Update: A funeral will be held in La Salle Greenhills for two-day public viewing.

…from pain at least. The first female president of the Philippines died today at exactly 3:18 am. This was confirmed by her son Noynoy Aquino who issued a poignant statement regarding her passing about a couple of hours after her death.

She was diagnosed with colon cancer a year ago, and was recently admitted to Makati Medical Center for over a month ’til her demise.

By her bedside were all her children, close relatives and friends. She was 76.

Her remains will be brought in Heritage Memorial Park in Makati for funeral preparations, a TV news broke in earlier this morning. A possible though not yet confirmed state funeral will be set, allowing everyone for public viewing.

Remembering Corazon Aquino

Cory Aquino’s life was very proactive, particularly on the political scene. A grieving wife to the late Senator Ninoy Aquino, she fought for democracy by means of People Power to depose Marcos’ 20 years of dictatorship. She admitted not having any knowledge regarding Presidency when she first stepped into the office in 1986. She was a nominal head to her vice president for a year, until she assumed her position on March 1986.

She was a Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, and was Time Magazine’s Woman of the Year.

I had no fond, fervid memories of Cory Aquino, I must admit. I only see her in the news, especially when there’s a rally abound akin to People Power, also trying to depose a corrupt figure head of state. I’m not a great fan of Politics. But, if a certain issue affects me so much, I can be politically motivated to fight for a cause (such as saying No to ConAss).

I guess, one thing we have in common is our love for democracy, thanks to the Athenians. She reminded me of Pericles, the greatest democratic leader of Ancient Greece, and considered a figure of political history.

Corazon Aquino: On a Personal Note

This is a first hand account story told my aunt during the Aquino administration.

She was looking for a job after graduating from college. Amidst the job-hunting, she flashed an idea of writing to the president, asking for help. She thought it was just a silly spur of whim, and never realized that to materialize. Surprisingly, Cory Aquino, who was the Philippine president back then, returned to her letter. She helped her[aunt] getting a job in a government institution–National Electrification Administration (NEA).

Some leaders may ignore a commoner’s plea, but she listened. Truly, her compassion for people is outstanding. That’s something we will sorely miss.