A Tribute to President Cory

I thank God for making me a Filipino. It is a privilege.
~ President Maria Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino

Taken during the 2nd Anniversary of PinoyME last February 26, 2008 at the Inter-Continental Manila - GBRamos

I was supposed to go to Corregidor that day but as soon as I heard the news about the death of President Corazon C. Aquino, I knew that I had to totally forego the trip. My boss already alerted us that should this happen we would be requested to come to the office to help in the preparation for the mass (sponsored by the Foundation) for her. Even if it was raining hard that day, I knew I would not miss this chance to pay my last respect to the one who led us back to freedom and democracy. For the first time in many months, I became thankful to be part of the Foundation because of the privilege to be in the first night of the wake of the Former President.

During the next few days, I monitored almost all the media releases that I can get my hands onto regarding the Former President. Funny how one’s mind and heart works - it was once said that a person would only know the value of another person when she loses her. I do not know her personally but I joined her family in shedding tears for the loss of their mother. This time I know that I am not alone. This time I know that the whole country mourns for the loss of its mother.

I was so used to seeing her on TV praying the rosary and encouraging the people to stand up and fight for democracy. To top it all up is that she had been a good mother both to her own children and to the whole country. She was a woman of faith and a woman of strength and compassion. It was amazing how in the world of politics, she was able to incorporate her faith in her everyday life. My faith was renewed just by seeing how faithful she was from the time of her presidency up to the last moment of her life and many people were really inspired by it.

In the last mass offered for her, Father Arevalo (a Jesuit priest and family friend) said that the best contribution Mrs. Aquino gave to the Filipino people is hope. Hope that we are worth something more that what we could ever think of because we are children of God.

As thousands and thousands of Filipino paid their last respect to the Philippine Mother of Democracy, allow me, though this entry, to pay my last respect and salute to you Mrs. President for paving the way of freedom and democracy for our generation and the generations to come.

Once again, you made us proud to be a Filipino. Thank you.