Vignettes from the Cory Funeral

I woke up on Wednesday, August 5 – a non-working holiday - just in time to catch on TV the Requiem Mass for Cory at the Manila Cathedral. Right after the Mass, I washed up, donned a yellow shirt (and pants of course, but not yellow), then proceeded to the corner of Quirino Avenue and Osmena Highway where Cory’s funeral cortege would pass through. I took a spot on the center island of the highway for a better view. I stayed there for more than two hours and got a perfect view of Cory’s casket (see pictures) when it finally passed by.

The effort was all worth it. I then went home to see on TV the final rites marking the end of Cory’s meaningful and heroic life here with us.

Here are some random observations of the historic day that was:

ENEMIES BECOMING INSTANT FRIENDS. Senator Loren Legarda sat behind Vice President Noli de Castro during the Requiem Mass that they could not help but greet each other come “peace be with you” time. Wonder if their gestures were really heartfelt.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON. Looking at Jinggoy and Erap sitting beside each other makes one think that Jinggoy will be Erap in no time – figure, moustache, shades, and all.

CONTEMPLATING PRESIDENTS. Ramos and Erap seemed in deep thoughts throughout the Mass – wondering if they would ever receive the same “reception” given to Cory when they die. They wish.

FAVORITE DAUGHTER. Kris again made that self-proclamation that she’s Mommy’s favorite among her siblings. Well, the prodigal child always gets the most attention.

HONORABLE MENTION. Kris acknowledged the members of the Aquino family and her loved ones in her message. I thought Philip Salvador and Joey Marquez would even be mentioned. Heaven intervened.

REAL SONGBIRD. Dulce’s song was very touching and splendidly performed. No amount of Regine Velasquez can top that.

SHOWBIZ TOUCH. I cringed upon seeing Piolo Pascual sing at the church. The man has talent, but I think he’s not a good choice for the occasion – too showbizy. The likes of Cocoy Laurel, Nolyn Cabahug, or Robert Sena should be the ones singing for a statesman. Okay girls, crucify me for making this comment.

MARRED MOMENT. Presidentiable, rather President wannabe Mar Roxas could not help but took opportunity of the gathering crowd to display his supposed “masa” image. He trooped the line and shook hands with people from inside his vehicle like he was campaigning. The man would really do everything at the expense of decency just to get votes, err attention. Warning: classic trapo.

PEOPLE’S HEROINE. The crowd waiting for Cory’s funeral cortege was a mix of classes who stayed in line despite being rained on. There were interspersed comic moments and TV camera-induced euphoria typical of Filipinos while people patiently awaited the convoy. But when the truck carrying Cory’s casket finally made its way in front of us, it was greeted by applause and then silence as a show of respect to the great mother of our nation. I was surprised by the crowd reaction because I thought they would be frantic and would turn everything into a circus. They, however, proved that they were sincere in their expression of grief and love and adulation for Cory.

I am proud to be out in the street to witness history being unfolded once again and it made me even prouder to be a Filipino. A countless many times, thanks to you President Cory.

Corific

Corific \ko-ri-fic\, noun: - selflessness for nation; personal sacrifice for common good.

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Mentions of Cory bring us back to a proud moment in Philippine history when our grand hopes and intentions for the country were at its purest - epitomizing the humble and benevolent persona of the housewife-turned-president.

Cory's birth in our consciousness was sudden and surprising. From a weeping widow of a slain hero, she became the solitary moving force behind the embattled Filipino. She was thrust into the political limelight unprepared, but she showed up to the public ever determined. She seemed naive but she was passionately learned. She looked meek but she came out fighting.

People from all walks of life and corners of the world celebrated with Cory as she assumed leadership of a nation reborn. We stuck with her through her presidency - coups and all. We marched with her on the streets thereafter, protesting threats to freedom and morality. No one has lifted up our downtrodden spirit as a nation like Cory did.

A woman, a wife, a mother, a religious, a servant, a leader, and a Filipino for Filipinos. No words can ever define her legacy, except to say... it is Corific.

Maraming salamat Cory.