Pres. Cory Aquino Lived a Fantastic Life

Today, Filipinos all over the Philippines and maybe even around the world commemorate the first death anniversary of the late President Corazon C. Aquino, known as an icon of Philippine democracy, for fighting and toppling the dictatorship of the Marcos regime after her husband Ninoy was assassinated in 1983.

But more than this, Tita Cory, as many Filipinos fondly called her, epitomized, what I consider the fantastic life that we should strive to emulate. She was a faithful daughter of God, who was not ashamed to publicly declare her Catholic faith and constantly sought the Blessed Mother's intercession in her personal and family life, and that of the whole country as well.



She was a loving and dedicated wife to Ninoy and was with him all throughout his political career and especially when he was imprisoned by the Marcos dictatorship.


Up to his assassination and death and even beyond, Tita Cory remained loyal to Ninoy.


She was a mother who courageously and lovingly brought up her children after Ninoy was assassinated and her example, and that of Ninoy's, of sacrifice for her family and country must have left deep impressions on their children's character.

Her love for her children would be a source of strength for them during difficult times, and bring them through to times of rejoicing.


When she was voted as President of the Philippines, she led the country by example - through her dedicated service, courage and determination despite the many attempted coups, and her humility to step down after her term as President was over. Even after her term as President, she continued to serve the country in whatever way she could.


And even during the time of her fatal sickness, despite her great pain, she demonstrated tranquility, a joyful disposition, great faith and trust in her God. She was prepared to peacefully and lovingly surrender herself to her Creator. What a fantastic life she lived.


When EDSA People Power  began in 1986 in the Philippines, Tita and I were working in Brunei with our children and we felt very much part of that historical event as we watched on television history unfolding in the country before our very eyes. We videotaped all the news that we could get our hands on. We rejoiced together with the other Filipinos in Brunei and felt very proud once more to be Filipinos. We all started to dream again of a better future for our beloved country and its people after the long darkness of the Marcos dictatorship.






We were especially delighted when Pres. Cory visited Brunei in 1988 and held an audience with the Pinoy OFWs there. And my Tita and I were very lucky because she was asked by the Philippine Embassy in Brunei to be one of the emcees. What a great honor for Tita and our family.


And now after more than 24 years after EDSA People Power, our country has Pres. Cory's son, Noynoy, as its new President.


And he said in his first SONA that we Pinoys can dream again of the changes that need to happen in our country, society and its people.

The same dream that his father and mother fought for: for every Filipino to stand up and be counted to make a change.


Let's pray that as we remember Tita Cory today and her legacy, and as the country embarks on a new path of change in governance with her son Pres. Noynoy, may we all strive our very best to live a fantastic life of love for God, love and service for our families, neighbors and society.

Thank you Lord for Tita Cory, whose legacy lives on through those whom she has left behind. Let's start living fantastic lives just like our beloved Cory!

Living a fantastic life

Finally, here it is my first blog. After several months of thinking and procrastinating on what to blog about since taking a short course with Jomar Hilario on blogging and internet marketing last February together with the other Couples for Christ full time missionaries, I finally have something to blog about. About two weeks ago, of all the places where one can get an inspiration on what to blog about, I was inspired to blog on the theme of "living a fantastic life" in a memorial service for the mother of a community member, Sis. Nanette, who died after a year or so of bravely fighting colon cancer, the same kind of disease that took the life of our beloved President Cory Aquino.

What a paradox isn't it? Being inspired to write about life in the midst of death. But as a Christian I believe that death is really about life, the beginning of eternal life. Even before going to eternal life, Sis. Nanette had really lived a fantastic life with the Lord, her family and friends and her community. What really inspired me is how this woman, this mother, this grandmother, this sister, this friend really lived life to the fullest even after she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.

I discovered this during the eulogy of family members and brethren. She was a pillar of strength and courage even when she was in pain. She even went to Singapore with her very close friends and had a grand time there. She would spend a lot of time in prayer. Her children testified on how their mother lived a fantastic life of love and service. Her brother, who came home all the way from Italy, testified to her unselfish devotion to help her siblings through life even in the midst of her own difficulties. Indeed, what a fantastic life she lived. I pray that, like me, all of you reading this will be inspired by her story.

Thus, the birth of this blog. Join me as I live a fantastic life with my family (shown below with yours truly - that's me in orange holding my youngest grandchild! My eldest child and beloved Lisa wasn't able to join us but she was with us in spirit! hehehe) and community! I'll also be sharing my personal tips on how YOU can LIVE a FANTASTIC LIFE!

P.S. Feel free to comment, add me to your blog roll, and give suggestions on how this blog can help us live a fantastic life together! :) Subscribe to my blog so I can share with you tips on how God has helped me live a fantastic life so far!