The Last Farewell

She was finally laid to rest yesterday in a simple white tomb next to her husband, Ninoy. The beloved former President Corazon Aquino was laid to her final rest with military honours after her 5 days public funeral.

President Arroyo declared yesterday a holiday so that the nation can pay their last respect to the former president. I was watching the live telecast of the last mass until she was transferred from Manila Cathedral to the Manila Memorial Park. During the mass her youngest daughter Kris, delivered a speech that really made me cry. I was just 8 years old during the time of the first People Power and was not that fully aware of it's impact during that time. But yesterday, I felt really different. After reading articles about her life, she was indeed the person who restored Philippine democracy. Now, I understand why the people who joined the EDSA 1 who were also some of the people who marched the streets, braving the rain yesterday just to see her casket, gave her so much love and respect.

Thousands of people, wearing yellow shirts and flashing the "L" signs with their hands marched with the truck carrying her remains. There were also thousands waiting at the Manila Memorial Park since morning. The procession left the cathedral at11:30am and arrived at the cemetary at 7:30pm, almost nine hours of travel. While watching, I couldn't help but feel sad, but proud to be a Filipino, specially when the songs like Magkaisa (Sung by Sarah G.), Handog ng Pilipino (Sung by all the artist with the APO HS), and the Bayan Ko (sung by Leah Salonga) were sung. Ysterday was really a historical day.

I felt sad. I know her family feel the same but with the highest intesity. She's really gone now, but she will be remembered deeply.