On Aug. 1, 2009 I received a text message from my classmate. "She's dead. Cory Aquino is officially declared dead." To tell you I wasn't bother at all since I dont know her administration, I wasnt born yet when she started her presidency, and by the time her administration drew to an end, di parin ako pinapanganak.
I was too early for school, my classmates were giving this yellow tie. Siempre nakisuot naman ako without understanding ano ba tlga yun. I had no care about her presidential term. I distincly associated her with the color yellow and the "L" sign. Her daughter is the famous Kris Aquino. Widow of President Ninoy Aquino.
Not Until my professor in Rat.Psy unfold the life of Cory Aquino. I felt goosebumps. I grew up not to know and admire Pres. Cory Aquino but it all changed. I asked my dad to tell his experiences during the Marcos Era. "People Power would never have been the miracle it was if Cory had not stepped up to challenge the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos." Dad take a long time to unravel them.
I cme to realized that the Yellow tie that I'm wearing is more than just a symbol.
It all started to her why we all experiencing freedom in many levels.
As my Dad say
She could have walked away from the responsibility
She could have cared less.
She could have fought only for herself.
She could have lived only for herself and her family.
She could have said “No”.
But instead, she said “Yes” to those who asked for her help in time when she could have been placed in danger against a powerful dictator. She said “Yes” to people who are complete strangers to her – strangers who have put their trust on her. She said “Yes” to the burden of leading the Filipino people to Democracy and Freedom once again.
And now that she is gone, I may not be able to know the details of what happened years ago. I may not be able to understand the politics, if there’s any that transpired during her time. There is one thing that I learned from her. I could not have known until now that by saying “Yes”, you could be the most selfless person in the world.
So as Mrs. Cory Aquino is being laid on the ground, I'm going to pay last respect for this great woman.
Tomorrow, to honor Pres. Cory all Thomasians are requested to wear yellow shirt. To attend the mass at the Manila Cathedral if possible.
