With the passing away of the revered former Pres. Cory C. Aquino who succumbed to colon cancer at 3:18 a.m. on Aug. 1 after battling the dreaded disease for almost two years, Kris Aquino lost not only a mother but a fan and critic as well.

It’s no hidden fact that Tita Cory was her daughter’s big fan and critic. She would always watch with keen interest (and adoration of course) her youngest daughter as she performed her hosting chores in her ABS-CBN shows. She delighted in Kris’ hosting skills, her wit and gift of gab, and maybe even her tactlessness at times. But Tita Cory was also Kris’ critic. She wouldn’t spare criticism if she thought it would help Kris improve her craft.

Anyway, in a rare meeting with Tita Cory in the past (we don’t remember though if she was still president then), we recall her raving about the allure and charm of Boracay (when the island was still not commercialized) and telling us to make it a must to visit the place if we haven’t been there. She told us how excited she was to experience a back-to-nature atmosphere – no aircon, no electricity, no water faucet, no screened windows. It was fun to use mosquito net at night and to draw your own water from the artesian well, she said.

She was the one who convinced us to visit Boracay but alas, when we did, it was already commercialized. But we will always remember her for reminding us that not all beautiful places worth going to are found abroad. We started going around the Philippines for beautiful destinations we’ve taken for granted after that meeting with Tita Cory.

Today, we join the rest of the Filipino people in saying goodbye to a woman of real distinction.

By the way, hereunder is the official statement of Kris’ home studio ABS-CBN on the passing away of former Pres. Cory C. Aquino:

“ABS-CBN joins the nation in mourning the death of a woman whose sacrifice and courage sparked people power movements all around the world.

“President Corazon Aquino ousted a dictator and became an icon of democracy. She championed press freedom, liberated ABS-CBN, and restored it to its rightful owners.

“A leader who touched our hearts – at once fragile and invincible – she was the embodiment of the people power she inspired. Leading by example, she is the spirit of the Filipino to do good and to be good.

“Thank you, President Cory, for giving us hope and showing us the way.”

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‘Zorro’ winds up with thrilling twists

“Zorro,” now on its fourth month on GMA-7, is about to wind up, and the more that its finale episodes should not be missed because it will “unmask high adventure sequences and thrilling plot twists.”

“Zorro” stars Richard Gutierrez. It is a local adaptation from an international blockbuster, the “Legend of Zorro” starring Antonio Banderas.

In its final two weeks, “Zorro” will feature more gripping episodes. There will be more climactic revelations and more extreme stunt fights to be enjoyed by televiewers.

Like his previous TV starrers, “Zorro” has maintained its high ratings since it started airing on GMA- 7’s primetime slot, making Richard one of the most bankable actors of his generation.

Throughout the “Zorro” series, Richard has demonstrated his superior fighting, combat abilities and techniques as the masked hero, Zorro!

Richard issues statement

Meanwhile, Richard has issued a statement regarding the filing of a P4-million criminal charge against him arising from the death of his production assistant, Nomar, who died when the car which Richard was driving was involved in an accident. Richard was himself injured. Nomar, who was seated at the front seat beside Richard, died on the spot.

Richard said: “Nomar was more than an assistant to me. He was a good friend. What happened on the morning of May 22 was an accident. One which took my friend’s life, and where I also could have died. I will carry the trauma of the accident the rest of my life. But I was not negligent. Nor did I commit a crime…

“Before the filing of the case, I already made public my desire to help Nomar’s children, to help in their education.

I wanted to help not because I have a legal obligation to Nomar’s family but because I cared for a friend I had lost, and I knew that is what my friend would have wanted.

“It is unfortunate that Nomar’s widow, Lorayne, has chosen enmity over friendship…”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 3, go to Rep. Butz Aquino, Judge Espie Fabon-Victorino, Alex Javier, Alex Libongco, Joyce Bautista, PJ Escobedo, Linda M. Venago, Polly Chua, Geraly Japuz and businessman Ricky Cobangkiat…