Farewell to the Mother of Democracy

Her character and charisma made her an icon. She moved mountains and inspired not only a multitude of my countrymen but people around the world that witnessed that bloodless day. The People Power Revolution was the epitome of Filipino victory after more than two decades under a regime that was plagued with corruption and deprived Filipinos of their freedom. Truly, it was meant to eventuate for the world to aspire to a peaceful transition of power that change is possible with guns pointed down and with a strong faith in God.

My mother is telling me now a story when I was only a year and months old in Hilongos, Leyte. Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco-Aquino was there campaigning for her presidency as I was waving a yellow flaglet, a gesture of my littlest way of support. Everything seems a blur to me, but I am glad it transpired as history unfolded before my unadulterated eyes.

Now that she is laid to eternal rest beside her husband, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr., I can't help but think what can we learn from all this. It seems that Filipinos have become coward ignoramuses in this long slumber, shrugging off the value of what was fought for in 1986 or just horribly disinterested or continually deceived by the greatest tricksters in politics. We need to stamp the very essence of it on our head, learn from it so we can move on progressively, and never let history repeat itself. We can't go on pretending we are OK when we are not, because we will never be when that day of fear and the unpleasant comes. Her demise, it appears, united the nation once again, which means how much of an influence she is. Bringing back the old times, deja vu.

Cory is love for the Philippines personified. Let's all give our fair share of love for the country. It doesn't have to be tantamount to that of a figure in history books, but, at least , to strive to be worth a Filipino. It is tempting to say that the Filipino fails to realize that the dream is not far from his reach if only he act now, and I do believe in every Filipino. I am hoping the struggle will soon be over.

Today, I bid farewell to you President Corazon Aquino, the mother of our democracy. We will be forever indebted to you. It was a job well done.

Translation of text on shirt: Daghang Salamat, President Cory Aquino... Paalam!!! (Thank you so much, President Cory Aquino... Farewell!!!)