
"He's a good guy, and I think it's his time. If we had our way, why would you enter politics, you're already comfortable? It's really to serve. When he says public service, he really wants to serve," she added.
On Wednesday, a Facebook ad for Italian fashion house Valentino's new campaign starring its muse, "Spider-Man" star Zendaya, drew comments from Filipinos who noticed the campaigns hot shade of pink was similar to the campaign hue of Marcos' top rival for the presidency, Vice President Leni Robredo.
The elctions also inspired campaigns from merchants such as 7-Eleven to check the pulse of the public on the presidential candidates by offering drinks in color-coded cups.
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