Tita Cory’s Cortege via Ayala Avenue

At around 10 a.m. today, we received an email from our HR Department informing us that employees are allowed to proceed to Ayala Avenue to witness the funeral procession of the late President Corazon Aquino.  The cortege was expected to pass by that main street of Makati from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. And so, as an obdient employee a simple citizen who wants to pay her last respects to the president, together with my colleagues, I went to Ayala Avenue. It was nearing noontime where the sun is in its brightest, but we, along with a lot other workers in Makati, did bother the heat.

At the time we arrived, there were already a lot of people in the streets.

It was exactly 11:30 a.m. and we have been hearing updates from radios, handheld tv and cellphone calls that Tita Cory’s convoy has entered Ayala. But that was some 5 to 6 blocks away from where we were. People kept pouring in as minutes went by.

Another 30 minutes went by and still the convoy is no where to be seen. Not even advance parties. So, we opted to take the chance to get some proofs that we were really there in that momentous event. Sorry po Tita Cory, nagpictorial kami while waiting for you.

We were literally in the middle of Ayala Avenue

With colleagues

With more colleagues

We waited for another hour. We heard music getting near us. A song so very familiar that would instantly remind people of the 1986 revolt. A vehicle escorted with lots of people rolled towards us made everyone sing “Magka-isa”. It was really a tear-jerking moment.

And then at exactly 1:30 p.m., the crowd got busy as Tita Cory’s remains slowly approached our location. We were lucky to have stationed in that very spot. We’ve got a closer look at her remains.

Peping and Mikee Conjuanco

When the late president’s remains passed by, people were shouting her name “Cory! Cory!”. It was really something worth witnessing. It’s like reliving the 1986 events.

The family’s coaster immediately followed Tita Cory’s remains. There were a lot other public figures we saw. One was Dinky Soliman boarded in a coaster and shouted “Ituloy ang laban ni Cory!” Senator Drilon, on the other hand, was on a different bus who waved to the people and made the “laban” sign.

And I was so glad to be there. It was way past lunch time. Mainit. Nakakagutom. Nakakapagod tumayo at maghintay  ng dalawang oras in high heels. And yet,  Tita Cory’s remains passed by in less than 3  minutes. But it was all worth it. That was the least I could do for Mrs. Aquino.

Still,  I don’t want to say goodbye… but say THANK YOU, MRS. PRESIDENT!