Thank you Tita Cory

Today, I am wearing a yellow polo shirt at the office to celebrate the life and pay my last respects to the Philippines' very own former President - Corazon C. Aquino - fondly called - Tita Cory.


Admittedly, I did not approve of what has become the Aquino administration - although I was hopeful that it would change Philippine politics radically. But I respected Madamme President for for great accomplishments - as the country's first female leader , and for not too bad presidency after all.

She ran against strongman ruler Pres. Marcos in a snap election - against all odds - againt the fear of being assasinated herself like her husband, Ninoy. I admire her courage and that will live long even after she was gone. Her words continue to reverberate in the hearts of the Filipino people - "Magnanimous in Victory". And when the snap elections failed - she is one of the leaders of the People Power revolution that shook the former dictator out of the Malacanang Palace.

I remember she wowed US congress in her speech. She was feautured, if I am not mistaken as Woman of the year in Time Magazine.

Not too bad for what used to be a plain housewife - who never held any office in the government before.

I heard she died of colon cancer. Its sad that inspite of the technologies mankind have amassed - we still could not find a cure for many forms of cancer. And we lost a great woman, who can still contribute to our society.

Colon cancer also claimed the life of my father. Please join me for my lifelong fight against this disease and any other forms of cancer. As our last tribute to Tita Cory, my father and all the great men and women who passed away due to this dreadful disease.