Cory Aquino's Cortege passing by Buendia Makati

It must have been serendipity that I was in the vicinity of Makati when I heard about Cory Aquino’s Cortege passing by Ayala and Buendia en route to Manila Cathedral from La Salle Greenhills. Corazon Aquino, the beloved former president of the Philippines died of colon cancer in August 1 2009. She has been a symbol of peace and freedom for the Filipino people and well remembered for the peaceful revolution on EDSA 1986. Her death sparked deep emotions and overflowing gratitude for the gift of freedom she gave to the Filipinos.

Ninoy's Flag and Confetti in the sky of Ayala

I wasn’t really aware of the date and route of her cortege to Manila Cathedral as I rarely watch news shows or read newspapers. I’ve only learned about her where abouts online. Turning on the live coverage on tv, we could see the huge crowd that gathered in Ayala where the statue of Ninoy Aquino is located. There wasn’t much time to catch up so I decided to just meet up the procession on it’s turn to Buendia. I wasn’t really prepared for this shoot as I only have my Olympus e-520 and 25mm (50mm) f2.8 prime attached to it. But it’s better than nothing.

Salamat Cory from the people

The streets were filled with anticipation as the people await the incoming procession. It was mid day so people from the office were able to partake in this graceful farewell as Cory’s Cortege passed by Buendia. There were people from their building balconies on watch and the crowds were excited to wave their banners and express their love and gratitude to the late president.

Ninoy flags waved by the crowds

Confetti filled the sky and flags of both mixed images of her beloved husband Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and hers fly through the sky. Cory’s Cortege in Ayala is like going in full circle with her husband.

People watching the cortege from their office buildings

It was a grand display of affection from the people. I’ve seen many rallies in Ayala and most of the time, they were brought upon by hatred and anger. It’s rarely we see people gather like this for respect, love and gratitude. And for that, again I have to say Thank You for Corazon Aquino that even after her passing, she has tought what Filipinos should have gathered for.

Cory Aquino memorabilias

I was still on my early childhood when I got to know former President Cory Aquino. It was before, during and after the 1986 EDSA Revolution when she became a majore personality for me running against the Marcoses. It was an unusual sight to see a person mostly garbed in yellow and raising an “L” sign with her thumb and point finger to symbolize “Laban” or “Fight”. Today August 1, 2009 at 3:18am Philippine Time, Corazon Aquino passed away battling colon cancer.

To the world she has been an inspiration for leading a blood less revolt. A revolution armed with prayers and flowers in which she succeeded. It was a time after a time of turmoil and it is in this time of transition that her headstrong character kept the country and check. From then until her time of passing I haven’t seen her change as much. She kept reminding us to pray whenever there’s a major political upheaval in the rise and it seemed to miraculously kept the Filipino in check. She is literally a streak of sunshine on gloomy times.

She is the first female president in Asia. She is Time magazine’s first Woman of the Year in 1986. She is a political saint. She is an inspiration to all of us. So I thank you Corazon Aquino for being an inspiration and keeping the Filipino’s Faith in check. May you rest in peace.