My mother asked me if I was willing to accompany her to the wake of former President Cory Aquino. The prospect of falling in line for hours instead of studying for class the next day was not appealing at first. But I agreed, paying respect to a good and upright former president never felt wrong.
Yesterday afternoon, before leaving for class, I watched the live coverage of Cory’s cortege from Ortigas to the Manila Cathedral. It was quite overwhelming. Tens of thousands of people lined up the streets and showered the funeral procession with flowers and confetti. I don’t remember Cory being that popular the past years. Perhaps its because the longing for an upright and moral leader is intensified in times when we are beset under the leadership of an evil woman. Cory’s presence, and the leadership she exemplified, though not perfect, is something that is greatly to be missed today. We appreciate something so much more when we don’t have it. Indeed.
The cortege arrived in Intramuros two hours delayed due to the throngs of people that slowed down the funeral procession. My mother and I had planned to proceed to the Manila Cathedral right after my afternoon class, but we decided to postpone the visit till midnight. We thought there would be much less people queuing by early morning. We were wrong. When we got to Intramuros by midnight, the line was still probably a mile long, snaking around the streets of Intramuros. We were able to stand before the casket of the former president after almost two hours.
law student, national democracy activist, film school graduate, photography hobbyist
Mabait ang nanay mo.
I don’t want to stand in the rain.
In 1986 I marched in the streets and kept vigil in front of Camp Crame, and I even spent the night there. I slept for maybe an hour on sheets of cardboard near a canal that stank of pee, because I was so tired and sleepy.
After that I was sick for week – high grade fever, sore throat, body aches and pains, and headache.
Tama na. If only all the officials who were at the wake keep their vow of service to the people above all else, siguro kahit papaano uunlad ang bansa.
I’m taken aback by you calling GMA an “evil woman.” I’m not defending her, I’m just astounded that you who could well be a representative of the youth could say such words describing a sitting President. Hey, a little respect please. I would also like very much to ask Gloria herself “What did you do to inspire such hatred among young people?” After some thought, I have to say, you have been reckless with the remark. Bata ka pa, marami ka pang nuances na di nasasagap. We must have solid institutions as a country to grow and prosper. The presidency is one such institution. Don’t insult a sitting President. It’s not Gloria you are maligning, it is the Office.
Well, this is my opinion. I am sure hinde ako nag-iisa. Please ponder on this.
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is an evil woman. This is my opinion. I am much more sure hindi ako nag-iisa. Please ponder on that.
Ashamed you might be suspected for something you knew is true all along?