One in a Million
by: Jonalyn O. Damian



We perceive perfect love stories to have a happily ever after ending. Wherein the man and the woman will be together in the end, as they declare their love for each other. Facing every trial that will keep them apart but, despite that, love will conquer all and will make them be together again. As today, we had witnessed this perfect love story in the life of Ninoy and Cory Aquino.

Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco gave up her law studies when she married Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., the son of the former Speaker of the National Assembly. Their union produced five children namely, Ballsy, Pinky, Viel, Noynoy and Kris. They all moved to Tarlac when Ninoy was elected as the town's mayor. His political career continue to rose as he became the governor of Tarlac and elected in the Senate in 1667. Despite all the achievements of her husband, Cory remained to be a plain housewife and focused in raising their children.

There was a wide speculation that Ninoy would run in the presidential election when he became a leading critic of the government of Marcos. However, Marcos declared martial law and a big number of politicians were captured, including Ninoy. That was the beginning of the tragic life of Aquino's.

Ninoy was separated from his wife and 5 kids because of his fight for the country's democracy. They were only reunited in U.S. and Cory considered it as the happiest days of their lives. He was even able to composed a song for Cory entitled: 'I had fallen in love'.

When Ninoy came home form the U.S. on August 21, 1983, he was ambushed. Cory and her children was devastated. It was the first time she expressed her sentiments over the death of her husband and the injustice of Marco's administration. Two years after, she was convinced by the people to run for public office.

During her term, she was able to continue goals of her late husband. She stood by prayers and when she ended her term, it was a graceful exit. She continued her role as a mother and honed her artistic skills. She became active in charities and religious activities until the last few months of her life.

Cory was diagnosed with colon cancer and died even before the death anniversary of his husband. Maybe, Ninoy wants to celebrate his death anniversary this time, with Cory at his side. Truly, they made a promised to love each other even after life...

Their story is one in a million. It will always be an inspiration to all Filipinos. That once in our history, there was a couple who died known for their love to the country. It is a love story that we will always be proud to tell.


I have fallen in love
with the same woman three times;
In a day spanning 19 years
of tearful joys and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,
enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.
She was brilliant, fragrant,
and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;
when first she bore her child and mine
always by my side, the source of my strength,
helping to turn the tide.

But there were candles to burn
the world was my concern;
while our home was her domain.
and the people were mine
while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those eighteen years and a day.
’till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she’s our sole support;
source of comfort,
our wellspring of Hope.
on her shoulders felt the burden of Life.

I fell in love again,
with the same woman the third time.
Looming from the battle,
her courage will never fade

Amidst the hardships she has remained,
undaunted and unafraid.
she is calm and composed,
she is God’s lovely maid.