MANILA, Philippines - Last Feb. 6, Anvil Publishing launched the book Cory: An Intimate Portrait II, Selected Tributes and Eulogies by Margie Penson-Juico. The first book was released on Jan. 27, 2009, about seven months before President Cory Aquino succumbed to colon cancer.
Soon after, Juico, along with an impressive list of people blessed with the presence of Tita Cory in their lives, felt it fitting to put together a book of tributes in memory of the remarkable woman.
The launch was held at the National Book Store Bestsellers Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas branch. A big turnout was expected, but nothing like the warm crowd that came to give their best wishes to the author and contributors in honor of President Cory.
Noynoy Aquino, who pleased the crowd with his speech, was warmly welcomed at the launching. Speaking in Filipino, he described the journey and experience of the books, and what they meant to his mother.
The message of thanks at the back of the book expresses the feelings of the Aquino family:
“Words cannot adequately express the great honor and humility we feel in the face of the love and affection bestowed on our mother, Cory Aquino, by so many of our countrymen…
“…most especially for all the men, women and children who braved the elements for hours on end to pay their last respects and to join us in procession.
“In mourning the loss of our mother, we are uplifted in witnessing what we Filipinos can be when we are united with genuine caring for a loved one and for one another.”
The book, which is edited by Margie Penson Juico, features contributors Sr. Remy Centeno DC, Ted Locsin Jr., Rene Saguisag, Philip E. Juico, Senator Noynoy Aquino, Rep. Ted Locsin, Jiggy Aquino Cruz, Sr. Mary Assumpta and Sisters, Mervyn Perez RN, Jovita T. Ramos, Dolores Dizon, Danilo A. Nicolas II, Bishop Soc Villegas, Bro. Roly Dizon FSC, Cristy Cuello Angeles, Jenny Lind Abadia, Boji I. Cabochan, Chippy Espiritu, Al Q. Ancheta, Ping de Jesus, Adolf S. Azcuna, Bro. Armin Luistro FSC, Mariasun Azcuna, Conrado de Quiros, Fr. Jun Sescon, Fr. Catalino Arevalo SJ, Emil Ong, Vicky Garchitorena, Bro. Mike Valenzuela FSC, Bishop George B. Rimando, Michael Charleston B. Chua, Sony Maramba, Bert Romulo, Anwar Ibrahim, James Carroll, Mayen P. Juico, Ariel Aguirre, Miguel Aquino Abellada, Kiko Aquino Dee, Nina Aquino Abellada, Mayor Fred Lim, Dr. Alex Ayco, Gina de Venecia, Nonie Uy, Jun Factoran, Sr. Remy R. Centeno DC, Paul Cabral, Ramon R. Del Rosario, Mayor Sonny Belmonte, Peping Cojuangco, Maur Aquino Lichauco, Ambassador Mercy Tuason, Mayor Jojo Binay, Mel. L. Mamaril, and Dr. Sansan Hortaleza.