Is She The One?

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's chopper swoops down beside a provincial squatter colony, and surprised residents swarm as the diminutive President of the Philippines descends in a tangerine pantsuit and five-inch cork heels. Arroyo settles into the front of a 15-seat Toyota van, opens the window and barks at aides in a startlingly mannish voice: "Candy! Candy! Get the candy!" As the van starts to roll through Laguna province, Arroyo distributes aquamarine peppermints in wrappers stamped with her name to children, and to children only. Adults get waves, a China-doll smile and a plea to support her in next week's presidential...