Remembering Cory Aquino

Corazon "Cory" Aquino passed away on August 1. With her passing there have been several articles that have nicely provided her biography and captured her impact on the Philippines and the world. I won't recall her life story here as those articles fulfill the task. Instead, I offer my memory of Cory Aquino, the Philippines first female president.

As a Filipino-American, born and raised in California, who didn't make my first trip to the Philippines until I was 18 years old, my memories of Cory Aquino were from afar. But I can clearly recollect writing a report on Mrs. Aquino in elementary school as someone I admired. During this past US election season, there was a lot of talk about the possibility of Hillary Clinton becoming the first female US President or Sarah Palin as the first female US Vice President. Twenty-three years ago, Cory Aquino proved it was possible for a woman to successfully be in power.

Unassuming and devote, Cory Aquino was like one of your aunts, except she became President. She was a homemaker thrust into the spotlight after the assassination of her husband. She brought down a dictator, committed to service for her country and brought democracy back to the Philippines. She embodied the strength of sincerity. Today when we think about politicians we look for their hidden agendas. Cory Aquino's agenda was genuine - to improve the Philippines for its citizens.