It was a Thursday, which means a workday. I remember that I almost begged off joining because I’ve already max-ed out my leaves because I took a 1-month leave for the study tour in Japan.
I was with someone else (SE) in 2006. He said that I should take the opportunity to meet her because “it’s not everyday that we get invited to a trip like this.”
We arrived at her house in Times Street, Quezon City early in the morning.
I think it was Tita Ballsy who welcomed us initially and directed us to the kitchen where she was.
I see a yellow figure turn to greet us. I am nervous. I am awkward. I am excited.
She first turns her attention to Tita (SE’s mom). Then she greets SE fondly. Tita introduces me. I nervously return her bright smile.
It was the first time I met former President Aquino.
She seemed to be always formal on TV.
Serious.
Tackling national issues are considerable matters after all.
But that morning, she was like any ordinary person, simply offering us breakfast on the table and welcoming us to their home.
Genuine.
Her earnest personality transcends beyond television. You can feel the sincerity in her eyes and smile.
She made cream cheese with caviar, a concoction she made herself. We had it with some bread and it was really luscious.
She was cheerful and as sunny as her yellow ensemble. I was feeling really timid being in the same presence of such prominence. But the atmosphere around her was very light and easy. With all that she has been through, it was an aura I didn’t expect.
Soon all of us load inside the van and we begin our travel.
She, Tita and Tita Ballsy talk all the way to the province of Tarlac. Once a while, she turns to SE or me. She asks me where I was working and I fumble in my answer. Incredibly, I stammer even with the word, “Yes.” She has that calming presence but I felt really humbled to be face to face with a democracy stalwart.
As we reach the town proper, they familiarize us with the surroundings. We had a quick stopover for lunch at Max’s. Her being there equally astounded the wait staff but anyone can spot the Filipino pride in their eyes as they look at her. She relentsto a reporter’s request for a short interview and some photos while SE and I look around.
We arrived at Hacienda Luisita and was greeted by Noy Noy, who personally toured us around the Ninoy Aquino museum.
At the end of the tour, we went to the mini-theater and watched in full screen a documentary about Ninoy Aquino and the hardships the family and the country had gone through to restore democracy. The Aquino family’s sacrifice alongside the country’s support and unity rekindled my nationalistic pride and instilled appreciation for being a free country. At the end of the short film were words of Teodoro Benigno (SE’s dad), former Press Secretary of President Aquino. Tears fell remembering Tito.
I took a lot from that day –a monumental piece of Philippine history was left implanted in my mind while the national unity displayed was left valued in my heart. How inspiring that despite what she has gone through, Tita Cory remained very simple and sensible. At any given day, she can pass like any ordinary loving mother or Tita or lola. When the country is in crisis, she was also our go-to-person for moral ascendance. She was a source of strength for every Filipino.
August 1, 2009
Corazon Aquino, the Philippine’s first woman president who led the Filipino people toward democracy, died in the quite morning of August 1, 2009. She succumbed to colon cancer at the age of 76.
I mourn not only for the loss of someone I was privileged to meet once in my life but my heart deeply cries for losing the woman who symbolizes hope for this country. She was an icon of democracy, nationalism and motherhood.
She was a woman of courage and faith.
It’s now time for every Filipino to carry the cross of the country for her. It is in each one of us.
There’s still a good fight ahead.
A Day with the President Album
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