I was probably one of the few in our high school class who appreciated what you, Tita Cory, stood for before you became the president.

Young as I was then I had and still have great interest in current events, global trends and world leaders. A far cry from what teenagers like me are interested in.

I wore yellow shirts and yellow shoes. I joined a local official’s soirees because he affiliated with Tita Cory’s ideals. Though I was disappointed later in him was another story.

Young as I was then, I gave my all, I bared my heart and thoughts to write a winning piece that I know will not just make me win a recognition but will help open the eyes of those who will read the piece, extolling the virtue of democracy and how this will help the country prosper and unite. Alas, none of the recognition I hoped for came. I was devastated but I had learned to accept the fact that even if I was not able to achieve my goal of winning, I know I was a winner for I wrote what I wanted to have known, and not what people expected to read from us.

I believed and I still do, in democracy. I admire you for living simply and inspiring people from all walks of life.

I shed tears when I knew of your illness. I shed tears when I learned you passed away at a time when everyone was sleeping in bliss. Though I do not know you personally, you have touched my life and millions more with your faith and the symbol of democracy and freedom that you stand for.

I know many scoff at you for being a religious and prayerful person but isn’t it that you said “Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things – with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing serene hope.”?

You are a beacon of hope for me, who has since given up any hope for this country to prosper. When the country has been threatened by instability, you stood up not only as a moral compass but as an anchor giving silent solace to people, like me, who not only question what is happening but want to take part in the changes that are so needed.

Yes, the country is in mourning. We weep because we have lost an inspiration. We cry because we feel empty.

After the tears have been shed, we should stand tall and continue the legacy you have started. And pray that real change will prevail.

Thank you, Tita Cory, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 11:47 am and is filed under Bits and Pieces, In the News, Interesting tidbits, Lessons in Life, My Thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.