peace, truth, and cory aquino
The heavens haven't stopped mourning since dawn on my side of Manila. If the weather really did cry with the rest of us on earth whenever someone died, then losing former President Cory Aquino must be one of our greatest losses.
It's not everyday that a woman of substance and principle graces Philippine politics. In fact, instead of identifying and having this sense of oneness with these Power Girls in Power Suits, more often than not I end up rolling my eyes at their speeches or their campaign. Most of them are, sure, of substance, but they could learn a thing or two about heart and principle. They could learn a thing or two from Cory Aquino.
I couldn't imagine how someone so peaceful and simple could pick up the dreams her husband left for the whole nation to realize and overthrow a firm and forceful dictatorship. Prayer and participation, she said, were her tools. Very idealistic, but she made it possible, being one of the few gifted with this kind of charisma.
I would have to admit that I was quite skeptical about the prayer part, since this must've isolated our Muslim fellowmen in a way. It did not. In fact, they even regard her as the Mother of Muslim Autonomy. It was during her time that there were two Muslim representatives in the Senate. Her death last Saturday was also the 20th year celebration of the day she signed into the Organic Act of ARMM.
President Cory Aquino has, in every way, served as a mother to our country. I may have been to young to be aware of the great things she has done for our country during her term, but that doesn't I haven't caught up on what is to know about her. I know that even after the Philippines had to move on and out of her nest, she still stood by us, camapaigning for peace and truth.
Filipinos of different generations may have lost a hero today, but (bring on the cliche) Cory Aquino's legacy will live on. Instead of capitalizing over our loss, her ways should inspire us even more to work towards a better nation. She lived so we can learn the value of peace, truth, and unity and how it works wonders for a nation that has been corrupted time and time again.
There's a Cory Aquino in all of us. Let's not fail her.
Paalam, Tita Cory.
Post-script: I am writing this because indirectly, the Aquinos (Ninoy and her) have held a special place in my heart, having lost an uncle to Martial Law who was fighting for the same thing Senator Ninoy was fighting for.