After Michael Jackson, now it's President Cory Aquino.
Why do good people have to die soon? Everywhere, I see yellow ribbon tied in gates, trees and in windshields. People wear yellow t-shirts. The whole country is mourning.
I was not shocked when she died. Not to be a hypocrite, I already expected her death. How many people survives cancer? Very few. I am sad of course. She's who I call "My President" I was a year old when Senator Ninoy Aquino was assassinated. When Cory became President, I was already a toddler. I could talk and walk but I didn't care what's happening to our country then. My milk was my world. I did not appreciate what she did to fight for our democracy. Because, I couldn't appreciate...yet. During my elementary, our class went to Malacanang as part of our field trip and I read books about Philippine History as our teacher asked us to memorize the time line from President Marcos to President Aquino, the heroic deeds of Senator Ninoy Aquino, and our country's transformation from dictatorship to democratic . But I couldn't fully appreciate...I could only understand. My mom looked proud while telling me awhile ago that she and my dad went to Ninoy's memorial. She brought me along with her. I was on her arms, wearing a "Yellow Ninoy T-shirt", while she and dad made their way through the crowd to pay their respect and see Ninoy for the last time. Of course, I couldn't remember any of it. The yellow t-shirt with Ninoy's face printed in the front and "I love Ninoy" at the back is still safe in my cabinet- small and faded- it may not be as meaningful to me as is to my parents but when I hold it, I know it is precious. And even though I was not yet born during Ninoy's admirable years, I have great respect on him and next to Jose Rizal, he's my favorite hero after I read all the marvelous things he did to our nation.
Today, as Cory's casket is being moved from La Salle Greenhills to Manila Cathedral, I am seeing thousands of people on the street, waiting for the truck that carries the casket covered with Philippine Flag. They are wearing black and yellow. They are chanting "Cory! Cory!" they are putting up banners that says "Cory, hindi ka nag-iisa" (Cory, you are not alone). People from offices are throwing yellow confetti. And as the truck nears them, they are pausing to pray and they give respect. It's raining yellow confetti everywhere! It's like a festive. It's amazing. They are giving her respect fit for a queen. The mood is friendly. It's warm and peaceful. It was said that when Cory was alive, she unified all the Filipinos. It's amazing how she can still unify all Filipinos from all walks of life even at her death. The rich and the poor together. I could only watch from our TV but I want to be there. I want to be part of it...part of history. I want to give my gratitude and pay respect to President Aquino also. Suddenly, I appreciated her- truly appreciated. It's different when you're actually seeing a history unfolding in front of you than reading it from a book. How proud I am to see every Filipino tied together...unified for one cause.I now know what's it like--back in 1986.
Now, I see Tita Cory differently...not just the President in a yellow dress but the reason why I am free today.
I am very thankful I was born on the 80's. If not, I would not have seen the greatest people on earth.
My month of June is devastating, July is depressing and August is...well let's just say I am hoping it's not the saddest.
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