Pres. Cory Aquino's Wake -- August 4, 2009

No photos inside the Cathedral. Well and good. It was improper.

I, together with a group of Xavier faculty and staff, were at the cathedral grounds at around 5 pm but we were only able to view the body at approximately 10 pm since necrological services and a mass afterwards were being held inside the church. We decided to wait first at the Chow King branch in front of the cathedral and then at the coffee shop beside it.

Many of us bought souvenirs of t-shirts, pins, umbrellas, and other stuff to remember this great woman and to while away the time.

Mr. Dee, a son in law of Mrs. Aquino later assisted us to get inside the cathedral through a side entrance.

When I heard of the president's death Saturday, August 1, I texted a Xavier colleague and together we made a resolution to go to the wake. I am happy that despite the rains, the long wait, and the surge of people, we persisted for this woman deserves all the show of affections that we Filipinos can afford to give.

Ako si Ninoy -- A Musical

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Other

It is a musical play based on the life of Ninoy Aquino and through the Xavier School, I was able to watch its gala show last Friday together with Mrs. Enaje and Mr. Perez at the Meralco Theater.

The rating of three that I am giving the play is rather deceiving because I actually liked it. Generally, that is. My expectations were not raised that high because I gullibly believed the show's promos which claimed that they are from Balic-balic and that the theater group was unknown. However, it was colorful, well staged, relatively intelligent, and fun. Not in the eyes of modernist aesthetics and high brow art probably but in my eyes as a viewer who just wanted to relax and enjoy theater. Maybe, if I am from a younger set of audience, I would have enjoyed it even more.

I cried in the end, too. Maybe, I have been primed for it because of the recent death of President Aquino, who I now can proudly proclaim, my favorite Philippine president. The show and the existence of the theater group and the foundation which supported it gave me another reason to hope for a better Philippines--that the society that we dream of and which some of our politicians continues to destroy will be achieved within my lifetime. It will be slow but it will be achieved nonetheless. Peacefully, fully, and deeply. I believe for I am Ninoy.

Finally Posted: 1B Recollection

I barely knew the class having handled them a mere two days before a long break but the recollection proved to be successful and laid a positive foundation of camaraderie for the year. Thanks to Miss Biron for substituting as class adviser.