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Maria Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino (January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009)

Please allow me to reserve this post to join the whole Filipino nation and fellow countrymen in grief, as the former Philippine president Cory Aquino passed away this morning due to cardio-respiratory arrest at exactly 3:18 a.m. at the Makati Medical Center according to news report from GMA 7 and ABS CBN Channel 2.

Although this is a very sad news, I will take this opportunity to share my experience as a Filipino who lived under her legacy. She may not be the best president to some, but it cannot be denied that her time was a remarkable one considering that she had a great influence to a peaceful and bloodless revolution which was called the EDSA 1 People Power .

I was in 2nd high school when I first heard her name, then a simple widow of former senator Ninoy Aquino who was assassinated on August 21, 1983 after returning from exile in the United States. Since then, her name became the talk of the town as she was willing to continue the advocacy of her husband. When I was a college freshman at Far Eastern University in Manila, I was among the one million people who signed to agree that she run for president against Ferdinand Marcos.

Eventually, she became the first woman president in Asia and was the inspiration of a lot of Filipinos as she returned the democracy after more than 20 years. Yes, she may not be perfect as there were coup attempts and controversial issues attached to her family but she faced each challenge with courage and compassion. However, she did not allow herself to be insulted by anyone. A good example was when she filed a libel case and won against then columnist Louie Beltran when the latter wrote that she hid under her bed during a certain coup plot.

I was in my last year in college when the 1990 Earthquake hit Luzon and killed more than 1,000 people, not to mention the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991. I then saw a very caring mother in Cory’s heart as she did her best to help those greatly affected. Yes, it was during her term when there were huge natural disasters but Filipinos had a Tita Cory to run to and did not show of any sign of giving up.

After she gracefully left Malacañang to live as a private citizen, I still saw her continuously active in fighting abuse and corruption. She was more often than not present in gatherings concerning the protection of people’s rights and maintaining peace. She even backed up the oust of President Joseph Estrada in 2001, but later asked for forgiveness to Erap which only shows that she is indeed a human with a humble heart.

During the past few weeks, it was learned that Cory’s health is unstable due to colon cancer. Prayers and support poured and once again proved that she can unite the Filipinos, even during her darkest moments. This also proves that she still reminds us that prayers and acting as one are great shields against any kind of challenge. Although she already left us, her legacy will not only be in the history books but also in the hearts of every Filipino.

Tita Cory, rest assured that I am among those who will endlessly be inspired with your life and advocacy. As a fellow parent, I will teach my children the good deeds that you showed and the unselfishly caring for your country. I am not making this post only as a tribute to you, but a great salute to one of the most influential Filipinos who ever lived.

I will surely miss your unique diction as you call your husband like no other person can do, the yellow dress and hairstyle that only you can wear beautifully, and your sweet smile when you first received a salute from Fidel Ramos.

Thank you and Farewell Madam President Cory Aquino!

A great leader is the one whose legacy can be passed on endlessly.

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