what i learned from a female President???

Aug 1, 2009 -- The first day of new month and what a way to start it but with the passing of another prominent individual, a mover and shaker of Philippine history. It's all in the news around the world. Former President and the First Female President in Asia, Corazon C. Aquino died at the age of 76 after a year and four month battle from colon cancer.

Growing up with the knowledge that she was a part of the country's political and current affairs, I would say she's really contributed a lot. She may not have pleased everybody, but she has been admired and emulated by many. In the world of politics dominated by men, she triggered changes from being a politician's wife and widow to the Philippines' 11th Commander-in-Chief. Being a mother of 5 siblings, she took the place of leading a revolt against a dictator made her the mother of the entire nation.

Honestly, I'm not a big Cory follower. I still remember my grandmother scolding me because she can't sway me to be a Cory Aquino loyalist like her. She would misjudge me to be a Marcos loyalist, whereas I wasn't even born or a grown up by the time Marcos lead the country. But despite that, through the years, I learned some things from her. In passing, her prayerful life never decreased that even up to her last hours on earth she kept praying the rosary with her children. She died asleep after the 5th Sorrowful mystery -- the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In her achievements and tragedies, she never lost faith. In making major decisions in her life, it was the power of prayer that was her greatest armor. Lately, I've been going through difficulties, confusions and so I need to surpass some major decisions in my life. I'm on the process of taking some baby steps towards change that the negativity pricks me. I guess God is really showing His manifestations that I shouldn't give up and that prayers work wonders, through President Cory's story.

Her simplicity and strength amidst adversities lead the entire country and the world see that a woman can make a difference. Above all, her patriotic acts catalyzed every Filipino to take initiatives waking up and making a change for this country -- not losing that hope of working ways to have a better Philippines. Whether taking it to the streets or taking it silently by helping other people, she lived and died with love and Filipino pride.

Sad to say sometimes, we don't just bury the dead but also their memories and the things we can learn from them. But with the way things are going on in our country, I still believe that it was only her physical being that has died. The legacy she left lives on and in fact, it has to keep going. As we say goodbye to a Philippine history icon, let us start a new beginning of uniting and keeping this country better, with a sense of pride and love.

Rest in Peace and Thank You for the selfless dedication and love for our country, Former President Corazon C. Aquino. The legacy shall continue; the love for the Philippines shall remain in me...

**photo: c/o gmanews.tv