Thanks 1986 Time Magazine Woman of the Year Corazon C. Aquino

The Latin phrase "Vov Populi Vox Dei" or its English equivalent "The Voice of the People is the Voice of God," was evident in the world's first ever bloodless revolution orchestrated by millions of Filipinos last February 1986. Filipinos from all walks of life demonstrated the essence and true meaning of the words unity, bravery and love for country. Spearheaded by the charismatic Corazon "Cory" Aquino the Filipinos with their unending and unwavering clamor for democracy toppled the oppression of an authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos, a rare feat that fuels separate bloodless revolt in Germany, Czechoslovakia and Romania several years later. With this sweet triumph of mighty Filipinos, Corazon Aquino was gallantly installed to the Philippine Presidency, guaranteeing that democracy will flourish once again and will lord it over in a nation that is considered to be the citadel of Christian Faith and bastion of love for freedom. President Cory Aquino on behalf of the freedom loving Filipinos gained worlwide nods, praises and recognition all over the world.

Cory Aquino went on to become the first ever president in her native country Philippines and even in the entire Asia as well. She earned a rare nomination for the much coveted and prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. She is the only Asian and only the third woman ever to be picked by Time's Magazine as Woman of the Year Awardee in 1986 (the other two woman selected were Queen Elizabeth II and Wallis Simpson). Cory Aquino is also the run away and hands down winner as the top newsmaker in 1986 in several countries like Spain, France, Saudi Arabia, Japan and Israel. She was given a special tribute in Newsweek in its March 1986 edition as a cover girl. She also had the longest rousing standing ovation ever given to foreign dignitary, when she delivered a speech in the US Congress during her state visit in US. Alas, on the 60th anniversary of Times Magazine, Cory Aquino graced the Time Magazine again as a cover girl, and was featured as one in the lists of Asian heroes along with her compatriots billiards shark and world champion Efren "Bata" Reyes and Inquirer founder Eugenia Apostol.

With all of these great achievements of Cory Aquino, Filipinos are certainly very proud of her. But not all is well during her term. Cory Aquino's rise to power was often challenged by Coup d' etat engineered and initiated by the rebels during her presidency. Still, with God's help Cory Aquino's and her people endured and thwarted seven (7) coup attempts (1989 uprising of RAM YOU proved to be the most bloodied and serious as it claimed 50 lives and more than 200 were injured) a truly good break to a well educated and privileged housewife that never expected of becoming a president. A mother of five and a loving wife to one of the greatest Filipino that had lived Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Cory Aquino wasn't been able to transform her country into an economic tiger in Asia no thanks to the immense problem left by ousted president Fidel Marcos. Philippines can't be able to shake off the economic problems and issues affecting the country. Cory Aquino, still, is one of the well cherished, respected and well-loved Philippine president, a testament of this is the recent survey conducted in the Philippines that would claim that Cory Aquino was the least corrupt leader. Cory Aquino is an enigma, a portrait of a perfect loving wife, and a genuine leader with real compassion to her people. She carried well the cudgel deserted by his husband, Ninoy Aquino, dubbed as the "Wonder Boy" who was assasinated when he comeback to the Philippines from an exile to challenge Marcos in August 1983. Cory Aquino together with the support of millions of Filipinos continued the golden objective of his husband of ousting a dictator that shellacked freedom and equality in the Philippines.

But sad story sometimes do happen even to the one of the most cherished persona in the world. The Philippines is now lamenting the loss of one of its greatest leader of all time. Corazon C. Aquino last breath was extinguished last August 1, 2009 finally her ending 16 months intense battle with colon cancer that gave her excruciating pain.

Now that you're now journeying to an uncharted territory to meet your Creator, Ma'm please have with us our prayers and our million thanks to you. The unforgettable moments you've shared to the Filipinos and to all freedom loving people across the planet will always have a place in our heart and mind. The nation will be painted once again with yellow color. The Laban sign will surely be remembered and can be spotted again in newspapers and television nationwide. The flowers handed by those who join the revolt to military men will again be recalled. The candles that lit the EDSA along with those compassionate prayers will be cemented forever in the hearts of people whose thirst for hunger for much needed change was finally quenched. The songs "Magkaisa" (Unite), Bayan Ko (My Nation) and "Handog ng Filipino" (The Gift of the Filipinos) will be played again and again in radio, television and in schools. Your heroic act and love for your country will always be part of every Filipinos. Alas, the magic you've weaved truly captivated and inspired the Filipinos and all freedom loving abroad.

The world is saddened with the loss of Cory Aquino, here are the excerpts from the statements of different leaders and foreign dignitaries:

"Her courage, determination and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplifies the best in the Filipino nation. On behalf of the American people, the president extends his deepest condolences to the Aquino Family and the nation of the Philippines." --- A statement coming from the US President, Barack Obama which was read by White House Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs.

"I extend my deepest condolences to the Aquino Family and all the people of the Philippines on the death of former President Corazon Aquino." ---- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

"The Philippines lost an inspiring statesman while China, in sharp grief, bereaved of a sincere friend." --- Chinese Embassy

"Those discussion left me an overwhelming sense of her grace, charisma and compassion. The Philippines has lost a wonderful leader who is widely admired in Britain for fer courage and inspiration." --- British Ambassador, Peter Beckingham

Fact Files

Cory Aquino was not keen on entering the politics, she was even one of the 11 member of the Selection Panel of the joint coalition of opposition whose main objective is to unseat Ferdinand Marcos, and it turned out the one that was chosen to select was eventually chosen as a presidential bet.

Pitted against a Goliath, Cory Aquino is expected to have a rough and tough battle against Ferdinand Marcos in the 1986 Philippine Presidential derby. Marcos is equipped with ample political machinery, funds, clout and experience. Aware of this concerned Filipinos Launched "Peso para Kay Cory" (Peso for Cory), a political campaign whose goal is to collect funds for the political drive of Cory Aquino.

The term of Cory Aquino is a banner year for sports in the Philippines, Lydia De Vega was hailed as the fastest woman in Asia in the 1986 Seoul Asiad and in 1987 SEA Games the country hauled 59 gold medal the most out of its home turf.

During her term the Philippine Constitution was amended for good, microfinancing was launched which is tailored to help the poor people especially the women to have added income by engaging in small scale business, and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program of the Philippines was created to uplift the lives and conditions of the farmers.

Freedom of Speech is one of the greatest gifts Cory Aquino has given to the Filipinos.

Cory Aquino will be forever noted for her moral leadership, sincerity and an advocate of peace and democracy.

(I can't help but cry while doing this hub, as if I lost a part of my body, for I recalled the "People Power" that took place in EDSA while I was still a kid, and the spirit of Filipino's unity and love for freedom was felt all across the land. The momentous event was a rarity and with that achievement you will feel the essence of being a Filipino... Very proud of his unique yet versatile and prolific heritage.)

Thanks for reading my hub this is my sixth entry to the hubchallenge.