Paalam, Tita Cory.

Yesterday despite the heavy rain, Oliver and I joined the thousand of people who awaited the funeral procession as our final respect to former Pres. Corazon C. Aquino.

Pres. Cory, or Tita Cory, to many of us died of cardio-respiratory arrest at 3:18am of Aug 1, 2009. Her son Noynoy immediately had a presscon regarding her Mom’s death; and that the family requested the public to give their family sometime for them to be with their beloved mother. Part of Noynoy’s message last Aug 1.

She would have wanted to thank each and every one of you for all the prayers and your continued love and support. It was her wish for all of us to pray for one another and for our country.

“Hinihiling po ng aming pamilya ang kaunting panahon para makasama namin ang aming mahal na ina."

Initially, Tita Cory’s body was brought to rest at Heritage Park then later that day was brought to De La Salle Greenhills for public viewing. Aug 3, her body was transferred to Manila Cathedral. The funeral procession from Greenhills to Manila took 5 hours. I even recall how Che was telling me how people really cheer for Tita Cory when the convoy passed at Ayala Avenue. I only seen the footages through the late night news that day, and it was overwhelming. It was like Ninoy’s funeral procession too when people went out the streets to mourn for the late Senator.

Again, that event happened yesterday during the funeral march from Manila Cathedral to Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque. She may be no longer in power but those supporters who came from different walks of life to witness her funeral cannot measure her charm. Cory Aqunino is a phenomenon, an icon of Philippine democracy. Moreover, I am proud to be part of this Philippine history.

From Tita Cory’s funeral procession, I captured some memento to keep me reminded of her fight for democracy.

This was around 11:30am, upon our arrival at Osmena Highway near Cash & Carry (Buendia). The public was starting to build up, and that Buendia flyover was already full of people waiting for the funeral. Oliver and I joined the huge crowd for the big wait.

The spirit of Edsa suddenly went back. And I was happy that Oliver remained patient nor he complained even if we haven't consumed anything yet. Would you believe that we content ourselves with a P20.00 boiled nuts and ampao (rice crispies).

And I considered myself so lucky to have this timeless photo during the event.

There was a heavy downpour but nobody wants to move out from the line-up. Everyone was in high spirit, cheering for Tita Cory’s name,

while our Philippine flag was proudly waved, and everyone raised with a Laban sign. "Ang sarap maging Pinoy!"

After almost 5 hours of waiting finally the funeral procession came. Aboard was Tita Cory’s casket placed on bed of flowers with four dignified military men as safeguard.

Coaster No. 1 (red coaster) shortly followed it. This is where the first family was. I saw Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda side by side. Jiggy Cruz (Tita Cory’s grandson) was holding a white cardboard with message “We Love You! Salamat”. Two buses followed, and personalities I’ve seen were Alfredo Lim, Mikee Cojuanco and husband Dudut Jaworski, Tingting and Peping Cojuangco, and mostly the Cojuangco and Aqunio clan.

There was no doubt that how the Filipinos loved Tita Cory. It was exceptional and I am not certain if this will happen again in our nation. The funeral took almost 8 hours to Paranaque. We were able to monitor the military honor given by the service men, and the final blessing of Bishop Soc Villegas on TV. I am so speechless and teary eyed when its time for the family to say Goodbye to their beloved Tita Cory. I went crying too. It is as if I was there witnessing all these as it happens.

Paalam, Tita Cory. I know you are now happy with your beloved Ninoy.

Clip from Tita Cory's Funeral procession.