It’s not only in Twitter, Facebook and Plurk where you’ll find Pinoys uniting in cyberspace during the funeral of the Global Icon of Democracy, President Corazon Aquino; but also in Barrio Siete. Our writers were ONE in watching the historical event on national television as well as on live streaming on the internet. Our writers exchanged feelings, reactions, thoughts and realizations via text messages, chat, email and phone calls.

Our writers in the United States, Chuva Chienes in New Jersey and Reynz in New Orleans, stayed until the wee hours of August 5 (Dawn of August 5 in the USA) in their respective time zones just to watch and catch the feeling of EDSA all over again, paying respect for the last time to the President who set all Filipinos free. While Rester, burdened by so many projects at work, only got the chance to see a part of the funeral during her lunch break in New Mexico upon watching a video sent by a friend. Whereas, Lalaine, who was at Oxford University in London, put aside her assignment just to follow the unfolding events in Manila via live streaming.

Jepoy and Agnes, our Barrio Siete writers were actually deeply imbedded at the event, marching at the back of the cortege, teary eyed, fired up with love and patriotism and armed with cameras on the scenes. Jepoy and Mark Bravo even set up a live streaming of the funeral march at Quirino Ave. in real time through their mobile phones and were posted on their respective blogs. Yami, also our writer, just stayed home and watched with her family.

The rest of our writers were staying in their respective provinces. They were glued on television sets and respective computers and lap tops. Bluepanjeet (Quezon), Mel (Bukidnon) Silver (Laguna), Gloria Gamat (Sorsogon) and Kotsengkuba (Tagaytay) were juggling three channels and two live streams in monitoring the event and then updating the writers in the backgroud.

Exchanges of messages were emotional, perhaps fueled by the emotions flashed on the screen of their TVs and Computers. Most of us wished we were there, participating with the crowds. But this even proved that “Cory Magic” defies even distance for we were one in spirit and in real time in joining all Filipinos all over the world in the passing of our Icon of Democracy.

And so, Barrio Siete would like to share to you all our respective thoughts and reactions of the said solemn and very historic event today:

Silver, Laguna

http://daretospeakout.wordpress.com/

With all due honesty,I did not really expect the number of people who turned up and showed their affection for Tita Cory as her cortege passed through the streets of Manila. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to witness this historical and moving moment personally. Nonetheless, I tried my darn best to watch the event via Internet and TV at home. I dont know why but the atmosphere in our home was gloom and bereavement. Feeling namin nawalan kami ng kamag-anak. My mom cried for 3 days. Mugto ang mata, she said: “Paano yan, wala nang lalaban para sa atin? Wala na si Cory…” Idolo ng aking ina si Tita Cory – idolo nya sa katatagan ng loob at pananalig sa Diyos sa panahon na tila sinusubok ang ating pagkatao.

Recalling the events that happened during the funeral, it reminded me of a time when Filipinos from all different walks of life, came to a place and celebrate the significance of democracy and the value of freedom. What I have seen today brought me back to the times where the Filipino, mightily stood up against the tanks and soldiers – where flowers and rosaries won the standout against firearms and barbed wires. I am proud to say that my parents inculcated to me the values of those times – to dare to speak out for our country and to fight for what is right. Patriotic, yes, in my own humble way.

I myself, have shed tears during Tita Cory’s funeral. I became a tearjerker when Mel Amarilla, Tita Cory’s bodyguard and Kris Aquino gave their eulogies. It is such amazing that even when her death is near, Tita Cory never failed to think about others. That moment touched my heart. Sana dumami pa ang mga tao na katulad ni Tita Cory na may malasakit – kahit sa mga taong di na niya kakilala or kamag-anak. Sana dumami pa ang tulad ni Tita Cory na may malasakit para sa ating Inang Bayan at ipaglalaban ang dapat.

I guess, with the events that happened and lessons that I have gained from both Ninoy and Cory’s life, I am heavily indebted to them. For every whiff of freedom that I breathe, thank you Ninoy and Cory. For every cherished liberty that I enjoy today, thank you Ninoy and Cory. For teaching me how to love our country more, thank you Ninoy and Cory.

And what I can do to preserve them? I can do to preserve them by following their footsteps and taking care of the legacies they have left for us. Rest in peace, Ninoy and Cory. Thank you for making me feel that I am a Filipino worth fighting for.

Kotsengkuba, Tagaytay

http://www.kotsengkuba.com

I came from a family of Marcos loyalists and as I grow up, all I could here was that Cory, as president of the Philippines, really was not able to do anything to improve the economy.

As I grew older, I realized what my elders were saying were neither totally wrong nor totally right. After all, the Philippines, having been ran by a thief who bypassed the constitution for personal interests, was almost impossible to save. But Cory made the first steps to aid the country in recovering from what could had been an incurable disease.

From all the eulogies given by Cory’s loved ones, I love what was said about her thriftiness when it comes to government’s money. Especially the one that had something to do with the beatification of San Lorenzo Ruiz. Had we had a different president then…

At kainis ka Kris, pinaiyak mo ko!

Gloria Gamat, Sorsogon

http://dragangmagayon.com

The whole day, putol-putol ang panonood ko sa live streaming ng burial ni Cory. Kaso dahil walang pasok eh andito sa bahay ang anak ko at kaagaw ko sya sa computer. Wala pa kasi kaming TV set sa bagong bahay where we are renting kung kaya’t nagtyaga na lang muna ako sa live streaming.

After lunch natulog ako. Maghapon na kasi akong galit sa anak ko. Then later on after dinner, nakinood kami ng TV sa neighbor (landlady namin actually) kasi mula early morning pa sila tuned-in. Inabutan ko yung part na nagsimula yung military honors sa Manila Memorial Park. For the first time umiyak ako at naiyak kay Kris. Kaso later on, ang tingin ko eh she was just miking her tears. Sa later part, nung nag-te-thank you na sya sa mga tao. Then pikit sya ng pikit kasi for sure iniaayos nya in place ang kanyang contact lenses! hahahaha!!!!!!!!!

The most touching part for me was when Noynoy cried. he was just holding himself the whole time. Pero nung isinasara na ang nitso ni Cory ay bumigay na rin sya. During the whole process, the sleeping giant in me tha is patriotism is awakened. If the Filipino can unite for Ninoy and Cory…why don’t we all unite next year when selecting the right leader for out country? Let’s keep Ninoy and Cory in our hearts when doing so.

Mel, Bukidnon

http://melbeckam.blogspot.com

Since yesterday, I was looking forward to Tita Cory’s burial. I woke up very early and prepared for this day. I wore a yellow tee and black pants like everybody else. I was actually in the office the whole time. Like Ate Kris, I was also crying the whole requiem mass, especially when the camera shifts to the Aquino siblings and they were crying, juice ko, humahagulgol din ako. OA na kung OA. Anong magagawa ko eh di ko mapigilan ang umiyak. Hindi sushal ang iyak na ginawa ko noh. When ZsaZsa Padilla sang that immortal song, parang bumaha na ng luha dito sa amin. Although the ceremony and the procession was very long, I waited patiently up to past 9pm when Tita Cory was finally laid to rest. I realised that the Aquino family, popular and influential as they may seem, they are like us too. Grieving for someone they dearly love. I am just so glad to witness this momentous event in the history. Long live Tita Cory. Long live democracy!

Chuvachienes, New Jersey

http://chuvachienes.com

I rushed home yesterday in order to get all my chores done before the scheduled Mass and Funeral for Cory Aquino. Being in the U.S., I’m thankful that I subscribe to TFC – otherwise, I would have to watch it online where GMA News and ANC had provided live streaming videos of the event.

I had dinner with a friend and I literally kicked him out a few minutes after 9:00 p.m. E.T. so I could watch the memorial and funeral of our late former President, Tita Cory Aquino. The most touching part for me was when Fr. Alejandro spoke (who spoke eloquently by the way) about the former President. I was deeply moved and humbled by his recollection of Tita Cory. It actually made me think of how I could better myself and help my fellowmen.

I think I will never forget this event because this it the moment where I saw Kris Aquino grow up in front of my eyes. A usual gossip queen who can be annoying and histories of shameful behavior that would force a family to run for cover, Kris is no saint. But during the whole ordeal of dealing with a dying mother, she is number one on the books for me. I can really say, I am proud of her.

As I cried throughout Kris Aquino’s speech (most specially the part where she thanked each and every one of her family members), I grinned when she said to her dad Ninoy Aquino, “Take care of her, now it’s your turn.”

This is an event I will never forget. It lit a fire under me once more and prompted me to act and help preserve the democracy Tita Cory fought for. Many of my friends would say, “Wala ng pag-asa ang Pilipinas! Huwag ng pag-aksayahan ng panahon.” I beg to disagree. If Ninoy and Cory thought that way, we will still be under the claws of dictatorship today.

To all who stopped believing – I hope Tita Cory made you believe once again.

“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all”
- Emily Dickinson

“May pag-asa pa. May magagawa pa. Mapagbabago pa”

Yami, Quezon City

http://penname30.blogspot.com

Mrs. Aquino, the simple housewife who lead the country achieve its democracy two decades ago once again revives our love for democracy and for the country as a whole. Only this time she will not be able to thank everyone in person and flash a sincere and reassuring smile for she is laid to her final resting place today.

We mourn her loss. But let us keep the lesson of her death. Maybe this reminds everyone that our country is still a better place if we try to emulate the life she lived.

Maybe today is the start of something new, a realization of better things to come for the country and for the Filipino people.

Mark, Manila

http://markbravo.com

Jepoy wanted me go with him to Quirino Avenue to catch up with Tita Cory’s funeral procession but I couldn’t because I had to finish a project proposal due this Thursday. I decided to watch the entire thing from the mass to the procession(heck I started watching so early I saw GMA paying her respects). I was most touched when I saw each part of a social class in our country walking side by side(well technically the rich were inside their automobiles) each expressing their unwavering gratitude and affection to our first lady president. This event has mirrored the intensity of the real EDSA revolution. I was too young to remember all the details of the first EDSA revolution but there was one point that I can still remember, my uncle put me on his shoulders and we waved the “L” sign in unison. I can still feel the electricity of the Filipino people unifying for one cause and the only difference now is that we are all part of laying to rest one of the country’s greatest icons. I feel very proud that we have made a mark in world history and the patriot in me is always there but there is always the feeling that you are just one person against insurmountable odds. The life of Cory Aquino is a testament to the adage “that many hands make for light work” as seen in her works. I had mixed feelings as I watched the events unfold but there is one feeling that really emanates from my heart and that is the feeling of hope. A hope for change, a hope for unity and the hope that no matter how deep the conundrum that the Filipino people is in their resolve will never falter. Hers is a life full of tribulations from World War II to being a politician’s wife to ending up a widow to becoming the most powerful person in the Philippines. In all the tragedy and fame she kept her piety and humility, a trait that is uncommon back then and most especially today. I hope that her life would be an example to all and I pray that I too can embody just half of what Cory is, then I can die happily. To quote my masters professors take on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs . The last part of what humans want to achieve is Self Actualization but my professor has one higher level to add and that is transcendence. Transcendence in which a person has strived to leave a legacy, a part of him when he passess a way. President Cory Aquino indeed has left her legacy. Not only in this country but also in the entire world. Indeed she has earned her place in heaven.

Bluepanjeet, Lucena

http://bluepanjeet.net

It was the same Martial Law rule that hunted down my uncle and aunt who were part of protests all over the province. The Militray have been hunting them down like a cat to a rat. This is the reason why my aunt and uncle went into hiding until the martial law rule subsided eventually. You see during those times, people here in our province are labled either as NPA or Leftist. It’s that bias and label for those who just want freedom even without any affiliation to the communist rebels, that would drag on until today as an epiteth for those who live in Quezon.

It was Cory who brought light once again to the dimmed country. I was only 5 years old when Ninoy was assasinated and 8 when the edsa people power happened. Though I didn’t understand why they were marching, yet it was vivid for my young memory the images of thousands and perhaps millions of heroes. One of them, aside from Ninoy, who really made an impact on my growing years was a woman clad in bright yellow, Cory Aquino.

I lived and grew up under the shadow of Cory’s magic. I was in Elementary until HS when she became President. And at that age I began to realize and understood the cause they were fighting for. Unlike others, even to the criticism of my parents and comparing her to Marcos, I never did pay attention to the negative side of the woman. I dont know why. Actually, it was her stance on the US Bases to remain on the Philippine Shores which I used as my armament of argument in a school debate that brought me to one of my glory moments in my academic life as I was named as the overall champion debater in the school social studies week. Social Studies and History are my forte, though I hate remembering dates because it always reminds me of the hard labor and toil of mathematics, yet the only dates that I found worth memorizing was that of August 21, 1983 and February 22-25, 1986.

I am now on my early 30′s and throughout my life I never thought of Cory Aquino dying. I always thought she will lived forever, like the legacy that she left for the nation. And watching the funeral yesterday, both in live streaming and national tv, I sob privately in front of the digital image of the remains of the Icon of Democracy, Man as I was, yet I admit, I am week to see a dear love one go. I found myself uttering the words which I never thought of saying… “Goodbye dearest mother…”

Lalaine, United Kingdom

http://synchronated.wordpress.com/

It’s 7.15 PM in the UK and I just woke up. No, I didn’t manage to finish my tutor’s required reading, but I stayed up all night and all morning glued to my computer, watching the livestream of the funeral of the former President Corazon Aquino. That was the least I could do to honor the woman who had the courage to stand up for the right. She changed the lives of Filipinos forever. Indeed, the state of affairs in the Philippines is, to say the least, not very ideal at the moment. However, the memory of Cory and what she stood for only brings hope. She’s done her part. Now, we must embrace ours. I’ve always been proud to be Pinoy. I’ve always been eager to give a crash course on Philippine history and culture whenever people mistake me for being Thai or Malay. When I say I’m from the Philippines, they’re often quick to realize that they know something about the country – Ah, that woman who collected shoes! Next time it happens, I know now what I’m going to say – But have you heard about the woman in yellow? And then I’ll talk about freedom, of greatness and virtues, and a life well-lived.

Rester, New Mexico

http://reesie.net

I watched Former President Cory Aquino’s funeral during lunch at the office. It was a pre-recorded one and was uploaded by one of our kababayans in the internet. I was so amazed by the multitude of mourners who came to witness the event. It showed that she’s being loved by the Filipinos. I wish I was there and even if I wasn’t there, I can feel the love and respect people showed to the late Mrs. Aquino. I was really touched with Kris Aquino’s heartfelt speech. I hope, we Filipinos, will show Ninoy and Tita Cory that we are indeed WORTH IT. Watching this event made me realize that we Filipinos are still united. Even in her death,Tita Cory made us realized that the spirit of patriotism that we had during EDSA I still exists today. Imagine, if the same number of people who went to the necrological service of PResident Cory would go to Malacanang and overthrow the witch PGMA? Salamat, Ginang Corazon Aquino for being the source of strength of many Filipinos.

Mahalia, Ohio

http://chocolateword.net

“Paalam po, Tita Cory. Ina kayo ng kalayaan.” Ito ang pulso ng masa habang isa isa naman na nagpapaalam ang kanyang mga anak at apo sa dugo. Maikli lamang ang buhay ng isang tao. Lahat tayo ay may itinalagang panahon upang harapin ang Maykapal. Ang pagtawag na nakalahad sa buong sangkatauhan ay ang isang masinag na buhay. Ito ang ginawa at pinili ni Cory Aquino. Kaya’t sa kanyang pamamayapa, bumisita ang kanyang mga anak sa kalayaan. Tayo na mga anak ng kalayaan, huwag nating kalimutan ang mga buhay na ibinuwis upang makamtan ito.

D’Fish, Manila

http://desertfishing.com

Nasa bahay lang kami kapapon, naka tune-in from Unang Hirit all the way to the live coverage of the cortege. I like Unang Hirit primarily because of the kikays in Suzie and the gang, and more profoundly because of Igan, the coolest guy for me among the GMA pillars of news.
I sensed the crescendo of the real human drama of life and death – a little lighter at Unang Hirit turning into a super solemn funeral mass. I was expecting a high liturgy considering that Cory had been a favorite daughter of the Catholic Church. Heto ang nakaka-irita – porque walang yaya si Hans, hayun kailangan pakainin, paliguan, palitan ng nappy, sawayin, etc. Syempre umpisa na kaming umiiyak. Tapos nataon pa doon sa homily ng aking professor na si Fr. Arevalo ng Ateneo. I don’t mind doing mundane things especially for my son. But interruptions can sometimes be irritating.

Fr. Arevalo’s homily, deep as usual, was very touching it inspired a standing ovation and a long applause. It was very credible because aside from being Cory’s spiritual adviser, the sources of his reflections were the less known children of Cory.

The showbiz presence was a little distracting to me, especially Piolo. I was expecting Gary V. and less the Martin-Regine tandem. Erik’s leading of the Our Father in fairness was moving. Bishop Soc’s farewell address was beautifully simple and profound. We were crying while watching, and Kris’s eulogy touched us all the more. I agree with you guys – there were so many hints of canonizing Cory at the funeral mass, Politicians present must have cowered within into their own insignificance. Walang kayabangang mananaig sa harap ng tunay na pagpapakumbaba!

Nung lumabas na ng Manila Cathedral at mag-umpisa na ang pagbiyahe patungong Memorial, media na naman ang nakakabuwiset, lalo na ang pagdadaldal ng tatlo na sina Mike, Mel at Jessica. Gusto kong manood at namnamin lamang ang katahimikan ng cortege. Salamat na lang at may mga time talaga na hindi na sinasagot ng Aquino family na nasa loob ng coaster ang mga walang kwentang tanong lalo na ni Mike. Hanggang inabot sila ng Eat Bulaga. Lipat kami ng Q channel. Hanggang mag-gabi, damang-dama ko ang tuwa at pasasalamat na naging bahagi kami, tayo ng kasaysayang ito ng bansa. Hindi ko man lubos na maintindihan ang lahat ng galaw ng Poong Maykapal pero alam ko, God’s hand was there, moving in our history…

Reyna Elena, Philadelphia & New Orleans

http://reynaelena.com

It was Jepoy who sent me a text… I was doing a presentation, in the middle of a meeting. I never really check text messages when I am in a meeting or a conference. I don’t know what it was that put my hands on phone on an automatic gear. I read it. Then looked to the audience blankly. Seconds. Looked down then asked to be excused. “What happened?!” No words came out of my mouth. I knew exactly how it felt. I knew it was coming but she was my “mother”. Our “mother”. I went home to my apartment. My parents gave me the best of America and Tita Cory gave us the best of what democracy is.

Beyond everything that Tita Cory has given us, her Ninoy, her family, her life, democracy and freedom, what will forever be etched in my mind was the last act that she showed us, simplicity. In the end, it was simplicity that proved to be the most elegant, the most regal, the more closer to the hearts of her people and the one with shining pomp that sealed the almost saintly life. Thank God you brought her to us!

Annalyn Jusay-Zoglmann, Manila
www.annalyn.net

Noong araw ng libing ni Tita Cory, late na ako nagising at ang una kong ginawa ay buksan ang TV. I really meant to go to Manila memorial Park since we live in Paranaque pero “so near and yet so far” ang naging drama. I wanted to be there, but a part of me wanted to be practical as well. Lalo na nung sinabi ng aking friend that the roads in Sucat going to the memorial park is closed. So I just stayed at home na lang while feeling guilty about the missed opportunity. I really liked the songs sung by our popular singers in church at naluha na naman ako nung nagsalita si Kris, that it would take a lifetime for them to recover from their loss. Sinabi ko na “nakakaiyak!” at ang sagot naman ng lalaki kong anak “nakakinis!” Gusto kasi nya manood ng Pokemon, hehehe.I don’t blame my son, he didn’t grow up with EDSA and he’s too young to realize what Tita Cory stood for. Ako naman, I appreciate what she did for the country exactly because of her ideals. Also yesterday, I was reading a book about her and it affirmed the fact that her greatest legacy is democracy and the peaceful transfer of power. She was quoted in the book as saying ” I will not run again, even if Satan himself were running.” Humanga talaga ako nang sinabi nya ito because that only meant she didn’t usurp her power and respected our Constitution.

Angela Stuart Santiago, Manila

http://stuartsantiago.com

A day to remember

It was a memorable day that we all got to share, thanks to the marvel of television. The cathedral rites were beautiful, Fr. Arevalo’s eulogy sublime, and the military honors stately and dignified. The family continued to amaze and warm the heart, sharing their mom, sharing their grief, never mind that it meant being exposed to the cruel glare of lights and cameras and nosy, sometimes uncouth, media. Thank you, Ballsy, Pinky, Noynoy, Viel, and Kris!

But the best was yet to come. And it happened out in the streets, the people’s turf, where yellow crowds gathered in great numbers, lining the streets or marching with the casket, flashing the Laban sign and chanting “Co-ry! Co-ry! Co-ry!” It reminded me so much of the snap election campaign, when nakarating kami ng mga magulang ko hanggang Lucena, Quezon para lang maki-rally kay Cory.

There was a brief moment though when I asked myself, where were all these people, where were we, when Cory was leading street protests asking Gloria to resign post-Garci and later in support of Jun Lozada? Why were we not there for Cory then? But now I see that it doesn’t really matter anymore. What matters is that we have rediscovered Cory & Ninoy and what they stood for. And I have no doubt that when the time is right, People Power will rise again, rain or shine.

Jepoy, Manila

http://gameops.net

Mark and I were supposed to visit Cory’s wake at Manila Cathedral on the eve of the funeral to pay our last respects but the heavy downpour prevented us that night. So, it was decided that I’ll just wait for the cortege to pass by the Quirino Ave. LRT station the next day and Mark will light a candle at President Cory’s house at Times St. which is about a 5-10 minute walk from his house.

My original plan was to stay at the top of the LRT station and view everything from there. I was with my dad that day and he told me to come down. He wanted me to feel what it was like in EDSA1 and at the same time pay our last respects to the person who gave us all freedom. I would have come down myself even without him telling me after seeing the cortege approaching the LRT station.

The feeling of being there yourself is different than watching it live on your TVs or computers. The area was full of mixed emotions. Sad because we’ve lost a great and honest leader. Happy after seeing all these Filipinos of all ages unite while chanting,”Cory! Cory! Cory!” and doing the Laban sign. Would you even believe that I saw my cousins and Aunts at the funeral march? Just proves that Cory unites everyone even during her death. People didn’t mind the heat, the rain… everyone was united for just a few hours.

Yesterday was an unforgettable day, a day I really felt that being a Filipino was one of the best things I happen to have. And thanks to the wonders of mobile phone technology, I was able to share this feeling live to everyone on the internet. Thank you President Cory for everything.

Viewed 14411 times by 3544 viewers

Uy! Ka barrio, kung first timer ka dito sa Barrio Siete o kaya naman ay napasaya ka ng aming mga writers, inaanyayahan ka naming mag subscribe sa RSS Feed namin! Pwede mong gamitin ang Google Reader para dito.

Powered by WP Greet Box WordPress Plugin

reynz7 is