MANILA, Philippines - Loved ones, friends and strangers showered messages of grief, gratitude and farewell on the late president and people power icon Corazon Aquino last night on the eve of her burial today.
One of the most touching eulogies was delivered by a security aide of 20 years – Inspector Melchor Mamaril – who said he felt he had lost a mother . After his eulogy, he walked closer to Mrs. Aquino’s casket and saluted.
“She shall always remain engraved in our hearts. Thank you, We love you. Goodbye,” Mamaril said.
Mrs. Aquino’s younger daughter Kris could be seen weeping hard as Mamaril was reading his eulogy in English and a few lines in Filipino.
Mamaril was one of the two security escorts of the Aquino family pulled out by the government. The Arroyo administration claimed no knowledge of the order to pull them out and has since apologized.
“I stand now with a deep sense of pride and gratitude as I bid goodbye to her whom I owe so much. My wife Judy and my four children, join me in paying our last respect to one who has become big part of our lives and one who considered us as part of her family,” Mamaril said.
Mamaril said Mrs. Aquino never made him feel like a mere employee but treated him like a son, a family member.
He related that one of her unforgettable memories of Mrs. Aquino’s kindness was in 1998 when she personally prepared noodles for her security aides after coming home one day with them and finding no food in the house.
“That’s how Ma’am Cory was. She takes care of people around her no matter how big or small, She treated us not as mere employees but like a mother tending to a son after a hard day’s work,” Mamaril said.
He said the goodness that Mrs. Aquino showed him made a strong impact on his life and made him a confident person.
“I feel a sense of wonder and at the same time, I realized that her treatment raised my dignity as a person. She gave me self-respect, self worth and self confidence,” Mamaril said.
“And even when she lay dying in bed, she was always very concerned about us. She would always ask if we had eaten already,” Mamaril said.
“One could always see her compassionate heart for all those in need,” Mamaril said.
He also said that Mrs. Aquino also drew him closer to God and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“I can always remember those times when we have to go to churches. In those times he brought me to prayer and closer to God. I am praying the rosary now,” Mamaril said.
“She exhibited a deep sense of prayer, devotion that I believe was the foundation of her being a person of dignity and uprightness,” he said.
Mamaril also thanked Mrs. Aquino’s children and family
“We are all with you in prayer, may God continue to bless us all,” Mamaril said.
Tribute after tribute
Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., said Mrs. Aquino and his wife the late Betty Go-Belmonte shared not only suffering caused by cancer but great faith in God.
Belmonte was one of the 19 people – including Mamaril – who spoke in the necrological services for the late president at the Manila Cathedral late yesterday afternoon.
“I am humbled and touched and influenced by two women of extraordinary faith late wife, Betty G-Belmonte and President Aquino. They were good friends. They met the first time during Ninoy’s (former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino) death,” he said.
At the time that Mrs. Belmonte was sick she was concerned that her condition might cause her children to lose their faith in God, but they kept the faith. “Seeing now President Cory’s children, they have kept the faith.”
The Mayor recalled that when Mrs. Aquino assumed power in 1986, she appointed him chief of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Manila Hotel. He was also member of the board of directors of San Miguel Corp..
He recalled that during these times, never did then President Aquino ask for any favors detrimental to the government and the people.
“She never asked for same favors for herself or her family, I realized that she was an exceptional leader, she made a difference between the people’s money and her own,” he said.
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who had served as head of the Manila Police District (MPD) during the Aquino administration and helped her crush several coup attempts called Mrs. Aquino “the best president” the country has ever had. He also gave Mrs. Aquino a final salute.
“We owe you so much. You are the source of our pillar of strength. What I did and what I have now, I owe to you. I salute you for the last time,” Lim added.
Gina de Venecia, the wife of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, broke down as she recalled that Mrs. Aquino stood by her when her “so-called friends” abandoned her during the times she needed them most.
It was the late leader who encouraged her to take up painting, to help her to cope with the tragedies that came her way such as the tragic death of her daughter KC in a fire in their Makati home in 2004.
“I thank God for giving Cory, my friend. She believed in me when in times I do not believe in myself. Thank you for the gift of friendship. I will tell my grandchildren about their Lola Cory who taught me to live again,” Mrs. De Venecia said.
Before ending her speech, she added, “Now that you are in heaven please hug KC and tell her that I love her dearly and that we will meet again.”
Businessman Ramon del Rosario said that she revitalized the business section in the country and made many Filipinos proud because of her honesty, integrity, transparency and integrity.
Dr. Alex Ayco, Mrs. Aquino’s doctor for the last 30 years, said that when he got her test results some 18 months ago, he did not know how to relay the bad news that she was sick. He recalled that she was always kind to Filipino doctors and believed in their capabilities.
Fashion designer Paul Cabral said that up to now, he has kept the notes sent by Mrs. Aquino to him even if they were just reminders of some of the styles that she wanted. “These are cherished possessions of the most wonderful and selfless person.”
Sister-in-law Maria Aurora Lichauco called her as her BFF or BestFriends Forever. “I look forward to see you again but I hope not to soon.” Her comment elicited laughter from the crowd.
As for former Congressman Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr. said that Mrs. Arroyo’s example taught him to control his temper.
Grateful
Mrs. Aquino’s only son Sen. Benigno Aquino III thanked the Filipinos for the love they had shown to his mother.
“I truly really believe without an iota of doubt that anyone will contradict me that you truly have fought the good fight you really have finished your course and undoubtedly you have kept the faith,” Noynoy said.
“Here is the Cory Aquino who knows how love each and every one of us. There is the Cory Aquino who is ready to do what is right never mind the consequences. There is the Cory Aquino who has the absolute faith in the Church and God. One who would wholeheartedly do the best she could and let God take care of the rest,” he said.
“Are we going to back to the anxiety? When my father died, we lost a leader, he was a strategist, he was our moral booster, but suddenly we lost the center of our world. I did not expect it would have a part two. Maybe I just do not want to face the truth,” the senator said.
“Do we really have to be sad because we have lost hope?” Noynoy asked. “Does the nation still have hope especially now that the one who led and inspired them is no longer around to help us everyday?”
He said looking at elementary school students who told him they were thankful for his mother touched his heart.
“Maybe we just have to bring these children closer to those who are playing blind and even deaf (to the realities),” he said.
He said the life of his mother should remind everyone that the Filipinos still got hope.
“Let it not be forgot that once there was a Camelot,” Aquino III said.
The senator recalled that his mother never turned her back when she needed to lead the Edsa revolution and even up to 2006 when there was a standoff at Fort Bonifacio to avoid bloodshed.
He said there were times he did not understand her and almost rebelled but later realized she was always right and had depended on her wisdom.
To express how proud he was being her son, he quoted what former African leader Nelson Mandela told him during a visit to his mother before, “So you are the son. You knew how to choose your parents correctly. And I said, most definitely, your excellency.”
The others who spoke in the necrological services were Bro. Armin Luistro of La Salle; Marge Juico who was her appointments secretary; Nonie Uy, her friend from Cebu; former Environment Secretary Fulgencio Factoran Jr,; Sister Remy; columnist Conrado de Quiros; brother Jose Cojuangco Jr.; Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay; and Dr. Rosalinda Hortaleza.
Full military honors
Full military honors will be accorded to Mrs. Aquino as she is laid to rest today next to her husband at the Manila Memorial Park.
Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said 1,000 officers and men will take part in the funeral rites.
The Philippine National Police will render departure honors for the late president at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.
The military honors will include a 21-gun salute – one salvo fired every minute for a 21-minute period – once the casket leaves the cathedral for the Rizal Park.
Another 21-gun salute awaits the former leader at the Rizal Park, and at Camp Aguinaldo, Fort Bonifacio, Villamor Air Base and Fort San Antonio Abad on Roxas Blvd.
An hour after the burial another round of 21-gun salutes will follow at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City, the Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac City, the Southern Luzon Command in Lucena City, the Western Command in Puerto Princesa City, the Central Command in Cebu City, the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City and Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City.
Brawner said that only presidents, former presidents and heads of state are given the 21-gun salutes, the highest in the military.
He said the last time the AFP performed full military honors was in 1997 for President Diosdado Macapagal.
Police deployment
At least 720 policemen and civilian volunteers would be deployed along the routes leading to the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.
“(The) NCRPO (National Capital Regional Police Office), in its continuing security operation for the memorial services for the late President Cory Aquino, will provide area and route security as well as traffic management during the scheduled interment tomorrow, (Aug. 5),” Metro police director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said.
The funeral cortege, after leaving the Manila Cathedral, will proceed to Roxas Roxas Blvd. via the Anda Circle and turn left at Quirino Ave. and right at Osmena Ave. (formerly South Superhighway) to South Luzon Expressway.
The convoy will take the Sucat exit and turn left at the Manila Memorial Park.
Rosales said no road will be closed along the funeral route, but he advised motorists to expect heavy traffic.
But Skyway System operator, Skyway O&M Corp. said it will close the Southbound at-grade section between Magallanes/C-5 and Sucat and the southbound elevated section once the funeral convoy travels the tollway going to Sucat at around 11 am today.
All Southbound at-grade entry points at Magallanes, C-5 and and Bicutan will not allow vehicles that are not part of the entourage to come into the tollway until after the end of the funeral procession has reached Dr. A. Santos Ave. (Sucat Road) towards Manila Memorial park. At the same time, all southbound elevated on-ramp entry points at the Buendia, Arnaiz, and Magallanes areas will be closed to all vehicles.
Casket mirror of simplicity
Her family could have chosen one that’s more lavish and fit for a revered former head of state, but the casket in which Corazon Aquino’s remains are laid reflects her life of simplicity.
Made of hard imported Oakwood, Mrs. Aquino’s coffin, according to Heritage Park vice president for sales and marketing Raquel Mendoza, mirrors her simplicity and elegance.
She said the Aquino family has opted for a simple casket of lighter gold color called “Dignity” to reflect the late president’s aversion to extravagance.
“The color immediately reminds the family of Cory,” she told The STAR in an interview noting that light gold is the closest to golden yellow and that the rounded corners of the casket are considered lucky by the Chinese. Aquino, who belonged to the Cojuangco clan, was part Chinese.
Mendoza said it was the first time the Dignity casket was used for a prominent personality.
The late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, she said, was laid in a “La Pieta” casket and it was a “Winfield” cherry wood for Fernando Poe Jr.
She said the term “hardwood” refers to a casket design that requires no nail to build.
Mendoza said Mrs. Aquino’s Dignity casket is expected to last for 20 to 25 considering that the late president will be buried in a tomb above ground.
“When the family approached me and Heritage Park, we were quite honored to serve her,” she said as she recalled how she herself took part in the EDSA People Power 1.
She said she is proud of being a graduate of St. Scholastica’s College like Mrs. Aquino.
“It was like walking back to memory lane,” Mendoza said. – With Patricia Esteves, Non Alquitran, Mike Frialde, James Mananghaya, Michael Punongbayan - By Aurea Calica and Evelyn Macairan (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)
One of the most touching eulogies was delivered by a security aide of 20 years – Inspector Melchor Mamaril – who said he felt he had lost a mother . After his eulogy, he walked closer to Mrs. Aquino’s casket and saluted.
“She shall always remain engraved in our hearts. Thank you, We love you. Goodbye,” Mamaril said.
Mrs. Aquino’s younger daughter Kris could be seen weeping hard as Mamaril was reading his eulogy in English and a few lines in Filipino.
Mamaril was one of the two security escorts of the Aquino family pulled out by the government. The Arroyo administration claimed no knowledge of the order to pull them out and has since apologized.
“I stand now with a deep sense of pride and gratitude as I bid goodbye to her whom I owe so much. My wife Judy and my four children, join me in paying our last respect to one who has become big part of our lives and one who considered us as part of her family,” Mamaril said.
Mamaril said Mrs. Aquino never made him feel like a mere employee but treated him like a son, a family member.
He related that one of her unforgettable memories of Mrs. Aquino’s kindness was in 1998 when she personally prepared noodles for her security aides after coming home one day with them and finding no food in the house.
“That’s how Ma’am Cory was. She takes care of people around her no matter how big or small, She treated us not as mere employees but like a mother tending to a son after a hard day’s work,” Mamaril said.
He said the goodness that Mrs. Aquino showed him made a strong impact on his life and made him a confident person.
“I feel a sense of wonder and at the same time, I realized that her treatment raised my dignity as a person. She gave me self-respect, self worth and self confidence,” Mamaril said.
“And even when she lay dying in bed, she was always very concerned about us. She would always ask if we had eaten already,” Mamaril said.
“One could always see her compassionate heart for all those in need,” Mamaril said.
He also said that Mrs. Aquino also drew him closer to God and to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“I can always remember those times when we have to go to churches. In those times he brought me to prayer and closer to God. I am praying the rosary now,” Mamaril said.
“She exhibited a deep sense of prayer, devotion that I believe was the foundation of her being a person of dignity and uprightness,” he said.
Mamaril also thanked Mrs. Aquino’s children and family
“We are all with you in prayer, may God continue to bless us all,” Mamaril said.
Tribute after tribute
Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., said Mrs. Aquino and his wife the late Betty Go-Belmonte shared not only suffering caused by cancer but great faith in God.
Belmonte was one of the 19 people – including Mamaril – who spoke in the necrological services for the late president at the Manila Cathedral late yesterday afternoon.
“I am humbled and touched and influenced by two women of extraordinary faith late wife, Betty G-Belmonte and President Aquino. They were good friends. They met the first time during Ninoy’s (former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino) death,” he said.
At the time that Mrs. Belmonte was sick she was concerned that her condition might cause her children to lose their faith in God, but they kept the faith. “Seeing now President Cory’s children, they have kept the faith.”
The Mayor recalled that when Mrs. Aquino assumed power in 1986, she appointed him chief of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Manila Hotel. He was also member of the board of directors of San Miguel Corp..
He recalled that during these times, never did then President Aquino ask for any favors detrimental to the government and the people.
“She never asked for same favors for herself or her family, I realized that she was an exceptional leader, she made a difference between the people’s money and her own,” he said.
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who had served as head of the Manila Police District (MPD) during the Aquino administration and helped her crush several coup attempts called Mrs. Aquino “the best president” the country has ever had. He also gave Mrs. Aquino a final salute.
“We owe you so much. You are the source of our pillar of strength. What I did and what I have now, I owe to you. I salute you for the last time,” Lim added.
Gina de Venecia, the wife of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, broke down as she recalled that Mrs. Aquino stood by her when her “so-called friends” abandoned her during the times she needed them most.
It was the late leader who encouraged her to take up painting, to help her to cope with the tragedies that came her way such as the tragic death of her daughter KC in a fire in their Makati home in 2004.
“I thank God for giving Cory, my friend. She believed in me when in times I do not believe in myself. Thank you for the gift of friendship. I will tell my grandchildren about their Lola Cory who taught me to live again,” Mrs. De Venecia said.
Before ending her speech, she added, “Now that you are in heaven please hug KC and tell her that I love her dearly and that we will meet again.”
Businessman Ramon del Rosario said that she revitalized the business section in the country and made many Filipinos proud because of her honesty, integrity, transparency and integrity.
Dr. Alex Ayco, Mrs. Aquino’s doctor for the last 30 years, said that when he got her test results some 18 months ago, he did not know how to relay the bad news that she was sick. He recalled that she was always kind to Filipino doctors and believed in their capabilities.
Fashion designer Paul Cabral said that up to now, he has kept the notes sent by Mrs. Aquino to him even if they were just reminders of some of the styles that she wanted. “These are cherished possessions of the most wonderful and selfless person.”
Sister-in-law Maria Aurora Lichauco called her as her BFF or BestFriends Forever. “I look forward to see you again but I hope not to soon.” Her comment elicited laughter from the crowd.
As for former Congressman Teodoro “Teddyboy” Locsin Jr. said that Mrs. Arroyo’s example taught him to control his temper.
Grateful
Mrs. Aquino’s only son Sen. Benigno Aquino III thanked the Filipinos for the love they had shown to his mother.
“I truly really believe without an iota of doubt that anyone will contradict me that you truly have fought the good fight you really have finished your course and undoubtedly you have kept the faith,” Noynoy said.
“Here is the Cory Aquino who knows how love each and every one of us. There is the Cory Aquino who is ready to do what is right never mind the consequences. There is the Cory Aquino who has the absolute faith in the Church and God. One who would wholeheartedly do the best she could and let God take care of the rest,” he said.
“Are we going to back to the anxiety? When my father died, we lost a leader, he was a strategist, he was our moral booster, but suddenly we lost the center of our world. I did not expect it would have a part two. Maybe I just do not want to face the truth,” the senator said.
“Do we really have to be sad because we have lost hope?” Noynoy asked. “Does the nation still have hope especially now that the one who led and inspired them is no longer around to help us everyday?”
He said looking at elementary school students who told him they were thankful for his mother touched his heart.
“Maybe we just have to bring these children closer to those who are playing blind and even deaf (to the realities),” he said.
He said the life of his mother should remind everyone that the Filipinos still got hope.
“Let it not be forgot that once there was a Camelot,” Aquino III said.
The senator recalled that his mother never turned her back when she needed to lead the Edsa revolution and even up to 2006 when there was a standoff at Fort Bonifacio to avoid bloodshed.
He said there were times he did not understand her and almost rebelled but later realized she was always right and had depended on her wisdom.
To express how proud he was being her son, he quoted what former African leader Nelson Mandela told him during a visit to his mother before, “So you are the son. You knew how to choose your parents correctly. And I said, most definitely, your excellency.”
The others who spoke in the necrological services were Bro. Armin Luistro of La Salle; Marge Juico who was her appointments secretary; Nonie Uy, her friend from Cebu; former Environment Secretary Fulgencio Factoran Jr,; Sister Remy; columnist Conrado de Quiros; brother Jose Cojuangco Jr.; Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay; and Dr. Rosalinda Hortaleza.
Full military honors
Full military honors will be accorded to Mrs. Aquino as she is laid to rest today next to her husband at the Manila Memorial Park.
Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said 1,000 officers and men will take part in the funeral rites.
The Philippine National Police will render departure honors for the late president at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.
The military honors will include a 21-gun salute – one salvo fired every minute for a 21-minute period – once the casket leaves the cathedral for the Rizal Park.
Another 21-gun salute awaits the former leader at the Rizal Park, and at Camp Aguinaldo, Fort Bonifacio, Villamor Air Base and Fort San Antonio Abad on Roxas Blvd.
An hour after the burial another round of 21-gun salutes will follow at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City, the Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac City, the Southern Luzon Command in Lucena City, the Western Command in Puerto Princesa City, the Central Command in Cebu City, the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City and Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City.
Brawner said that only presidents, former presidents and heads of state are given the 21-gun salutes, the highest in the military.
He said the last time the AFP performed full military honors was in 1997 for President Diosdado Macapagal.
Police deployment
At least 720 policemen and civilian volunteers would be deployed along the routes leading to the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.
“(The) NCRPO (National Capital Regional Police Office), in its continuing security operation for the memorial services for the late President Cory Aquino, will provide area and route security as well as traffic management during the scheduled interment tomorrow, (Aug. 5),” Metro police director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales said.
The funeral cortege, after leaving the Manila Cathedral, will proceed to Roxas Roxas Blvd. via the Anda Circle and turn left at Quirino Ave. and right at Osmena Ave. (formerly South Superhighway) to South Luzon Expressway.
The convoy will take the Sucat exit and turn left at the Manila Memorial Park.
Rosales said no road will be closed along the funeral route, but he advised motorists to expect heavy traffic.
But Skyway System operator, Skyway O&M Corp. said it will close the Southbound at-grade section between Magallanes/C-5 and Sucat and the southbound elevated section once the funeral convoy travels the tollway going to Sucat at around 11 am today.
All Southbound at-grade entry points at Magallanes, C-5 and and Bicutan will not allow vehicles that are not part of the entourage to come into the tollway until after the end of the funeral procession has reached Dr. A. Santos Ave. (Sucat Road) towards Manila Memorial park. At the same time, all southbound elevated on-ramp entry points at the Buendia, Arnaiz, and Magallanes areas will be closed to all vehicles.
Casket mirror of simplicity
Her family could have chosen one that’s more lavish and fit for a revered former head of state, but the casket in which Corazon Aquino’s remains are laid reflects her life of simplicity.
Made of hard imported Oakwood, Mrs. Aquino’s coffin, according to Heritage Park vice president for sales and marketing Raquel Mendoza, mirrors her simplicity and elegance.
She said the Aquino family has opted for a simple casket of lighter gold color called “Dignity” to reflect the late president’s aversion to extravagance.
“The color immediately reminds the family of Cory,” she told The STAR in an interview noting that light gold is the closest to golden yellow and that the rounded corners of the casket are considered lucky by the Chinese. Aquino, who belonged to the Cojuangco clan, was part Chinese.
Mendoza said it was the first time the Dignity casket was used for a prominent personality.
The late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, she said, was laid in a “La Pieta” casket and it was a “Winfield” cherry wood for Fernando Poe Jr.
She said the term “hardwood” refers to a casket design that requires no nail to build.
Mendoza said Mrs. Aquino’s Dignity casket is expected to last for 20 to 25 considering that the late president will be buried in a tomb above ground.
“When the family approached me and Heritage Park, we were quite honored to serve her,” she said as she recalled how she herself took part in the EDSA People Power 1.
She said she is proud of being a graduate of St. Scholastica’s College like Mrs. Aquino.
“It was like walking back to memory lane,” Mendoza said. – With Patricia Esteves, Non Alquitran, Mike Frialde, James Mananghaya, Michael Punongbayan - By Aurea Calica and Evelyn Macairan (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)
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