The year 2009 is an emotional roller coaster for the whole world brought about by the many significant events (both uplifting and depressing) that transpired during the course of the year. Beginning with the inspiring inauguration of the first black president of the United States, the sad death of the Philippines' master rapper, the continuous meltdown of the world's largest economies, the widespread scare brought by AH1N1, the untimely death of a beloved pop icon and now the touching death of Philippine's mother of democracy that once again sparked the nation's nationalistic spirit. All these events transpired only at the first half of the year, might as well brace ourselves for more to come.
I was born in 1986, the same year when Pres. Cory Aquino swore into office. The same year when Filipinos rose and fought against dictatorship. The same year when the Filipinos defended the country's democracy. So its safe to say that I wasn't fully aware how momentous these events are to us Filipinos, not until today. Not until today that the woman who bravely stood up and lead it all is forever gone.
Tributes to the late president are everywhere. TV, radio, internet, on the streets and in the very hearts of every Filipino. Though its sad that Pres. Cory has left us forever physically, it is heartening to know that she left the country an enduring legacy of democracy and people power. The legacy that was once thought to have been long gone and forgotten, but is now once again ignited by the late President's death.
The nation's unexpected outpouring of love and affection throughout Pres. Aquino's wake and burial is a concrete proof that the revolution of EDSA 1986 is still burning among the nation. I believe that her death is timely. Timely because now more than ever we need to realize and come to our senses that the freedom and spirit we've fought and defended over 20 years ago is slowly slipping in our own hands. It is also a perfect wake up call for the youth who did not witness the historic 1986 revolution to understand and realize the true meaning of EDSA People power. More than the meaning that our textbooks have taught us.
Today, the whole country is in grief at the loss of God's greatest gift to the Philippine society. Pres. Cory will always remain in our hearts because she relived and reminded us of our better selves- our better Filipino selves. But I believe more than anything else her death has served as an eye opening to us Filipinos in this time of selfishness to live up to Ninoy and Pres. Cory's legacy- fighting for what we believe is right and the unconditional love for our own country.
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