cory a.

i grieved for her passing. not just because we lost an icon of democracy, but because i thought we lost a mother to these prodigal citizens of this country.

my friend visited her in her wake in la salle gym. the line was very long, she said. but even just a glimpse of someone we haven't even met in our life past nor will ever meet in lifetime to come is really worth it all. she texted me that she had not seen a woman so beautiful in her deathbed. a father who was wanting to see cory too in her wake, brought his children along who even were not aware of what was happening, was overheard saying: kids, just imagine we are in the disneyland. i would have said the same too if i brought with me anyone whom i could not go without but must i go to see her even just for the first time - and last time. but that's wishful thinking, as i am here, so far, so poor to afford a round trip ticket to bid her adieu.

who is she, for me? i have known cory in my elementary grade. i first knew her husband in my 9th year on earth. then i knew her when she campaigned for presidency. when i was in high school, cory visited tacloban. i had a glimpse of her black car with a mint-colored window. i remember because that was what i wished to own for a car when i grew up. (and i still wish.) when i saw her, i thought of my auntie in manila whom i thought of having the same looks with cory.

i grew up understanding what democracy is like because of her. i have known now what leadership is becaue of her. i have known now what public servant should be because of her. i have known now what empowerment is, what institution building is because of her. i just wish now i had been employed in this government when she was still the mother of the land.

i have already cried. i cried too with the thought that i may die without even seeing the first light of day in my country. but most of all i cried because i thought i may die without even seeing the dawn for my country.

thank you, madame president. thank you - for even allowing us all to simply call you "cory".