Remembering Cory: Members of the Metrobank Foundation family share their memories and thoughts of President Aquino

Open Letter to the Late President Aquino

Madam;

I never really knew you personally.

I remember that the only time I saw you in person was way back in my elementary days. My mom and I were watching this international Softball game between the Philippines and Japan . You were to do the ceremonial opening pitch for the tournament. Seems peculiar, in retrospect that I remember that. I don't recall anything else which happened that day, or even the result of the softball game. I just remembered you being there. Shows how much your mere presence has an effect on people.

When I heard you had cancer, it didn't really bother me much, to be honest. I've heard of a lot of celebrities getting afflicted with this disease. Some survive, some don't. But last Saturday changed all that. I was supposedly going to do my morning jog. But it was raining. So I opened the tv instead. And lo and behold. The news report of your death. All I could say was , well, I'm ashamed to admit, but I cursed. "P#%ina, she died." You were gone. Michael Jackson died, FPJ, Francis Magalona...I didn't really care. But suddenly knowing that you were gone, I cursed. And I watched the reports. About your history, about your love story with Ninoy, about your presidency. And what struck me most were two things: The strength of your love for Ninoy, and the strength of your love for God.

My mom and I had a lot of financial problems, most during my College days. So my mom applied me for a scholarship. My final interview during the screening process was conducted by the bigwigs of Metrobank, Dr. George Ty included. I forgot most of the questions they asked me except one: "Who do you consider as your personal hero?" I remember my answer vividly: Ninoy. They inquired about my choice and I answered that, idealistic as I was then, it was because of his love for his country, for his sacrifice and courage, for giving up his life for what he believed in. That answer got me a four year scholarship in UST, through the generosity of the Metrobank Foundation.

My marriage almost fell apart a couple of months ago. Honesly speaking, it was my fault. I don't want to go into details, this is an open letter and not much people would be interested in my love story. But the news report struck me. Ninoy was imprisoned for seven years and seven months. It was a lifetime. And you stuck it out with him. Despite the hardships, and torments of separation, despite the utter hopelessness of your family's situation, you stuck it out with him. And Ninoy's poem spelled out how you were the source of his strength and courage.

So now, a day after your burial, here I am sitting in front of my laptop, writing this letter. I don't know who to send it to. I don't know if it would even matter. But through this I just wanted to say thank you. For reminding me, in those brief moments last saturday morning, the values that I should aspire for in myself, in my family and in others. Thank you for reminding me that my legacy is more important than the comforts, the ambitions, the petty needs that I so value right now. Thank you for reminding me that Love is the most important gift God has given us, and that we should nurture it. More importantly live it and share it everyday. Thank you for showing me that even if I am alone, by believing in what is right and doing what is right, I can make a difference. Finally, thank you for reminding me that life ends in death. But life in God ends in hope.

It was only this morning that I read, through my Metrobank ASSET group, that you headed the Metrobank Foundation's Board of Advisors. The same group that gifted me with my college education. Forgive my ignorance.

In the end, though I didn't know you personally, you have made a difference in my life. I owe you a debt of gratitude I can never directly repay.

I purchased one of those "I am Ninoy" shirts last Saturday. I thought it was cool. But now, knowing what those words mean, I think I can only wear it when I know that I have, to the extent of my capacity, tried to live up to the ideals you and Ninoy lived by. By becoming a better Filipino, a better leader, a better husband, son and father.

Some people claim you changed our country. But I am more grateful for you changing my perspective. And for giving me hope. Thank you madam. God bless you...

John Paul C. Guevara
Operations Manager
Vamsler / Vitalink

MBFI Class 1999 Scholar from University of Santo Tomas

“  I share [fellow scholar John Paul Guevarra’s] gratitude to the late Former President Aquino, and to God, for giving us the gift of Cory. I hope the love for God, for country, for the family is stirred back into life, in the hearts of every Filipino.”

DeeCee Joy Villaflor

MBFI Class 2003 Scholar from Ateneo de Davao

“ Lest we forget, especially the younger generations ... let’s hold dear the freedom and democracy we now enjoy!

I'm glad to have had the courage to join the people power in 1986. I was a new mother then with an 8-month old baby. I knew that if something bad would happen at EDSA, my baby will be motherless. But I could not help myself. I did not even ask my husband to join me because, again, at the back of my head, if something did go wrong, my baby will not have a father. Much to my surprise and happiness that my husband and I shared the same passion about this, I found my husband also at EDSA.

People, Filipinos often forget about Marcos, the greed, corruption and loss of freedom. Much as we would like to bash the current regime, just as we do every President actually (remember the coups during Cory's time?), let us never forget that we can bash all we want because we do have freedom. This is indeed Cory's legacy. Lets share this to our children and our children's friends and our students, younger colleagues. Lets also remind ourselves to hold this freedom dear to our heart and use this freedom responsibly. This is what Ninoy died for. This is what Cory lived for.“

Dr. Josefina A. Tuazon,

2000 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher,
Dean, College of Nursing University of the Philippines Manila

“Indeed, her legacy lives on. We need more and more people who will be genuine volunteers to do good and be good, until the entire nation imbibes the culture of selflessness and service.”

Atty. Pilar Nenuca P. Almira

Hospital Director, Manila Doctors Hospital

“ The Metrobank Foundation [has the] privileged honor of having President Cory as part of its advisers. She may not be with us anymore, but the values, teachings and principles she has inculcated in the Foundation’s advocacies are what immortalizes her in our memories and our initiatives. Her passing is merely physical – even temporal – as each action we make and take in the service of others is a constant reminder of her. Her legacy truly lives on.”

Sherwin Chan

Manila Doctors, Head, Hospital Business Development Division

“As a person, I always regret that my kids did not witness EDSA 1 and her presidency. I have promised to tell them her story the way they should remember history: Filipinos can get together to accomplish a great deed and only a great person like Mrs. Aquino can draw support unconditionally..”

Josephine Fernandez

VP, Metrobank Human Resources Management Group

“[I] cannot help but shed tears again and recall my 1986 experience at EDSA. I may not have the privilege of working with her closely as you did, she didn’t even know me. But I am proud to declare that me and my family really LOVE her. Upon knowing of her passing away last Saturday, we woke up our kids and prayed for her. I will be at Manila Memorial tomorrow and will pay my respects to my PRESIDENT.”

Cris De Guzman

Head, Metrobank National Branch Banking Sector