Over a hundred guests from business, politics, media and other influential sectors have gathered today at SM Mall of Asia for the Election Watch event organized by the US Embassy in Manila.

The American consulate in the Queen City of the South is also organizing a similar event in Cebu City.

Seen at the Manila event were, among others, businessman Jaime Zobel de Ayala, United Opposition spokesman Adel Tamano, several Members of the House of Representatives, Philippine Star editor in chief Marichu Villanueva and Philippine Daily Inquirer publisher Isagani Yambot.

Ambassador Kristie Kenney entertained the guests and showed them the samples of the voting machines used in the US elections.

Also present were representatives of Filipino veterans who fought with American soldiers in World War II.

Attendees took photos beside life-size cardboard photos of Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin. Most preferred to have their photos taken beside the life-size photographs of leading candidate Obama.

Live feeds from CNN and CNBC were flashed on two giant screens, providing updates during the Election Watch.