I don't usually give weight on celebrity death on my blog. Yes, I was truly saddened when Francis M succumbed to cancer (and listened to Kaleidoscope World like all the rest), and I too, felt that the sudden death of MJ-the King of Pop was a huge loss to the music industry (I did mull over blogging about which of his songs are my favorite but chose to pass), but somehow this time I feel it's different. Because the passing of (former) President Cory Aquino is a huge loss to the Filipino people, and I being Filipino, am personally affected by this loss.I would have posted the yellow ribbon on my blog sooner if I had the luxury of time, to mourn the death of a remarkable woman and a filipina at that. She may not have made music that touched hearts or wrote lyrics that I once emoted to as a teenager, but I think she did so much more. She was a great instrument in restoring democracy in our country and she paved the way for us to regain the freedom that we are enjoying today.
I may have been too young to remember the People Power Revolution that occured in 1986, but it is something I know I will be proud of as a Filipino. It made global headlines and the world came to admire the Filipinos for the peaceful manner of which the revolution was attained.
Former First Lady Hilary Clinton on President Aquino's death:
Her presidency may have had flaws but she was just what the country needed during that time, and she did a good job at uniting a divided nation. I admire her unassuming demeanor and lack of pretense. I have yet to see a woman president to lead our country who can command such respect and admiration among its' citizens the way President Aquino did.
Even before her death, whenever I see President Aquino I am reminded by the song by Jose Mari Chan based on a poem her husband, the late Ninoy Aquino wrote for their 19th wedding anniversary. Its a sweet song and I know it because I grew up listening to Jose Mari Chan as my mom is a huge fan.
I just have to say this on a personal note, I don't watch so much television but I once chanced upon an interview where two of her grandchildren spoke about her. It struck me how they described her as "one that keeps the family together" and how they considered her "the head of their family". From the show of respect and the loving words of the family she left behind, I am also beginning to admire her as a grandmother and a mother. In the absence of a husband (grandfather), I think that it is our grandmothers' role to unite the family and make sure that her children and grandchildren know the importance of a happy family free of unnecessary drama, instead of causing divide among them. Being a grandmother is more than just the shower of material gifts because it can never take the place of unconditional and sincere support. I believe in living by example and one day when I become a grandmother myself, I will remember this, and I will remember her.
More often than not, a person's life is given more meaning after death and in an instant the sinners turn into saints. Fortunately for the late President Cory Aquino, she was already a hero in the hearts of many, most especially to her own family (where it really matters) even when she was still alive. My condolences go out not only to the Aquino family but to the Filipino people because she was more than just Kris Aquino's mom, in a way she was also every Filipino's mom.
Former First Lady Hilary Clinton on President Aquino's death:
Her presidency may have had flaws but she was just what the country needed during that time, and she did a good job at uniting a divided nation. I admire her unassuming demeanor and lack of pretense. I have yet to see a woman president to lead our country who can command such respect and admiration among its' citizens the way President Aquino did.
Even before her death, whenever I see President Aquino I am reminded by the song by Jose Mari Chan based on a poem her husband, the late Ninoy Aquino wrote for their 19th wedding anniversary. Its a sweet song and I know it because I grew up listening to Jose Mari Chan as my mom is a huge fan.
I just have to say this on a personal note, I don't watch so much television but I once chanced upon an interview where two of her grandchildren spoke about her. It struck me how they described her as "one that keeps the family together" and how they considered her "the head of their family". From the show of respect and the loving words of the family she left behind, I am also beginning to admire her as a grandmother and a mother. In the absence of a husband (grandfather), I think that it is our grandmothers' role to unite the family and make sure that her children and grandchildren know the importance of a happy family free of unnecessary drama, instead of causing divide among them. Being a grandmother is more than just the shower of material gifts because it can never take the place of unconditional and sincere support. I believe in living by example and one day when I become a grandmother myself, I will remember this, and I will remember her.
More often than not, a person's life is given more meaning after death and in an instant the sinners turn into saints. Fortunately for the late President Cory Aquino, she was already a hero in the hearts of many, most especially to her own family (where it really matters) even when she was still alive. My condolences go out not only to the Aquino family but to the Filipino people because she was more than just Kris Aquino's mom, in a way she was also every Filipino's mom.
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