Marcos speaks before Ilocano elite

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. took a break from the campaign trail on Monday (April 18) to attend an intimate luncheon at the exclusive Manila Polo Club.

It was hosted by his father's ally and former Justice Manuel Lazaro.

"Six years ago we dreamed Marcos would be elected as senator. That dream came true. Today we dream of a Marcos vice-presidency," said Lazaro.

Marcos welcomed the show of support from influential members of Ilocano families.

Marcos has long claimed a Solid North bloc vote in his favor, with over five million votes.

But despite claims of a solid Ilocano vote, singer-composer Jim Paredes —  who is an Ilocano — together with other members of the Anti-Bongbong Marcos Coalition, continued efforts against Marcos' candidacy.

The group held a concert in Cebu on Sunday urging Cebuanos to reject Marcos.

Marcos remains confident even as a recent Social Weather Survey (SWS) mobile survey conducted April 14 shows him slipping to second place behind Liberal Party bet Leni Robredo in the vice-presidential race.

"I don't mind my critics. Quoting Churchill, 'If you don't have enemies, you haven't done anything,'" said Marcos.

The Ilocano elite may have a dream to see Marcos as the next vice president, but as he himself puts it: there are no guarantees in this very close race.