MANILA, Philippines - There is only one way to describe Cory Aquino as a painter: She was all art and all heart.
Her brushstrokes were done with passion, whether for a still life of roses in a vase, or a figurative artwork. I saw this during a visit to her Times Street residence many years ago for a dinner with my Theresian classmates led by her appointments secretary Margie Juico. After dinner, Tita Cory proudly showed us her studio where works in progress revealed a disciplined hand and an eye for hues.
Years later, I felt even prouder for Cory when I saw her artworks being toted via pretty handbags by her dearest friends. What was obvious was that she loved sharing her art.
“Years ago, I started to learn how to paint and ever since then, it has become my favorite hobby. Painting helps to relax me, specially after a very busy day. In fact, it gives me a feeling of peace and joy. It has made me happy whenever my friends tell me that they like my paintings,” Cory said after Sanyo requested of her the honor of carrying her artworks in their calendars and postcards.
A devoted lover of art, Cory once told friends that one of her happiest moments was when Ninoy Aquino gave her a portrait of herself done by Amorsolo for her 21st birthday. “Ninoy really knew what would make me happy. No one in my family ever had such a portrait.”
Cory made her friends happy during her post-Malacañang years as a prolific painter.Ever gracious, she would surprise them with paintings for special occasions.
Painting was this freedom fighter’s hobby, therapy and luxury. Whenever events painted a not-too-rosy picture for her country, she painted roses. But certainly not without thorns.