IN PHOTOS: VP bets' candid moments at debate backstage

BEFORE THE WORD WAR. Vice presidential candidates wait backstage. Photo by Malou Tiquia

MANILA, Philippines — On televsion, they are foes, going head-to-head as they attempt to outsmart and outlast each other in this 6-way vice presidential race.

SITTING TOGETHER. Vice presidential candidates wait backstage. Photo by Alysa Salen/BusinessMirror/Pool

Behind the stage of the debate hall on Sunday, April 10, the VP bets showed a side of themselves normally hidden from public view.

LAUGHING SOLDIER. Senator Gringo Honasan laughs as photographers ask him to pose for a photo. Photo by Ben Nabong/Rappler

They waved at photographers and fans, hugged their children who wished them good luck, and sat quietly beside each other as they waited for show time.

FRIENDLY WAVE. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV waves to a fan outside the debate venue. Photo by Ben Nabong/Rappler

The candidates' arrival can be likened to the red carpet at the Academy Awards as they were ushered to a backdrop for the usual photo-ops before they proceeded to their assigned holding rooms.

WELCOME. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano with wife Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano during their arrival at the UST Quadricentenial Pavilion. Photo from CNN/BusinessMirror

POWER COUPLE. Senator Chiz Escudero with wife Heart Evangelista. Photo from CNN/BusinessMirror

The candidates' relatives and closest supporters were in full force for their bets, sharing light moments backstage to distract the VP hopefuls from the battle that lay ahead.

'MANO PO.' Jillian Robredo greets Senator Gringo Honasan with a traditional 'pagmamano.' Photo from Leni Robredo's official Facebook Account

WOMEN POWER. The Robredos – from left, Aika, Tricia, Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Leni, and Jillian – pose for a selfie while waiting for the debate to start. Photo from Jillian Robredo's Twitter account

THE MEN. Senator Bongbong Marcos shares a light moment with his sons Simon and Sandro inside their holding room. Photo by Jansen Romero

SUPPORT. Jillian Robredo embraces her mother as the debate is about to begin. Photo from Jillian Robredo's Twitter account

Like the best of fans, the VP candidates' children had nothing but praise for their parents whom they believe put up a good fight inside the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

'WINNER.' Sandro Marcos congratulates his father after the debate. Photo by Jansen Romero

NO. 1 SUPPORTER. Another photo of the Robredos after the debate. Photo from Jillian Robredo's Twitter account

– with reports from Mara Cepeda and Leanne Jazul/Rappler.com