Cory will always be my President

I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life. - Corazon Aquino

I remember her when, many years ago, she came home to the Philippines after that dramatic Ninoy assassination. I saw her as a small woman, timid, so calm despite the troubles the Philippines was (and is) undergoing.

I was full of idealism then when Marcos declared an election. Fresh from high school and has been attending rallies and other movements to make Marcos step down, the elections gave me an opportunity to make my voice be heard. And it was my first time. Iba talaga pag first time.

I remember my room was full of Mr&Ms and pictures of Ninoy and Cory were pasted all over. Even in my bed. I was literally sleeping with Cory at that time.

One voice of Cory and I followed. She was my first President and will always be.

Rest in peace Cory.

María Corazón Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino, widely known as Cory Aquino, was the 11th President of the Philippines, serving from 1986 to 1992. She was the first female President of the Philippines and was Asia's first female President . She is a world-renowned advocate of democracy, peace, women's empowerment, and religious piety.

A self-proclaimed "plain housewife", Aquino is the widow of Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., a leading figure in the political opposition against the autocratic rule of President Ferdinand Marcos. After her husband was assassinated upon his return from exile on August 21, 1983, Aquino, who had no prior political experience, became a focal point and unifying force of the opposition against Marcos. She was drafted to run against Marcos in the 1986 snap presidential elections. After Marcos was proclaimed the winner despite widespread reports of electoral fraud, Aquino was installed as President by the peaceful 1986 People Power Revolution.

Aquino bio from wikipedia.org

Aquino pics from senatorpiacayetano.com and boston.com

And this, from time.com

Whenever the country appeared to be in a crisis, Cory Aquino rose above the bureaucratic procrastination that had always bogged it down, reminding her people that they once astonished the world with their bravery — and that they could do it again. But Filipinos must now take stock. Whom will they march with now that their saint has gone to meet her God?