LONDON - Supporters as well as critics of Vice President Leni Robredo converged outside the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) on Friday where Robredo addressed students and academicians, and met members of London's Filipino community.

Robredo, who was at LSE to deliver a lecture on the role of politics in economic growth, was denounced by a group outside the LSE building who shouted "lugaw" and "fake VP".

Many Filipinos however were also there to show their support.

"We are very happy to be here, to support the VP," said Myra De Villa of Dampi Coalition.

Asked to comment on the manual recount that started on Monday, Robredo expressed confidence it will affirm her victory.

"Walang dapat ipag-alaala. Sigurado kami na walang dayaan na nangyari," she said.

(There is no cause for worry. We are certain that no cheating happened.)

Robredo meanwhile said she would rather not get into an argument with the people denouncing her.

"Through collaboration not through division yung pag-asenso natin. Walang pong saysay yung makipag-away po tayo sa iba. I-channel na lang natin sa all things positive," Robredo said.

(We will progress through collaboration not through division. There is no sense in arguing with others. Let's just channel all things positive.)

Before her speaking engagement on Friday, Robredo met some Pinoys in London as part of Istorya ng Pag-asa, her office’s initiative to promote stories of hope and perseverance amid adversity.

One of the Filipinos she met was Nova Fossgard, who used to sell fish in the Philippines but now owns a college in the UK.

• A Pinay's journey: From selling fish to owning a college in England

The Vice President visited Fossgard at her language college in Purely, Croydon with some members of the Filipino community.

Fossgard said she was both elated and humbled to have met Robredo and retold her story for the taped radio program.

"Because a lot of our listeners are OFWs, it’s best to highlight their stories," said Robredo.

After her London engagement, Robredo flew to Germany to participate in a study visit program, where she will be among key public officials from the Philippines.

The Vice President is expected to meet members of the German government and civil society organizations for a series of discussions on various aspects of governance.