EMPOWERED MOM

So much has been said about Corazon Aquino during her necrological service at the Manila Cathedral that made me cry. I do not know her personally and how she was described by family and friends, colleagues and alliances have given me a glimpse of how she is as a person.

Truly, she is a woman of strength and valor as shown by her sincere love for the country and her fellowmen. She is indeed worthy for the claim “Mother of Philippine Democracy”… Like Gabriella Silang who stood by her husband Diego Silang, Cory fought the battles even before she entered the political scene, in a different fashion. She was so unlike all the political leaders summed up to one because she not only stands for democracy but most importantly, she stood for “Love for Country” and “Freedom” in general… And not the drive to be in political power, as how most leaders are…In the early morning of Cory’s death, I received a text message from Mark Francisco, asking me what Cory’s legacy is… And I did not answer. I did not answer because I was awakened by such a news that, although it is already expected, is still shocking for me. Deeply, I thought about what I have learned from Cory, as a President, as a public figure, as a woman, as a mom, as a friend, as a wife— and so on and so forth… Until now I am still thinking how Cory has touched my life and what legacy she has left me… Then I realized, if not for Cory, I would not be an empowered woman living an empowered life. If not for Cory, I would not be able to live a life that is free. And although freedom is not absolute, still, I am thankful because I am able to fight for my rights and plan a future for my daughter, expecting nothing less than the life we are now enjoying…

Corazon Aquino is an inspiration for all women all over the world. She is a walking contradiction to the ill faced politics that our country is known for, and with that contradiction sprung hope, that women can change a country’s face, no matter how rugged and ugly it has become… That we women can do what we want to do for the good of our country and our fellow men… And most importantly, Cory has shown us that a bloodless revolution is better than a bloody one— With that, I think it is but right to say that Cory is “the epitome of hope, love and life”…

I would like to end this post with a song, my favorite song of all time… The song Jose Mari Chan arranged using the very words of Ninoy Aquino on the poem he wrote for her on their 19th Wedding Anniversary…

I have fallen in love

with the same woman three times;

In a day spanning 19 years

of tearful joys and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,

enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.

She was brilliant, fragrant,

and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;

when first she bore her child and mine

always by my side, the source of my strength,

helping to turn the tide.

But there were candles to burn

the world was my concern;

while our home was her domain.

and the people were mine

while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those eighteen years and a day.

’till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she’s our sole support;

source of comfort,

our wellspring of Hope.

on her shoulders felt the burden of Life.

I fell in love again,

with the same woman the third time.

Looming from the battle,

her courage will never fade

Amidst the hardships she has remained,

undaunted and unafraid.

she is calm and composed,

she is God’s lovely maid.