The Aquino family nixed Malacañang Palace’s offer for a state funeral but full military honor was given former Pres. Cory C. Aquino when she was laid to rest at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque City last Wednesday. Several hundreds of thousands joined the funeral march which took more than nine hours and this outpouring of affection certainly helped assuage the pain and grief of the Aquinos.

All those who joined the funeral deserved a pat on the back for their efforts and sacrifice but we have to give it to the four guards who never wavered in their stance all throughout the funeral march.

Pres. Cory Aquino will be remembered for many reasons but most of all for being a sterling, selfless mother not only to her children but to all, and as a president with an untainted image and reputation. Because as Mareng Winnie Monsod recalled on “Unang Hirit,” she had no vested interest at all, and who during her incumbency “was dying to get out of the presidency!”

Tita Cory was so much loved and this the people proved when they went to her wake, braving the inclement weather and patiently lining up for hours in the rain to pay their last respects and to have a glimpse of her in her most serene state at the De La Salle gym and then at the Manila Cathedral. This show of genuine affection comforted her family and brought tears to their eyes, especially Kris who, all throughout the emotional and moving necrological service at the Manila Cathedral didn’t stop crying as she listened to the eulogies given by friends, relatives, government officials, former Cabinet men of her mom and those whose lives Tita Cory touched by just being herself.

It was just so sad that it would take a death – in this case that of an outstanding woman of high integrity – to galvanize our feelings in one rare moment of unity and humility as exemplified by the Marcos children, Imee and Bongbong. Even showbiz folks were united in their grief. Many (among them Gov. Vilma Santos and husband Ralph Recto, Richard Gomez, Eddie Gutierrez, Annabelle Rama, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera and even boxing champ Manny Pacquiao) went to the wake and expressed their sentiments and admiration for Tita Cory. Those with musical talents expressed their love through their songs – Kuh Ledesma, Martin Nievera, Jose Mari Chan, Christian Bautista, Ivy Violan, Jamie Rivera, Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Erik Santos, Piolo Pascual, Dulce, Ogie Alcasid, Apo Hiking Society and Jed Madella among others.

A woman of faith

We will always remember that Tita Cory’s faith in God transcended all that she possessed in life! As a mother, she was genuinely selfless especially during those years when her husband, Sen. Ninoy Aquino was incarcerated during the Martial Law days and again when Ninoy was assassinated!

When Tita Cory became the president of the Republic of the Philippines, she consistently maintained her being genuinely selfless – getting nothing for herself from the government nor from any of her officials, but instead, served the government with all sincerity and honesty.

It was akin to what Jesus Christ said: “I did not come to be served, but to serve!”

Kris gave the most stirring speech ever when she responded to the speeches delivered during the funeral Mass held at the Manila Cathedral Wednesday morning. (She made everyone cry as she did when she related in “The Buzz” everything that happened ever since her mom was diagnosed with colon cancer and how bravely she fought the disease especially during her month-long confinement at the Makati Medical Center.)

A lifetime, Kris stressed, was too short for a daughter like her to express her love and gratitude for a mother. In spite of the profuse tears rolling down her cheeks, she was still able to infuse some humor, like saying that she and her sisters would not mind if Sen. Noynoy Aquino would get married. “Whatever makes you happy, we will support you.”

She however mentioned that the senator, with the passing of their mother, would now take over the family with all the attendant responsibilities. And, she stressed, continue the advocacy Pres. Cory Aquino had started!

We are indeed deeply saddened with the passing of a woman who once held high the torch for us – and to paraphrase Kris, a lifetime is too short for us to express our sincere gratitude for the great difference Tita Cory did for all of us.

By the way, hereunder is Sen. Loren Legarda’s statement on the death of the former president: “The death of President Aquino should serve to remind us of the kind of courage and unity we should show amid lingering threats to our collective freedom. Her death and the sacrifices she made for the Filipino people will have greater meaning if we stop relying on icons of democracy to do what we can as a people, one and united. That’s the greatest tribute we can give her.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings Saturday, Aug. 8, go to civic leader Gov. Leonida “Baby” Bayani-Ortiz, veteran actress Delia Razon, former Miss Caltex Amy Reyes-Forthomme, Carmi Martin, Rosie del Rosario, Texas-based Homer Pili, Pal Rabina, Pamela Palma Tuazon, John David T. Aquino, entertainment columnist Nora Calderon, Maribeth R. Palmera, Nena Ajero, Lourdes Viloria, London-based Vesper Valdez, MB’s Ruben Corpuz, Asst. Manager Mailing section, and Mrs. Asuncion J, Espina, former Central Bank director… Happy wedding anniversary to Richard Anthony and Maria Crisina Ng…