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!