Did you get to meet Cory Aquino?
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27562)
Philippines
August 1, 2009 3:04pm CST
I had the blessing of seeing Cory Aquino in person two times. The first encounter was in December of 1985 at the Rizal Triangle in Olongapo City. She had been campaigning for the presidency of the land. A snap elections was called and she heeded her mission in life. At first everybody was wary to go near her. As expected everyone was still apprehensive because the martial rule had been a discomfiting experience. But I had been witness to the outpouring of sympathy for her husband Ninoy. I couldn't let the moment pass without shaking the hand of the wife. So I went straight to Cory and showed that I am for her. My mother, and all the rest behind me, followed suit.
The second encounter was two decades after at the classy Podium mall at Greenhills, San Juan. I was in an ascending escalator and she and her daughter Kris were on their way down. I was so surprised to see her but still called her name. She only smiled but that was enough for me.
Tita Cory had been the only president of my country that I loved. I endured the rallies, the dispersal, the dangers of being beaten by the police and being stomped on in a stampede all because I had to respond to her command. After Ninoy, I couldn't leave her alone in the fight against a dictator.
Tita Cory had gone back to our Creator now. As tribute to my president, I hereby say I am glad I lived in the time of Cory Aquino.
2 people like this
4 responses
@rsa101 (37932)
• Philippines
2 Aug 09
Thank you for posting this in here. I almost forgot about it but then when you posted this topic it just flashback in my college years that when I was taking my ROTC in my province. We were assigned to make a security cordon when her helicopter landed down. It landed almost in front of me and she came down right in front of me. Although I was not able to shake her hand since we were holding each others hands forming a chain she waved at us then she was gone. That was a memory that I almost forgot already.
I just realized how much she suffered for us. We almost crucified her during her term. Enduring those relentless coup attempts and natural calamities she was able to survived all of those in her administration. She was not accused of ill gotten wealth but her leadership was always questioned but she endured all that and never aspired to even grab onto her position longer than what her term dictates. She could have taken advantage of that since she was in transitional government but she never was tempted to take it to her advantage. She prompted for the peaceful transition of power. for that I am thanking her that we were able to witness and experience that.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
4 Aug 09
Hi fellow Filipino! I have a friend called Brett. He was a photographer like me back in the 80's. He once got caught with media men in a room with Cory. They were asking all sorts of questions when Cory gave a response that would entail them to go someplace. All of a sudden, all the media left and so did Cory's comrades. My friend Brett found himself all alone with Cory. He was just looking at her smiling and Cory was smiling back. When my friend Brett and his wife visited me a few years back, I asked if Brett ever bragged about being on a one and one situation with Cory. It turned out that Brett also almost forgot that memory. His wife asked him how could he forget. It should have been the most important entry to a diary of a Filipino. Brett was so disappointed with himself. But he remains to be an ardent follower of Cory. As am I. I am glad your are, too.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (37932)
• Philippines
4 Aug 09
Well I think as we grow old we tend to forget those things. I think it was because it was a very short encounter and it was not really that significant during those times. It only becomes significant when things like these are happening that we tend to recall back those times that we thought was ordinary events. I hope that her legacy would continue to live on and become a model for our future leaders to follow.
1 person likes this
@jules67 (2788)
• Philippines
4 Aug 09
I do remember back in 1986 when she was campaining for presidency that I had a chance to see her personally. We had to ride a bicycle just to get to the place. There she was giving her speeches. She was very soft spoken and just by looking at her, I could say that she was very humble. When they left, she was in this coaster and she opened the window to say goodbye to all those who attended. I saw her and she was really motherly even then. Looking back, I could not help but feel very sad, at times I shed a tear knowing she is gone. Just like everyone else, she is regarded as every one's mother.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
4 Aug 09
Yeah! She was a monotone back then, ha ha. She was also very plain and simple. Yes, she is much like a mother.
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
1 Aug 09
Hi psphacker, Cory Aquino was the first female president of the Philippines. First female leader in Asia, too. She had been a proponent of non-violent revolution and showed the world that peace can be achieved without arms. I hope you get to know more about her. We love her like a mother.
@rymebristol (1808)
• Philippines
3 Aug 09
you are very fortunate to meet Former President Corazon Aquino, the icon that establish the Philippine Democracy. i on the other hand is unfortunate to meet her in flesh, i only seen Mrs. Aquino on television and photos on newspapers and magazine.
her legacy will leave on, to each and every Filipino in the world. May she rest in eternal peace.
@eileenleyva (27562)
• Philippines
4 Aug 09
Meeting her twice in my life was really a blessing. There were other occasions when I knew she was just at the other side of where I am, encouraging everyone to hang on and continue fighting. I am sure there were also instances when she was just beside every Filipino, urging everyone not to give up on their respective endeavors. The fact that you give credit to her role in democracy means you have seen each other, heart to heart.
