The Last Goodbye

Anna Marie's Diary Entry
August 5, 2009

Today was a mournful, unforgettable, and historic day, not only for me but for the whole Philippines as well. It was the funeral of the Mother of Democracy, our beloved President Corazon "Cory" Aquino.

I am but one of the hundreds of thousands of people who joined the funeral procession from the Manila Cathedral to Manila Memorial Park. It was a long procession which took almost nine hours.

What I have witnessed was a great scenario, a scene which made me proud to be a Filipino. It is because I really saw how much our people love Tita Cory, how much they thank her for the democracy we're enjoying today.

Many people patiently followed the long procession despite the downpour of rain and the heat of the sun. They did not mind the dreaded A(H1N1) virus. Yellow ribbons and flowers filled the streets. Many people - rich or poor, folks, children, students, professionals, missionaries - most of them wearing yellow shirts, shouted "Cory! Cory!" whenever the convoy passed. Banners and placards expressing gratitude to President Cory could be seen everywhere. Where the funeral cortege passed, the world stopped. People would stop all the things that they were doing only to see and thank Tita Cory. Some folks even cried upon seeing the funeral convoy. It was a cry of sadness for the loss of a special one who restored our country's democracy. It was for someone who led a peaceful revolution which is now being copied by other countries. It was for someone who accepted the presidency not to fulfill an ambition but a mission.

I don't know President Cory much, but for me, she was a good leader, a good mother, and a good child of God. For many Filipinos her deeds and she herself is unforgettable. We know she got a place there in heaven and also in our hearts.

Thank you, President Cory!

* from the homework of Anna Marie S. Lomenario, II-Acacia. The students were asked to imagine being at Mrs. Aquino's funeral and write their observations, thoughts, emotions about what they have witnessed.

Letters to the Future

(Please take note that these letters are in block style since the semi-block style is difficult to use in these posts.)


Barriada, Legazpi City
July 26, 2009

Dear 53 year-old me,

I think you already know what happened when we were 13. Let me ask about you then. What is our work? Are we successful? You know that I must be successful. You know what reasons we have in secret. What did I become, an engineer, a lawyer, a doctor, or a nobody? I know that I won't let myself be a nobody. I'll be studying hard and am going to work hard to be able to be successful.

Do I have kids? How many? Do I have twins? How many boys, how many girls? Who is my wife? My wife has to be beautiful not just from the outside but also from the inside. I need someone who understands me in different ways.

These are all the questions I want to ask you, my 53 year-old self. I hope you remember this night when I wrote this letter.


Truly yours,
13-year-old Aljo
(II-Narra)

***

Purok 5 Alcala
Daraga, Albay
July 28, 2009


Dear Pauline,

You know what? I am experiencing so many problems. I thought it is because I was born to be the unlucky girl, but I am learning that these problems are meant for me to learn and have enough wisdom when I grow up.

This thought helps me so much in remembering that I should not lose hope and do my best to have what I want to have. We have to be strong in every step of our life because in everything we experience, we learn. Our learning will make us successful in everything we do.

I hope you apply what I am learning and do what is right and that you are contented with what you have.


Yours,
Pauline
(II-Narra)

***

1643 Lakandula Drive
Daraga, Albay
July 27, 2009


Dear 53-year-old me,

I want you to know that I am having fun as a teenager. I have great experiences as a 13 year-old. Yes, I am growing older, but I am having fun. After all, the older I get, the wiser I get.

I wish I could see you but that is too impossible. I wish you have a great life and a better future ahead of you.

God bless and may God be with you.


Truly yours,
June Martin as a 13 year-old teenager
(II-Molave)

***

Dearest Me,

Hello! I guess you are a little bit old now. I wrote this letter from the past for you to read in the future. I am 14 years old when I wrote this. See the difference?

I will share and make you remember all the pieces of wisdom, experiences and moments that you've done during this time. High school... it is here you shared your laughs with your friends and loved ones. Right now I am funny, a good friend. I also shared my tears with my parents. I have learned many things. Remember what Mom said? "You aren't going to be a leader if you're lazy and don't use your initiative.

I hope you followed my dream of being head chef in a restaurant or a successful businessman. Don't forget your health, and Mom, Dad, and our brothers. Say "I love you." from me. I hope you are still with your family and your best friends, Ella and Jan Marie. Are you still single? It's okay. Don't forget: life is too short so make the most out of it. Bye!

Lovingly,
Leo
(II-Acacia)