August 2, 2009

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.

yellow ribbon for Corazon Aquino around a tree in front of the Ateneo Church of the Gesù

32 comments:

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathy over your loss of Corazon C. Aquino. I remember her and saw her, frequently, on television.

James said...

How sad. My condolences. I remember all the yellow when I went to the Philippines shortly after she took office. Infact we were told not to were yellow because it was considered a political statement. RIP Cory.

Dina said...

That is sad news. May her memory be for a blessing.

Antjas said...

I heard a lovely report on her this morning on the radio. It touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.

Frank said...

It is certainly a great loss of an intelligent and powerful leader. The entire world mourns with you.

VP said...

I remember quite well the tragic circumstances of the beginning of his political career, at the Manila Airport.
She was brave and, at first, unwilling, but she was a true leader.
Nomen omen: Corazon, rest in peace.

Lowell said...

It is so sad when we lose one of the good ones! Sounds like she was dearly loved by the people (at least most of them)...

The yellow ribbon is a nice symbol of remembrance and regard!

Megan, Life Revamped said...

Yellow ribbons has always been a symbol of peace to us Filipinos!

Kaori said...

I just saw a special program about her on TV. She must of been very brave to follow in the footsteps of her husband.

George said...

What a marvelous tribute to a very remarkable lady.

Don and Krise said...

As soon as I saw the headline it made me sad. Perfect, no. Sincere, I think so. My sincere condolences.

Tamera said...

I too am sad to see her go. We mourn with you.

Jilly said...

What a touching post, Hilda. Corazon Aquino was an exceptional woman and the world watched after the assassination of her husband. Am so sad to know she has passed on. Your yellow ribbon photo says so much.

Rob Siemann said...

Sad news, I heard it yesterday on BBC. As you said, Hilda, although imperfect (but who isn't), Aunt Cory was a great lady. I did not remember about the yellow ribbon, but I'll be wearing yellow today.

Chin said...

Sad news,her excellency will be remembered .

Reena said...

It's such a sad day for us Filipinos. We only wish we could have another morally upright leader as she was.

May her soul rest in peace.

Judy said...

Such sad news. We join you in your sorrow.

Tammie Lee said...

This is a lovely tribute. Thank you for posting this.

Cezar and Léia said...

So sad news dear Hilda.So sorry for that.You did a fabulous tribute!
God bless you
Léia

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Lovely tribute to mark her passing.

Copenhagen said...

I'm very sorry about the nation's loss.

Lois said...

When I saw this on the news, it made me sad. I'm so sorry.

penny said...

It is sad when such a remarkable person passes. I remember seeing her on the news after the death of her husband. I was so pleased for the Philippine people after she was elected. She brought so much hope to them.
Corazon Aquino was a true icon of democracy for the Philippines...

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

Hilda, a very nice tribute for a special person.

D said...

A lovely remembrance and tribute to a remarkable woman.

Petrea Burchard said...

She was remarkable indeed. My sympathies, Hilda.

Ming the Merciless said...

I read about her passing in the news over the weekend.

Interestingly enough, I know a few Filipinos in NYC and some of them are not fond of Mrs. Aquino at all. They told me, she's like Hilary Clinton. You either like her or hate her. There is no middle ground.

Nonetheless, I think she is quite a remarkable woman.

Jane Hards Photography said...

I have read many posts and seen the yellow ribbons. A woman who definitely had a hold on a country and both loved and not so loved it seems. Sad day.

Michel Benoit said...

His memory will be transported over long with the color yellow.

tapirgal said...

What a lovely tribute you wrote and a great photo in remembrance.

escape said...

definitely the most admired leader in the philippines today. i have to listen to her speeches just to reminisce what she fought before.

Kim said...

A lovely photo, Hilda. People the world over admired her and the people of the Philippines for what was accomplished in the 1980s. That moral uprightness you mention is something we all can look to around the world as we hold elections (we are in the midst of one now in Seattle, as it happens). Farewell to a great leader and fine human being.