The Undying Love of Filipinos

THE UNDYING LOVE OF FILIPINOS
by Leoni Abigail Valencia

She slipped away quietly while everything around her is in chaos. She passed away so gently that it almost went unnoticed. She left us at a time when we needed her most. And yet, as she rested, she awakened our hearts to the most important attribute of a Filipino: the UNDYING LOVE of every Filipinos.

President Cory Aquino, from the time she rose to power, did nothing but show her love to her fellowmen. Amidst all the calamities, price-hike and coup attempts, her love for every Filipino always won. She loved selflessly without expecting any rewards. But on August 1, 2009, 3:18 am, it was payback time.

On that fateful morning, Senator Noynoy Aquino announced that President Cory, their mom, "passed away peacefully." It was a time when everyone was sleeping and yet by the break of dawn, everyone has turned on their television and radios to confirm the news. Some immediately went to vigil, others went to Times Street to put memorabilia. It's time for the Filipinos to show that UNDYING love.

That love was evident during the necrological mass in Manila Cathedral. People waited in line for many hours just to get a glimpse of their beloved democracy icon. There were unnamed people who gave out free t-shirts, free mineral water, free umbrellas. Political views were set aside. Past feuds were forgotten. Everyone was united in love.

But that love was most especially seen during President Cory's burial last August 5. Millions of Filipinos weathered the heavy rains just to get a glimpse of Pres. Cory's cortege. They shout "Cory! Cory!" while flashing Laban signs. Some were wearing yellow t-shirts and ribbons. Others brought their sons and daughters with them who aren't yet even aware of what this honorable lady has done for us. It took almost 9 hours to reach Manila Memorial Park. And when they reached the cemetery, over 500 priests and nuns on top of the military and police contingent gave full military honors.

That day will be forever etched in my heart - that beautiful sight of gratitude to our "Mother of Democracy"; the overwhelming view of my fellowmen, united in love; the wondrous presence of a love coming from a Filipino heart.

She left us at a time when we needed her most because she knows we can manage. President Cory trusted in the Filipino ability to unite in times of crisis. She knew the power of a Filipino love.

Thank you, President Cory, for teaching us by your example.

"The only person in world history who became a president by fate and not by ambition. The only speaker who has the longest standing ovation in U.S. Congress. The only woman who led her people to win a revolution with nothing but faith in God. " President Corazon...Tita Cory Cojuangco Aquino" The mother of democracy, The light of our nation and her legacy lives on FOREVER"
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