“I don't have any formula for ousting a dictator or building democracy. All I can suggest is to forget about yourself and just think of your people. It's always the people who make things happen.” -Corazon Aquino
Corazon "Cory" Aquino, the first female president of the Philippines died 3:18am, August 1, 2009 (Philippines time) of colon cancer. I'm very saddened by the news, but I'm happy she's no longer in pain. Tita (Auntie) Cory, as she wanted to be called, is one of the most influential political figures, not only in the Philippines, but worldwide as well. She serves as an example of the unexpected hero--the housewife of an influential politician who is pushed to become the leader of Philippine democracy after the assassination of her husband, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. She didn't want to become president, but she knew her role and took it without hesitation. Although her years as president had its share of controversies (but which presidency doesn't?), she symbolized one of the greatest political movements in Filipino (and even worldwide) history--People Power. She took her leadership role for the people. The people of the Philippines chose her.
She holds a place in my heart personally because I did a project about her in high school. I went to an all-girls' Catholic high school, so feminism and liberal ideas was rife and filled the hallways (thank God). As part of the frosh curriculum, we have to do a "Women's Place Project", a sort of artistic dinner table in which each student has to create a table setting which represents her respective woman. It's based on the art installation The Dinner Party by Judy Chicago. And I chose Cory Aquino. I unfortunately was not taught a lot of Filipino history growing up. But this project brought me closer to my heritage. Learning about Cory and People Power made me prouder to be a Filipina. As a kid, I sadly didn't know all the details about the Marcos regime. The most I heard growing up were quips and jokes about Imelda Marcos' 3,000 pairs of shoes (it's true, not lying here). But now I know more, and now I don't take my Filipino heritage for granted.
From housewife to the first female president of the Philippines--it's inspiration in itself. It's certainly inspiration for me. She was a tiny little Filipina lady, but people took her seriously. People respected her. Despite her appearance, she was one strong lady, resisting 7 coup d'etats and being resolute despite political opposition during her term. It makes me rather sad that the US has yet to have a female president, while the Philippines being a younger democracy has had two since 1986. However, having the first African American in office will hopefully pave the way for more groups to be represented in the highest office in the land, but I digress....
Tita Cory brings out the best in Filipinos. When people recall her, they show that they once trusted their government. Although there has been some tumult in recent history--former President Joseph Estrada and there are some controversies surrounding current Pres. Gloria Arroyo (2nd female president!), when people hear Cory's name, there is a feeling of sincere admiration present. She will surely be missed, but she will always be remembered. RIP Tita Cory!
For more about Cory and the history check these out:
- ABS-CBN News Coverage
- Time Magazine made her Woman of the Year in 1986 and they've provided some nice memorial coverage.
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