Grieving takes many forms. When Pres Cory Aquino was laid to rest – it was as if my words were buried as well. There were so many interesting and poignant moments at the 8.5hours funeral cortege /procession to the Manila Memorial Park but I could not bring them into words.
The days just suddenly got quiet.
She was one of the best leaders this country had ever seen. Her leadership ability was questioned from day one – yet in her tumultuous presidency, no one could question her integrity.
Now we have a plethora of leaders whose academic accomplishments would easily rival their US counterparts, yet, the integrity of their character is always in question.
Cory brought out the best from among all of us. The beautiful songs, the touching goodbyes at the necrological rites and the requiem mass, the steadfastness of the people who lined up for days. During the 8.5hour march – the streets were packed with people – and the policemen were easily undermanned. Yet there was no mention of any rowdy behavior or riot… But when we have the President address the Nation – 4,000 cops would be deployed in the Metro Manila and additional 1,000 near Batasang Pambansa.
Even in death, she united the people. Even the unbelievers.
One of the journalists covering the event in 1986 was brought in as a guest during the TV coverage and she said ‘I am not a believer, but because of Cory’s utmost and devoted prayer life… it made me wonder what prayer was all about because Prayer was Cory’s life…”
What a powerful testimony.
Thank you God for the gift you had given to the Filipino nation.
