The History of Her Story: Remembering Cory 5 years later
MANILA, Philippines - Five years after her death, President Cory Aquino, the lady dressed in yellow, still shines in the heart of her supporters.
In a special photo exhibit presented by PeopleAsia magazine, Ayala Malls, Tiger 22 and The Philippine STAR, at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City, the public was given a glimpse into the extraordinary journey of the late President — from her marriage to the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. to the People Power Revolution in 1986, which restored democracy in the country and changed the course of history.
Aside from the significant events of her political career, captured by close-in photographer Val Rodriguez and veteran STAR photographers Manny Marcelo, Joven Cagande and Edd Gumban, the exhibit also shares the happy, private moments of her life. The selection of photos spans her school years in St. Scholastica’s College to family time in Boston.
These rare and never-before-seen photos were handpicked from the albums of her only living sister Passy Cojuangco-Teopaco, niece Sasa Cojuangco-Araneta, Margie Juico, and from the collections of the Aquino Center and Museum and the Ninoy and Cory Foundation. Cory’s dresses by designer Paul Cabral, paintings given to close friends PCSO general manager Joy Rojas and Swatch’s Virgie Ramos, as well as Cory’s very first painting, given to eldest grandchild Jiggy Cruz, were also on exhibit. Commemorative stamp designs were also unveiled.
“This is always an emotional time of the year — not only for myself and my family, but for millions of Filipinos whose lives were touched by my parents,” said President Noynoy Aquino during the unveiling. “It is a time when we cannot help but remember everything they stood for — whether it was the strength and hope they displayed in the face of overwhelming odds, especially during the height of Martial Law, or their compassion and integrity in serving the Filipino people.”
Siblings Ballsy Cruz, Pinky Abellada, Viel Dee and Kris Aquino were in attendance as well as Vice President Jojo Binay, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, The Philippine STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte, Ayala Corp. president Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and Bobet and Ruthy Vera of Quest Broadcasting Network and Tiger 22 respectively.
“It is our privilege to host this tribute in the Ayala Malls to be able to remind people, especially the youth, of the central role that former President Cory Aquino played in restoring the democracy and freedom we now enjoy,” said Zobel de Ayala, sharing his admiration for the late President.
The Cory exhibit will run at various Ayala Malls starting at Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive until today; Alabang Town Center Activity Center on Aug. 11 to 17; TriNoma Cinema Lobby on Aug. 18 to 24; Greenbelt Gallery on Sept. 1 to 7; and Fairview Terraces Activity Center on Sept. 8 to 14; while PeopleAsia’s “Five Years Later: Remembering Cory” is available in leading bookstores and newsstands nationwide.
Special thanks to The Philippine STAR, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Magic 89.9, Wave 89.1 FM, Jam 88.3, 103.5 K-Lite FM and 99.5 Play FM, Cabalen and Coca-Cola.
