I pay tribute to another brave, strong, smart and graceful leader. Former Philippine President Corazon Cojuanco Aquino, the first female president in Asia. A house wife to the late Benigno (Ninoy)Aquino, a vocal critique to the Marcos regime who was later assassinated when he went back to Philippines from exile in the United States. Ninoy's death cultivated the way for the Filipino's awakening and uprising.She is probably the only President Philippines has ever had who did not seek power, but was propelled to the office when the country called for her service. The whole nation is thankful to her for valiantly answering a call from Edsa .
I was in grade school when the Edsa revolution eventuated. It was also called the yellow revolution due to the yellow color which dominated the streets, from yellow shirts to yellow ribbons and yellow flowers. That was my first exposure to a political upheaval which marked my social standing and awareness.
She was called upon to help remove the then incumbent, President Ferdinand Marcos who was known to have held an authoritarian and corrupt government for twenty years. The revolution was nonviolent and brought the whole nation together.
Towards the end of her appointment, she was urged by so many to run for the office in the following election, but she decently stepped down, appeased by the fact that democracy is back on the hands of the Filipinos. It was the cleanest hand over of office, unprecedented, yet, never seen again thereafter.
Cory Aquino died today after over a year of battle with colon cancer. She's left a country grieving but grateful for letting the nation experience, though briefly, a leadership free from corruption. Her character was not suited for politics, yet she was undoubtedly bor
n a true leader. To you my dear President,
SALUDO AKO SA IYO!!!
Right: (Me and) Some of my Filipino friends here in Darwin Australia watching the news
about Cory's demise
Cory's picture from:
http://allecoallende.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/
