On August 1 2009 former president Corazon Aquino was laid to rest after finally succumbing from her fight against colon cancer. Till the very last, prayer chains and masses were held for her healing. When she passed away, thousands of people had paid their last respect for this remarkable woman. She had truly inspired people through her quiet strength, righteousness,  and humility.

Who is Cory to you? For me, all I know about her was from the lessons my teacher taught me in history class. I was too young to ponder the significance of the assasination of Cory’s husband, Ninoy Aquino back in 1983 which acted as a catalyst in overthrowing the Marcos regime.  I was only 4 years old when the 1986 EDSA Revolution happened, too young to appreciate this monumental event. I had no care about the country during her presidential term. I distinctly associated her with the color yellow and the “L” hand sign. Her daughter is the famous Kris Aquino.

Now that I’m older, as a Filipino citizen I felt a sense of loss when Cory died. This woman, who would like to be described as a “plain housewife”,  had shaped the Philippine history by giving rebirth to democracy. I don’t know about you but I’m glad that my country has freedom in many levels. When her term ended, she retreated to being a private citizen – away from the political limelight. And this I was impressed about her: she ceaselessly prayed for the good of the country. Who does that nowadays? Now that she’s gone who’s going to be that symbol of democracy? When government becomes so corrupted, who’s going to shine a light and lead the people?

So as Mrs. Cory Aquino is being laid on the ground, I’m going to pay my last respect for this great woman and tie a yellow ribbon.

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