FIGHTING GIANTS:

With her strong showing against Governor Dy during the May 10 elections, Padaca has proven her detractors wrong in their allegation that she was a nuisance candidate. She also dismissed Dy's accusations that she has links with the NPA.

But Padaca would admit to a different association with "NPA." "It is true, I am an NPA-Na-Polio Ako (I was stricken with polio), Nanalo Po Ako (I won)," she says.

Padaca says "NPA" also means the "New Padaca Administration" that will tap "efficient, effective and competent Isabelinos" to steer the province to progress and development.

She says Dy "should never feel insulted" that a poor woman with a disability beat him. "He must accept the people's verdict. He should respect the Isabelinos' decision. They want change after almost four decades of the Dy family's leadership," she says, adding that she is open to reconciliation with Dy.

Dy, she says, can return to politics and campaign against her if she fails in her job as Isabela's next governor. "This is not a forever mandate. We have to face our people and ask their judgment after three years, every election day."

Padaca, however, asks Isabela residents to be patient and not to expect "miracles" from her.

Still unmarried at 40, Padaca admits that she has also entertained thoughts of finding a lifetime partner and getting married.

"Sana...biglang ganoon (How I wish that would happen)," she says, and bursts into laughter. "But it seems no one is left for me, because at my age, only married men and gays are available."