Notebook
Twenty-six years later, last August 1, CORAZON COJUANGCO AQUINO, PHILIPPINES' FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT, finally joined her husband - the late BENIGNO "Ninoy" AQUINO, JR., in the Land of Eternal Rest un-smeared by the Philippines' dirty politics!
The late Senator Ninoy Aquino was the most outspoken critic of the late President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos even prior to Martial Law on September 21, 1972. Ninoy was also the first to be arrested immediately after the martial law declaration. In 1983, Ninoy died from an assassin's gunshots on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport (or MIA, later named Ninoy Aquino International Airport)! He was coming home from the US where he was "in exile" for several years, while continuing to fight the Marcos regime.
As a rejoinder to our publisher's (Veronica's) column last month, when Cory Aquino and her young children were on their way to the Philippines immediately following the assassination of her husband, Veronica and I were the only Filipino American press people who joined the mainstream reporters in interviewing Cory at the O'Hare Airport. I also took Cory's picture with her kids which I used in my story published in the Philippine News. For some years, I was a PhilNews Chicago correspondent; Veronica was a regular columnist ("Chi-Town Chatter") much ahead of me.
Veronica and I saw the birth of the "Movement for a Free Philippines" in Chicago, headed by then Sen. Raul S. Manglapus and Heherson Alvarez (who turned snobbish when they were back to power in the Philippines.) At the helm was then PhilNews publisher Alex Esclamado and his brod, Vic Esclamado for Chicago. Veronica and I were two of the MOST ORIGINAL, FEARLESS and DEDICATED MEMBERS of the MFP! Despite my "Senior Moments" right this minute I could name a few GENUINE FIGHTERS like the late Primo Mendoza, the late Mr. Taruc (brother of Hukbalahap Supremo Luis Taruc); Dr. Jojo Villalon (now living in California. I used to travel with him to California and other states promoting the MFP); Eugene and Belen Asidao; Cesar Arellano; Luchi Aforong; Diosdado Macapagal (not the former president); Rey and Dulce Baguilat; and few others. Of course, I could also name some "balimbings" or fair-weathered members who docked under the chairs during picture-taking, especially those "social butterflies" we dubbed as "Blue Ladies of Mrs. Ofie Sanchez," wife of the then Consul General Rodolfo Sanchez. They were scared like rabbits to be identified as MFPs for fear of not getting invited to the socials and soirees hosted by Mrs. Sanchez or the Philippine Consulate. Veronica and I were classified as "persona non-gratas" on the consular list as we were members of the "rebels."
At one time, ConGen Sanchez personally confronted me in front of his guests and told me I was not welcome to the Philippine Consulate! At that time, I was not even a naturalized American citizen. I was still a PINAY by citizenship! To this day, I still keep the letter he sent me to this effect. And a lot more mementoes of "who's who and who's not" in my file or better yet, pile!
FUNNY THING... after Martial Law was lifted and when President Marcos and his family were exiled to Hawaii -- all the fakes and balimbings MFP kuno in- hiding, came upfront, bright and bushy tailed, some of them too eager-beaver to give interviews to the mainstream media at paiyak-iyak pa (shedding crocodile tears in front of the network cameras) expressing their "hatred" towards the Marcos regime! As what former President Marcos himself used to call his political nemesis: "Nakakahiya!" (What a shame!).
Watching those "balimbings" on the tube or reading their inteviews in maninstream newspapers made Veronica and me and the genuine MFP members feeling sick in our stomachs! That was part of Philippine deceptive history in America!
Back to Ninoy's assassination: Ninoy's heroism helped his widow, Cory, a "simple housewife"-- topple down the more than two decades of the Marcos martial rule regime! Sporting an "L" emblem (thumb and pointing finger up) for the Pilipino word "Laban" (Fight) and Cory's favorite YELLOW-color dress for women and shirt for men, the "Tita Cory" (Aunt Cory) "People Power" was born and spread like wildfire among the emotionally-charged Filipino masses who were thirsty for a democratic form of government!
The "simple housewife" Tita Cory was elected in 1986 as the FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT of the REPUBLIC of the PHILIPPINES! Like former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos who placed the Philippines on the map of the world on account of her extravagance, rubbing elbows with the rich and the famous, and promoting the highest form of the Arts in the Philippines, President Corazon C. Aquino "the Freedom Fighter," put the Philippines on the map of the world. She became an instant Heroine for Democracy and a bloodless revolution, like Gandhi. In 1986, President Cory was invited for lunch at the White House by no less than U.S. President Ronald Reagan; Secretary of State George Schultz followed by a banquet in her honor; more important of all, Cory was guest speaker at the Joint Houses of the United States Congress on September 18, 1986. On the same year, Cory made it on the cover of TIME Magazine when this prestigious magazine proclaimed Cory as "Woman of the Year"! Another important chapter in the History of Philippine politics!
Well, as the world had seen it, Cory did not possess any leadership capabilities. One good reason why -- to me, the current oglings of some of our Kababayans 'back home to elevate Cory to "sainthood" (ugh) or as a "National Hero" after her death. is a little too much show of veneration like worshipping a puppet god. It shows the writings on the wall how some Filipinos in this Millennium Age still keep alive their fanaticism and ignorance, hence, they continue to be victims of unscrupulous politicians and as slaves (in their own country) of some foreigners/investors. Hence, the rampant emergence of cultism in the guise of religion.
Let's face it. Cory's "sacrifices for our country" are nowhere near to what the Philippine NATIONAL HERO, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal, had done fighting (mostly with his pen, "mightier than a sword") against the tyrannies and oppression of Spain, which culminated to his death by a firing squad right under the noses of his own countrymen, also fearing for their own lives!
Realistically, Cory's name was not spared from government-related questionable issues during her administration, like those issues related to Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac, the Turf of the Aquino and Cojuangco Dynasty! Cory was no saint not to take the issues sitting down when she had a falling out with her actress-daughter Kris' on her alleged relationship with a married man (a very immoral slap on Cory). After all, she was a human Mother, like anybody else.
Cory's plus side: Cory's ascension to power as the Philippines' First Woman President may have influenced the election of current Woman President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who according to the most current press reports, is re-tracing the "extravagance" of Mrs. Marcos as shown by the MILLION DOLLARS EXPENSE TABs of her (Arroyo) current visit to the United States! (Quo Vadis, Philippines, my Philippines?)
Undoubtedly, Cory's faith and devotion to the Virgen Mary will lead her to Heaven. But... canonize Cory for sainthood? Give me a break!
Our condolences to her bereaved family; one or two of them may soon follow their Dad's (not their Mom's) political trails with the strength of a bull! On the humane side, let me share with our dear VT readers, the following letter of the late Ninoy Aquino to their first-born daughter, Maria Elena, nicknamed "Ballsy," on her 18th birthday. Ninoy wrote the letter in his jail cell in Laur, Nueva Ecija, when he was on the verge of losing his hope to Freedom. It is a very touching letter which sums up his humanness, his strong faith in God, his love for his family, and, more importantly, his love and devotion to his wife, Cory. This letter dated August 18, 1973, was shared to me via the internet.
Ninoy's very touching and heartwarming letter to his daughter:
"My dearest Ballsy,
I write you this letter with tears in my eyes and as if steel fingers are crushing my heart because I wanted so much to be with you as you celebrate your legal emancipation. Now that you have come of age, my love, a voice tells me that I am no longer young and, suddenly, I feel old. An old poet gave this advice very long ago 'when you are sad, remember the roses will bloom in December.'
" I want to send you bouquet of roses, big red roses from my dreamland garden. Unfortunately, for the present, my roses are not in bloom, in fact they have dropped all their petals and only the thorns are left to keep me company. I do think it is fitting to send you a thicket of thorns on this memorable day!"
"I am very proud of you because you have inherited all the best traits of your mother. You are sensible, responsible, even-tempered and sincere with the least pretenses and affection, which I vehemently detest in a woman. I am sure like your mother, you will possess that rare brand of silent courage and that combination of fidelity and fortitude that will be the life vest of your man in the tragic moments of his life."
"During my lonely hours of solitary confinement in Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija last March and April with nothing else to do but pray and daydream, with only my fond memories to keep me company, I planned a weekend barrio fiesta for you in Tarlac for your 18th birthday. I fooled myself into believing that my ordeal would end with the fiscal year. I planned to invite all your classmates and friends and their families for the weekends."
"The schedule called for an early departure by bus from Manila and the first stop will be Concepcion, where lunch will be served by the pool. And, after lunch, you were to visit the Santa Rita Elementary School to distribute cookies and ice cream to the children of that public school where you were first enrolled."
"I guess sheer nostalgia prompted me to include Santa Rita. We were only three then: Mommie, you and I. Those were the days of happy memories, little responsibilities, tremendous freedom, a great future ahead and capped by a fulfillment of love. You are the first fruit of our union, the first proof of our love and the first seal of our affections. From Concepcion, we were to proceed to Luisita for the barrio fiesta. I intended to invite a friend who could roast an entire cow succulently. Swimming, pelota, dancing and eating would have been the order of the day. Sunday morning was reserved for a trip around the Hacienda and the mill and maybe golf for some of the parents and later a picnic-lunch on Uncle Tony's Island. Return to Manila after lunch. I am afraid this will have to remain as one of the many dreams I had in Laur."
"Our future has suddenly become uncertain and our fate unknown. I am even now beginning to doubt whether I'll ever be able to return to you and the family. Hence, I would like to ask you these special favors. Love your mother, whose love for you, you will never be able to match. She is not the greatest mother in the world, she is your sincerest friend."
"Take care of your younger sisters and brother and lavish them with the love and care I would like to continue giving them but am unable to do so. Help Noy-noy along and pray hard that he will grow to be a real, responsible man who in later years will protect you all.
You are the model for your three younger sisters. Your responsibility is therefore great. Please endeavor to live up to our highest expectations. Be more tolerant to Pinky, more accessible to Viel, our little genius-princess, and more charitable to Krissy, our baby doll, and make up for my neglect."
"Finally, forgive me, my love, for not having been an ideal, good and thoughtful father to you all as I pursued public office. I had hopes and high resolve of making up, but I am afraid my destiny will not oblige."
"I seal this letter with a drop of tear and a prayer in my heart, that somehow, somewhere we shall meet again and I will finally be able to make up for all my lapses, in the kingdom where justice reigns supreme and love is eternal." "I love you, Dad "
AND BY THE WAY: CALLING ON ALL GENUINE MFP members! How about us getting together after all these years? Yes or no, please call me (Elsie) at 773) 792-1535.
Now, back to our CHICAGO COMMUNITY...MERLY FAMARIN PERRICONE, for PNAI president
You would know you are an active community leader once you know this lady -- Merly Famarin Perricone, R.N., alumna of Santo Tomas University, College of Nursing. In our Chicago community, wherever there's action, she is always there, lending her helping hand to raise funds for various projects to help the poor and neediest Filipinos back home, the International Lions Club, or other local non-profit organizations right in her own backyard.
Merly is deeply involved with so many organizations and to everyone's surprise, including this columnist, Merly delivers! She is a very dependable, hardworking community leader. Another big responsibility she is prepared for is the executive chairmanship of the Philippine Week Committee (PWC) 2010.
I can write a book about Merly's community and humanitarian services as well as her numerous awards, but in the interest of time and space, that could come later. Right now she is running for president for the Philippine Nurses Ass'n. of Illinois or PNAI, where she's been a hardworking officer for several years. With her experience, honesty, integrity and dedication, Merly will be an asset to PNAI and to its general membership. Included in her platform are (just to mention a few): to recruit new members; update all able Lifetime members; do fundraising for scholarship and other PNAI charitable projects like the "Kababayan " relief fund, and to improve the Visibility, Viability, Vitality and Integrity of the Philippine Nurses of Illnois, Inc.
As my longtime friend and Sis in our Filipino International Couples Society or FICS for which she and her late hubby Frank Perricone were past presidents, Merly's most endearing human qualities I know is -- she remains calm even when intimidated. No less than our VT publisher Veronica Leighton said of Merly: "She never gets angry, she just smiles." Merly just lost her beloved "honeybee" Frank, about a year ago, after over 40 years of a happy marriage. Good luck, Merly. Thumbs up to your candidacy as PNAI's next president. The PNAI Election will be held on Tuesday October 13, 2009, either by write-in or by personal vote as long as voters follow the electoral process. Venue is the Holiday Inn Hotel in Oakbrook, Illinois, 22nd St., West of 83rd in Oakbrook.
Announcements from former VT columnist and CPRTV news anchor Edwin Tumlos: It's not yet late to watch CIRCA Pintig's play "Sister Outlaw" by Lani T. Montreal, which has been running since August 13 through September 6, Thursday-Saturday 8 pm; and Sundays 3 pm, at the Dream Theatre 556 W. 18th, Chicago. Co-directed by Giau Trung, the cast includes Je Nepomuceno, Lovien " Joey" Flores, Louie Sison, Chip Payos, Frankie Suda and Giau Truong, with music by Demetrio Maguigad and production design by Louie Sison. "Sister Outlaw" is a drama about love, friendship and immigration in its many splendored and gendered things. A comic yet touching story of Marina, a "femme Filipina" lesbian, and Joey, a high-spirited dyke who is set to move heaven and earth so Marina can stay in the country -- even if it means getting her brother Jason involved in this relationship of hidden love and unexpected liaisons. Carrie, a ramp-swaying transgender friend of the family adds her wit and panache in analyzing the ensuing 'love triangle.' The situation goes wacky when Joey and Jason's Mother makes a surprise visit turning the whole event into a 'coming out' party for everyone.
Please support our young people in keeping our Filipino culture alive in America. Tickets at $10-18. Student and group rates available at discounted price. For reservation and sponsorships, call (312) 353-0138 or (773) 931-6122.
The National Federation of Filipino American Association (NAFFAA), will hold its 4th regional confab from Sept. 4-6, at the Wyndham O'Hare Hotel, with representatives from Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin, attending to discuss important issues affecting the Filipino Americans. Current regional chair is Dr. Evelyn Natividad. For more information, please call Flor Clarito at 847) 568-9338 or Evelyn at 773) 426-5459.
From your Notebook columnist: Calling all SILLIMAN UNIVERSITY ALUMNI and FRIENDS: On behalf of the officers, I am inviting you to join us in our "Loyalty Fundraising Dinner and Induction of Officers" on October 31 (Saturday), at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Shiller Park. Proceeds will go to the on-going projects on campus in Dumaguete City and other missions. For more info, please call me (Elsie, immediate past president) at 773) 792-1535, and Tonette Guatelara Geary, president at (773) 622-2954. Daghang salamat. Thank you.
Community leaders, organizations and churches are welcome to email me their press releases to this columnist every first week of the month to: elsyniebar@msn.com
