Tie a yellow ribbon

The entire Philippines mourns the passing of former president Corazon C. Aquino, the widow, housewife and mother who became our focal point for democracy during the last few years of the Marcos dictatorship. She was installed as our 11th president during the 1986 People Power Revolution, and became the Philippines' and Asia's first female president. Yellow was her color back then and when news came out last week that she was seriously losing her battle with cancer, people again started tying yellow ribbons everywhere—on trees, gates, fences, cars—even pinning yellow ribbons on our shirts. This particular tree is in front of the Ateneo Church of the Gesù, whose glass cupola can be seen in the background. Mrs. Aquino may not have been the perfect president, but no one could doubt her moral uprightness, both during and after her term in office. Farewell, tita Cory. We are going to miss your clear voice, especially as we near the 2010 elections.