THANK YOU TITA CORY

I believe in being transparent. With me, what you see is what you get.

Thus I am not ashamed to admit that during the EDSA revolution, I was not exactly a fan of President Aquino. Just like a lot of people at that time, I doubted her competence to serve as President of our country.

It was only after she stepped down from the presidency that I was able to uncover the real Tita Cory. It was only then that I realized how exceptional a woman she really was, something that I was blinded to before. It came at a late time but what is important is that I got to know the real Tita Cory. I saw the goodness in her heart. I became cognizant of her being righteous and spiritual.

I unfounded how great and loving a mother she was to her kids. I saw how she defied her feelings as a mother when her youngest daughter got caught in a series of scandals just so she could teach her a lesson. I also saw how she tearfully softened and forgave her daughter when the latter repented. I was aware of how she tirelessly campaigned for her son during his senatorial bid.

She also did her duties to her country even when she was no longer president and did not hesitate to point out any wrongdoings if need be.

When she got sick and was hospitalized, I was among those who stormed the gates of Heaven praying for her to get well. When news came out that she finally left us, I felt the pain inside of me even though I was aware that sooner or later she would eventually leave us.

This noon I went to Ayala Avenue to catch a glimpse of the cortege bearing her remains. It was the least I could do since I was not able to go to La Salle Greenhills and could probably not go to the Manila Cathedral either to pay my last respect to her. It was my way of paying homage to this great lady. I was monitoring on television where the cortege was. When I saw that it was on EDSA/Estrella already, I left the house and started walking to Ayala Avenue since I live nearby. I saw on television that the cortege was moving fast on EDSA so I thought I would be just in time when it reaches Ayala Avenue. However from the corner of EDSA/Ayala it took about one and a half hours more to reach the corner of Ayala/Paseo de Roxas where I was waiting, since the cortege was moving at a snail pace when it entered Ayala Avenue due to the multitude of people waiting. I stood at the corner of Ayala/Paseo unmindful of the heat of the scorching noontime sun. I developed rashes on my neck and arms due to the heat but I couldn't care less.

When the truck bearing her flag draped casket stopped in front of Ninoy's monument where I was positioned I felt a lump in my throat and tears started rolling down my cheeks. I felt I lost a mother.

She truly is a big blessing to our country.

I am so glad that what I was not able to do in 1983 when Ninoy's funeral cortege passed along Ayala Avenue, I was able to do for Tita Cory now.

Thank you Tita Cory for giving me the chance to know the real you.