Cory Meets Ninoy: A Democracy in Heaven

Ninoy and Cory Aquino with the Filipinos they fought for freedom with.

Could it be that the sentiments of the Filipinos who witnessed the assassination of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino is the same as the grief we’re experiencing right now as we bid our goodbyes to a mother, a friend and a public servant, his wife late President Corazon “Cory” Aquino?

My parents were not even friends yet when Ninoy Aquino died. Basing from the blogs and researches I read and queries I’ve asked my parents, grandparents and older relatives, Filipinos look up to Ninoy Aquino as the contemporary counterpart of Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio who embodies freedom at its fullest, freedom that is whole-heartedly offered to his own country at his own expense. For them, he is an epitome of a good son, a martyr and a servant for the people. Filipinos during that time cannot deny the fact that his death united the hearts and souls of every Filipino who has been yearning for independence since the late President Ferdinand Marcos gained authority over the entire country. Cory Aquino was never wrong when she said this statement, "What is more important is that he did not die in vain and that his sacrifice, certainly, awakened the Filipino people from their apathy and indifference.”

“The Filipino is worth dying for. If it's my fate to die by an assassin's bullet, so be it". - Ninoy Aquino. I thought that statements such as these are more likely to be heard from the mouths of classical heroes and in TV dramas. However, it’s surprising to know, that at a young age, Ninoy has this kind of determination to fight for his country and the people. Although, some of us today already forgotten the real meaning of Ninoy’s death, his heroic sacrifice continues to inspire us today as we face the challenges in our government, economy and family.

Even from Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law, the media has been suppressed. It’s pretty much obvious that Cory’s death is more exposed to the people since media is not controlled by Arroyo’s government. In all media fields, be it on TV, radio, newspapers, advertisements and most especially in the internet (Facebook, Multiply, blogsites), the death of the saint of People Power I flooded every corner of it. Ninoy’s state funeral had a million of Filipinos mourning on his death. Although Cory’s funeral procession only had about thousands of Filipinos who flocked on the streets where the procession passed by, this historical event turned out to be a state funeral. Filipinos lined the funeral way and uttered her name: "Cory, Cory!”. Pinoys have tied symbolic yellow ribbons everywhere like in trees and cars. Hundreds prayed for her soul in ceremonies in honour of her. Individuals from different ages and even from foreign countries like Japan and USA cried their hearts out and raised their hands with the late president’s famous “laban” sign. During Ninoy’s death, people walked all through-out the procession whereas in Cory’s death, there were convoys and vans. The skies cry as everybody brings their humble late president to her resting place.

And once again, just like a dejavu, the death of the late President Corazon Aquino fuelled the hearts of the Filipinos today to show patriotism, love for our nation and not just those who love us too. Back in history, she as well lighted the hearts of the Filipinos to battle for democracy and she promised to preserve the unconditional legacy of her husband. Our religious widow became the life of a moral country that silently suffered for more than a decade of dictatorship. She helped lead the People Power I that regained classlessness at a time of great danger. Her bravery, perseverance and honesty are inspirations to all of us and help live-out the greatest in the Philippine land. “It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and for the country”, this was a statement said by the Aquino family. Even when Cory was in a risky situation, she still thinks of the welfare of the Filipinos. Indeed, she is the authentic embodiment of humility, equality and liberty.

Now, let’s give sometime to be more personal. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a love one but how about saying goodbye to your parents who are also loved and looked up to by the society you’re living at? I’ve seen the interviews of Kris Aquino and short excerpts of their eulogy for their mom. Tears almost poured out of my eyes as I listen word-by-word to both the blissful and sad memories each of them have had with Cory when she was still alive. This, I know is twice as much as the pain they felt when Ninoy first said goodbye. Letting go of someone who has dearly showed love and concern for everybody is something difficult to do. “I don’t know how my life would be after this”, said Kris in tears. They lost a mother, a bestfriend and an adviser. They almost lost everything, no dad and no mom. Parents are God’s most precious gifts and no matter how much we rant on them sometimes, when we realized that they’re no longer human beings like us, it is the most painful experience we could ever imagine. I believe that’s what the children of Mr and Mrs Aquino feel right now. Having no parents to run to when they need tenderly hugs and kisses. But I think that the situation can get lighter because of the love and support of the Philippine nation to the Aquino family. Filipinos love Ninoy and Cory so much even now that they’re dead. No one could ever replace them but we hope that sooner or later, a heroic person just like them will be sent by Him and will lead the people to a land free of greed and evil.