The past several days have been quite emotionally challenging. The throng of people waiting for their turn to see the most-loved president as she lies in state at La Salle Greenhills was really heartwarming to see. It was so inspiring to see parents take their children to the wake so that they could also have a sense of history and a deeper sense of gratitude for the woman who allowed herself to be used as a vehicle for democratic change.
Being called now as the Philippine Saint for Democracy, her casket was moved from La Salle Greenhills to the Manila Cathedral. The cathedral broke history as well by allowing a lay leader as Cory to lie in state at the cathedral that is only reserved for its archbishops. What was planned to be a 3hour procession turned to 5 hours as massive crowd of people, the likes of which was seen only at the funeral of Ninoy, greeted her in Edsa and most especially in Ayala. The shower of confetti could barely contain the deep sense of love and appreciation that the whole nation is trying to convey to its most loved president.
Joseph Estrada, the president deposed by the jueteng and corruption scandal – pointed out that Cory was the only president that did not have any scandal or corruption charges pressed against her. The only presidency that was un-tainted.
Graciously refusing the state funeral, the family decided to simply have a private funeral for the most-loved president. The private funeral turned out to be a massive, massive outpouring of love and support from the people who once chanted her name as they flashed the L – LABAN sign to oust the dictator who would not leave Malacanang.
Seeing the images, the flowers, the uniformed men carrying her casket, the confetti, the throng of people trying to say goodbye, the poignant music, the elegant and haunting pictures inside the Cathedral….the tears of the common people… the whole nation is grieving for the lost of its most -loved president.
I watched all these on the TV today. Crying, applauding, flashing my L sign on the TV as her casket was laid in front of the cathedral’s massive doors and as the Philippine anthem was being played….
Thank you again Cory Aquino.
I am reminded of what happened to Queen Esther when she was “raised for such a time as this…” you also were raised for such a time when the Philippines needed to come together and find its path toward peaceful democracy.
Thank you that even in your dying moments, your faithful prayers continue to inspire even the most cynical of hearts. Your faith, your devotion to God, your love for the country….
We are orphans now – the whole country that is. There is a dearth of leaders who would love the people as you did, who would use the presidential position not for one’s personal gain but for the people. There is a dearth of leaders who would from day one, be willing to step down once the presidential term is over.
On wednesday, you will be laid to rest. And I pray that the dreams you wanted for the country, the principle you stood for, and the love you had shown to the country – will remain with all of us.
Thank you Tita Cory.
See you in the Kingdom!
