Bea Alonzo Profile
Bea Alonzo was born Phylbert Angellie Ranollo Fagestrom on October 17, 1987 is a Filipina actress and singer. Her father is British while her mother is Filipina.
Bea Alonzo had always dreamed of being in show business. Growing up without a father since the age of four,she has nonetheless managed to strike it out on her own.
She joined beauty contests at a very young age and she was moderately successful in this endeavor. It was in a small town beauty contest that she was discovered by famed Filipino fashion designer Oscar Peralta who then brought her to the attention of talent manager Archie Ilagan. The latter presented Bea to the head of the ABS-CBN Talent Center Johnny Manahan who inducted her into the Star Circle Batch 10. There she would be given a wide-range of acting lessons which later helped her land a part in the teen-oriented drama / comedy K2BU.
At the age of 15, she was cast as 20 year old law student Katrina Argos in the TV drama Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay.
Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay paved the way for the John Lloyd-Bea loveteam. They now have four successful teleseryes: It Might Be You, Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin and Maging Sino Ka Man and Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik.
In June 2008, She released her debut album The Real Me under Star Records.It was also in mid-2008 when Bea was announced to play the leading character of the most coveted role as Betty Pengson in the worldwide popular TV sitcom Yo Soy Betty La Fea originated from Colombia (the local Filipino version will be entitled "I Love Betty La Fea").
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Sis contests Kris' baby plan
The oldest sister of Kris Aquino is opposed to the idea of the actress-television host getting pregnant again.
Kris, who announced that she and husband cager James Yap are planning to have another baby, said on “The Buzz” Sunday that her Ate, Ballsy, is afraid especially after what happened to the wife of Makati Councilor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr.
Former actress Kennely Ann Lacia-Binay died due to complications arising from a difficult pregnancy.
“She said, ‘Krissy naman, if something happens to you next year, I will also want to die,’ [I told her], ‘Let’s pray. I won’t do anything scientific but, if it comes, that means God’s will,” Kris said, recalling her conversation with her sister.
Kris also had a difficult pregnancy with her second child, Baby James.
The Aquino siblings recently lost their mother, former president Corazon Aquino, who died after fighting cancer for more than year.
Following Mrs. Aquino’s death, many speculated that Kris might get involved in politics. Kris immediately shot down the speculation, saying her family is her top priority. She also announced her plan to have a baby girl.[Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com]
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Kris said she and her four siblings miss their mom terribly
Kris said she and her four siblings miss their mom terribly. She disclosed that up until now she still talks to the former president because she wants “to hold on and have conversations with my mom.”
“The Buzz” host admitted that she still cannot stop crying whenever she talks about her or do things that will remind her that her mom is no longer with her.
She said she even wrote down all the lessons she learned from her. And she cries every time she reads them, she added.
‘We all miss her. My sisters said, ‘Huwag ka nang umiyak sa TV.’ Kasi kapag umiyak [ako], naiiyak din sila. But I miss her. Nakaka-miss talaga,” she said.
Kris said there were instances when she could feel the presence of her mom. She said she felt her presence again before going to work Sunday.
“Kasi I kept saying kagabi, ‘Mom, I miss you.’ I think she was just trying to tell me, ‘Tigilan mo na. Huwag ka nang umiyak.’”
Kris promised to wear black in her shows up until her mother’s birthday next year.[Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com]
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Mar, Korina's wedding date set
Months after announcing their engagement on television, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and ABS-CBN News chief correspondent Korina Sanchez have finally unveiled the date of their much-anticipated wedding.
The high-profile couple announced on “The Buzz” that they are tying the knot on October 23.
The senator said they chose to get married in October because that month is special to them. Sanchez and his brother, Dinggoy, were both born in October, Roxas explained. Dinggoy passed away after battling cancer.
“[Iyong date na] 23 swerte sa amin ‘yan, both in astrology at Chinese calendar. Sa numerology naman sinabi nila 2 at 3 kapag pinagsama, 5, buntis. Maganda iyon,” Roxas said.
“The Buzz” reported that Roxas and Sanchez are still looking for the “perfect church” within Metro Manila. Among the churches being considered are Santo Domingo Church and Manila Cathedral, the entertainment show said.
Event organizer Mike Niñana said the couple wants a big church that will not only accommodate their respective families and friends but the public as well.
“Ang gusto nila invited ang public, magkasya. So ang importante, people's church. Pangalawa malaki, magkasya lahat, hindi lang iyong mga kaibigan nila. Alam mo naman sila public figures,” Niñana said.
The two have not been spared from speculations ever since they announced their engagement early this year. Rumor has it that Roxas, a possible presidential contender in 2010 elections, was merely using Sanchez for his political ambition.
The popular broadcaster, however, scoffed at insinuation that the two of them are settling down only to boost Roxas’ reported bid for the presidency.
The broadcaster told StarStudio magazine that she and Roxas, her boyfriend of five years, are getting married because they believe now “is the best time for both of us” to do so.[Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com]
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Willie Revillame says he may just leave show
The case of the “grossly unethical conduct” of “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame during the show’s Aug. 3 episode was the subject of an adjudication committee hearing at the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board offices in Quezon City on Thursday afternoon.
MTRCB chief Marissa Laguardia said Revillame and ABS-CBN, which produces and airs “Wowowee,” were asked to present evidence in their defense against the charge of violating Section 3c of PD 1986, for “being objectionable and contrary to ... customs and traditions paying respect to the dead.”
The complaint stemmed from Revillame’s objection to the insertion of videos of the late President Corazon Aquino’s cortege on the show. In a memorandum sent to the network on Aug. 11, Laguardia described Revillame’s behavior as a show of “arrogance and great disrespect to Filipino culture.” She said the TV host also violated the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas’ code of ethics.
The three-member adjudication board was chaired by lawyer Sonny Cases. Lawyers Mona Manalo and Cherry Cruz represented ABS-CBN. Revillame’s legal counsel Armando Marcelo attended on his behalf.
Another hearing has been set for Aug. 20.
Crucial hearing
Cases vowed to be “fair in resolving this case.” He said the show may be suspended or canceled, and if criminal liability is determined, “the guilty party” faces up to six years in prison. “Next week’s hearing is crucial,” said Cases.
Revillame is still on “indefinite” leave from the daily show even if Kris Aquino, in an interview on Monday on the late-night show biz program “SNN,” said her family has accepted Revillame’s apology.
Many viewers are apparently not as forgiving. At press time, 48,165 have signed an online petition seeking to ban Revillame from show biz. Revillame said he may just leave the show. “Even if I have the support of the network and the advertisers, kung ayaw na ng tao sa akin, what’s the use?”
Laguardia noted that another case has been filed against the TV host before the KBP. She said that, in a letter addressed to KBP president Herman Basbano, Arlene de Guzman-Ronquillo accused Revillame of “psychological violence” on account of some careless remarks
In October 2008, Ronquillo said, Revillame told a contestant: “May kaibigan ako gustong makipagkilala sa iyo ... binata daw siya ... si Raymond Ronquillo.” Raymond and Arlene are married, with children aged 12, 11 and 3.
Arlene said Revillame repeated the remark in March 2009 and that last July 28, Revillame said one of the dancers was Raymond’s ex-girlfriend.
Revillame told Inquirer that this case is already with his lawyers. “Raymond told me he had long split up with his wife,” he said. “They obviously have unsettled issues.”[Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer]
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Aquino siblings accept Willies apology
The children of the late former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino have accepted the apology of “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame. "For our family, we take Willie's apology for what it is -- an apology and we accept the apology. Wala po sa kamay namin kung ano ang mangyayari in the future, pero I can speak on behalf of my sisters and my brother, we accept his apology," Kris, Cory’s youngest daughter, said. The actress-host made this statement on “SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon” Monday night amid criticisms hounding Revillame. Kris returned to SNN after taking a break from work to take care of her ailing mother, who died on August 1 after fighting colon cancer for more than a year. Kris confirmed that Revillame talked to her two older sisters –Ballsy and Pinky – over the phone to apologize and explain his side. According to Kris, Pinky told Revillame that, notwithstanding his intention, some people probably got offended by the way he ordered the removal of the simultaneous live broadcast of their mother’s funeral procession from his noontime show last August 3. But Pinky said she and her siblings understood him, according to Kris. "Sorry siya ng sorry kay Pinky. And Pinky said, 'As far as I'm concerned Willie, it's finished. Let's move on. Okay, we accept your apology,’" Kris said. Revillame repeated his apology on August 9 when he talked to Ballsy. "Noong nagso- sorry si Willie kay Ate, sinabi ni Ate sa kanya, 'Alam mo Willie, noong time na nagkaroon ng problema ang puso mo…we were in Ate's house, kakakain lang namin ng dinner, naka-on ang TV sa TV Patrol. And niyaya namin ang mom na pumasok na sa kwarto kasi time na para mag-rosaryo." “And then mom said, ‘Wait, I want to know kung kumusta na si Willie.' And then Ate told Willie, 'Alam mo, mom really loved you and she really appreciated the fact na ang bait mo sa mga anak ni Kris.'" “And sinabi ni Ate sa kanya na, 'Willie as far as our family is concerned, nag-sorry ka na. Tinatanggap namin ang apology mo,’" Kris said. Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III also told Senate reporters that he was willing to accept Revillame’s explanation. “I take what he said at face value, na wala siyang insultong gustong iparating sa aming pamilya,” he said. He added: “Pero I understand he talked to our eldest sister, Ballsy, yesterday. At gusto ko lang tingnan, siguro nga naman hindi appropriate na may solemn occasion na parang kino-cover [tapos], on the other hand, meron kang show devoted to eliciting laugher and fun," Due to the controversy, Revillame went on an indefinite leave from "Wowowee." Sanctions Despite the Aquino siblings’ acceptance of Revillame’s apology, the Kapisanan ng Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) will still look into the issue. “It’s a mitigating factor on the fact that the family was not offended… kahit may mitigating factor, it does not mean the complaint is not valid… depende kung ang complaint that was filed ay nagme-merit ng sanctions,” said KBP vice chairman Ruperto Nicdao Jr. in a radio dzMM interview. The KBP, which ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. is part of, received complaints from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and Jerry Yap, president of Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamamahayag (AFIMA), with regard to Revillame’s “unethical conduct.” On Monday, Diana Gozum, chairwoman of KBP standards authority (SA), asked the ABS-CBN management to answer the complaints within five days. The letter is addressed to Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN corporate communications. Nicdao said SA will decide whether to file a case against Revillame and ABS-CBN once it receives their replies. Based on KBP rules and regulations, for first offense, the organization can slap a monetary fine and reprimand on both Revillame and ABS-CBN. “This might be a grave offense kung saka-sakali. Kung light offense, P5,000 [ang multa], kapag serious, P10,000, at kapag grave P30,000 at reprimand,” he said. For second offense, the group can slap a monetary fine on ABS-CBN and Revillame and order their suspension. “So, ang hindi ko sigurado ngayon, if there was a previous violation of the same sort kay Willie at ABS-CBN that will merit a suspension,” he said.
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com
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Willie Revillame violated code of ethics according to MTRCB
ABS-CBN noontime host Willie Revillame’s “objectionable" way of removing the live video of former President Corazon Aquino’s cortege from his popular midday program “Wowowee" last Monday violated the broadcast code of ethics, an official of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) said.
NO TO WILLIEThe online petition calling for TV host Willie Revillame's ouster from his "Wowowee" show in ABS-CBN has already attracted thousands of angry respondents.
As of 5 p.m. Saturday, Roel Saguisag's petition has gathered 16,642 signatures, with at least 40 new respondents every ten minutes. PetitionOnline noted that "Petition to Oust Willie Revillame" is the second most active petition on the site.
This is also the second time since Kevin Nadal's online petition for an apology from the "Desperate Housewives" producers in 2007 that a Filipino-made petition has generated such buzz on the site.
"Was it really hard for him to be humble and human?" Saguisag wrote in his petition, "Pres. Aquino taught us humility and Revillame is showing us the exact opposite."
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv
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Willie on leave 'indefinitely'
Willie Revillame is on leave “indefinitely” in the wake of the controversy generated by his order to cut the simultaneous live broadcast of the procession of President Corazon Aquino's remains from his noontime show last August 3. “Yes, naka-leave [siya]. From his (Revillame) own text [message] to me, indefinitely. Indefinitely, can be two days or three days,” Bong Osorio, head of ABS-CBN's corporate communications, told abs-cbnNEWS.com in a phone interview. In an interview with the entertainment website, Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), Johnny Manahan, a Star Magic executive, said Revillame "has been asked to go on leave" beginning Monday, August 10. Revillame, YES! magazine's most powerful entertainer, has been conspicuously absent from his show since Saturday. His female co-hosts, Mariel Rodriguez, Pokwang, Valerie Concepcion and RR Enriquez, have taken over “Wowowee” in his absence. "He feels isolated and beleaguered... I don't know when he will be back. Maybe, he will soldier on and do the two-week leave, or again, he may be back next week. Meanwhile, he has a real time to rest, be alone, and contemplate the future," Manahan told PEP. Manahan defended Revillame from critics who have lashed at the host for being "arrogant." Contrary to criticisms, the Star Magic executive said the “Wowowee” host is "simple, compassionate and a pushover." Manahan also pointed out that the "Wowowee" host would never disrespect the late former president and her family. Manahan admitted though that Revillame did not carefully choose his words when he ordered a stop to the live broadcast. The live broadcast showed the transfer of Mrs. Aquino's body to Manila Cathedral from La Salle Green Hills on August 3, prompting an irked Revillame to have it cut. Revillame explained that it was inappropriate to broadcast the funeral procession while they were having fun inside the studio. Revillame's action last Monday drew instant criticism from various quarters, particularly in various online forums. On August 4, Revillame publicly apologized, but said he was standing by his decision to have the simultaneous broadcast removed on air. He also disclosed that he had asked ABS-CBN entertainment production head Linggit Tan to remove it, and that he only blew his top when he saw the broadcast again on the screen. He also said that he never meant to offend people. He said his only intention was to give respect and make the occasion a solemn one. Osorio, meanwhile, said Revillame has already “apologized and the Aquino family has accepted it.”
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com
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Wowowee stampede
Wowowee! is a leading noon-time variety broadcast by ABS-CBN in the Philippines in which Willie Revillame is the main host. The show premiered on February 5, 2005 and airs live through weekdays and Saturdays. It is also broadcast worldwide through ABS-CBN's The Filipino Channel. The show is broadcast from ABS-CBN Studio 3 in Quezon City.
On Wowowee's first year anniversary, a mass tragedy happened when a stampede broke out on February 4, 2006 6:00 AM local time at the PhilSports Arena while people were waiting for the show to begin on 1:00 PM local time. 74 people died (according to reports, 71 were dead) and hundreds were injured. It is said that the cause of the stampede is on the line where people get tickets for the show and when the security of ULTRA closed, causing people to rush to enter the gates. Others say that a man shouted that there was a bomb, causing panic. It is the deadliest accident to have occurred in a television event in all the whole history of Philippine broadcasting. After the chairman of ABS-CBN, Gabby Lopez, accepted full responsibility for the tragedy, on March 11 of the same year, the variety show was relaunched.
On August 24, 2007, in a 7-page resolution the Department of Justice dismissed criminal charges against Revillame in connection with the infamous PhilSports Arena stampede. But Raul Gonzalez affirmed the charge against 14 other respondents, including ABS-CBN Network officials led by executive vice president Charo Santos Concio. A 5-man DOJ panel of prosecutors led by Atty. Dacera earlier ruled in an 80-page resolution that the organizers of the Wowowee game show were guilty of gross negligence.
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Magandang Tanghali Bayan Suspensions
Willie became a co-host of 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila on ABS-CBN in 1998. He then joined his former Lunch Date co-host Randy Santiago and John Estrada in a new noontime show Magandang Tanghali Bayan (MTB), which replaced 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila. He immediately bonded with his co-hosts and the three were noted for their comic chemistry.
The newborn triumvirate of Santiago, Estrada, and Revillame was noticed by the viewers. Criticism followed Willie's new-found fame as TV host. Some branded the new trio as a rehashed version of the more established Tito, Vic and Joey, their rival counterparts in the other noontime show, Eat Bulaga on GMA 7. Other viewers and critics denounced Willie for acting like a "sex maniac" with his vulgar behavior with the Calendar Girl contestants in MTB.
Magandang Tanghali Bayan started its first live episode on November 30, 1998. In August 1999, Randy, John and Willie were suspended by ABS-CBN from Magandang Tanghali Bayan because of the vulgar jokes that they threw at the contestants that joined the contest during the show's portion Calendar Girl. The suspension was meted after MTRCB, then headed by Armida Siguion-Reyna, issued a warning on ABS-CBN regarding MTB. A week later, the whole noontime show was suspended and was replaced temporarily by Esep-Esep.
In 2001, Willie was terminated from Magandang Tanghali Bayan after he defied orders from ABS-CBN management to refrain from making vulgar jokes. He was replaced in the show by the matinee-idol triumvirate of Marvin Agustin, Dominic Ochoa and Rico Yan†. Soon after, he started appearing as guest star in some GMA 7 shows, fuelling speculations that he will soon be transferring to ABS-CBN's rival network. But after guesting at GMA 7, there was no news coming from Willie's camp except for his appearance during an EDSA 3 rally.
When Magandang Tanghali Bayan went off air, it made a comeback with a different title Masayang Tanghali Bayan with almost the same group, plus new hosts. Then in December 2003, the MTRCB ordered ABS-CBN to terminate Willie from the show, when he remarked nasty jokes with Masayang Tanghali Bayan mainstay Mahal, but before the order could be carried out, the host-comedian filed his resignation instead. In January 2004, Willie appeared on ABS-CBN's The Buzz and made a tearful farewell appearance full of tears.
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Willie Revillame Profile
Willie Revillame was born Wilfredo Buendia Revillame on January 27, 1961, He is a lead Filipino variety show host, singer and comedian. He was hailed "highest-paid" and "most bankable" star in the Philippines from early 2007 to date. He had his biggest break in Philippine TV as host of noontime block ratings leader, Wowowee.
He earned a living as a professional drummer. He met his mentor, entertainer Randy Santiago, in 1986 while performing in a high school play, "Tikboy: Alyas boy Dragon", where he starred as the main actor "Tikboy". Santiago eventually hired Willie as his sidekick in the now-defunct GMA Network noontime show Lunch Date where Willie stayed for three months and was signed by Regal Films to star alongside Joey Marquez in the movie Bobocop (from Tagalog word 'bobo', meaning 'dumb'), a spoof of the hit Hollywood movie Robocop. Willie was then on cast in movies playing sidekick to other movie personalities like Philip Salvador, Rudy Fernandez, Edu Manzano, Cesar Montano, Aga Muhlach, Dolphy, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon. He married Princess Punzalan, daughter of broadcasters Helen Vela and Orly Punzalan.
Willie was married again to former beauty queen Liz Almoro in civil rites at Lipa, Batangas on March 2005 officiated by film star and town Mayor, Vilma Santos. This was followed shortly by a lavish church wedding in June 2005 that was sponsored by commercial entities and most probably ABS-CBN network. The wedding was adjudged by readers of YES Magazine as "Wedding of the Year" for 2005. He and his wife Liz now have a son, Juan Emmanuel (Juamee).
Despite the hoopla and extravaganza of Willie's wedding and on-air vows of love and devotion to his wife, it was finally confirmed that Willie's marriage is undergoing the process of annulment upon the instigation of Liz Almoro.
On July 16, 2007, he was charged before a Quezon City court (Criminal Case No. Q-07-147787) for allegedly abusing his estranged wife, Floralice "Liz" Almoro. Prosecutor Gibson Araulla Jr. recommended P 12,000 bail after he found that Revillame violated Section 5, RA 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act. Almoro alleged that Willie Revillame a) humiliated and shouted words of encouragement at her while he was holding their baby boy, b) that sometime May 2006, he allegedly tried to file her face off with a nail file and that c) he had "dirty sexual affairs'" with different men and women. In his counter-affidavit, Willie denied the charges claiming that he had difficulty performing his duty as husband allegedly because of Almoro’s explosive moods and hurtful tirades.
Willie Revillame has three daughters from previous relationships. One of his daughters, Meryl Soriano, is an actress. He is currently building his first real estate business Wil Theater Mall and will soon rise near ABS-CBN Eugenio Lopez Drive in Quezon City, Philippines.
He was named and voted upon as Top Most Powerful man in Philippine Showbiz by Yes! magazine Philippines' in 2008. The Yes Magazine April issue about 50 Most Powerful People in Showbiz were Willie Revillame tops is the most talked item in Philippine Entertainment Industry, many commented well about this controversy in blogs,forums and on online Pinoy Entertainment Portals. The news magazine also reveals that Willie Revillame earns 1 million pesos (Philippine Peso) a day.
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Kris Aquino goes back to work
TV host-actress Kris Aquino will return to work on Aug.10, five days after her mother, former Pres. Corazon Aquino was laid to rest at the Manila Memorial Park.
Kris' "Showbiz News Ngayon" (SNN) co-host, Boy Abunda, made the announcement on Aug. 6 on their showbiz-oriented program. He said that according to Aquino, one of Pres. Cory's last wishes for her was to immediately get back to work.
Kris has been on leave from her hosting chores on "SNN" and "The Buzz" since July 19 to care round-the-clock for her mother who was then battling colon cancer.
On "SNN," Kris recalled to Boy that during Pres. Cory's last days, she often asked Kris why she wasn't taping for her shows, or why she wasn't shooting for her new movie. Kris had always been vocal about Pres. Cory being her biggest supporter.
This is also the reason Kris was at first wary to report to work right away. "I'm sad because I know that Mom is no longer around to watch my shows," she told Boy.
Kris added that her husband, cager James Yap has resumed playing for the RP team, which is now competing in the 25th FIBA-Asia men's basketball championship in Tianjin, China. She said that her mom would always tell Yap how important it is to play for the national team.
On the same episode, "SNN" reported that Kris personally requested for Korina Sanchez and Ted Failon to anchor ABS-CBN's coverage of Pres. Cory's funeral. Kris, Korina and Ted hosted the public affairs "Hoy Gising" back in 1992.
Korina said that she was honored to be asked by Kris even if it meant breaking the leave of absence she took from TV news program "Bandila" and radio commentary "Tambalang Failon-Sanchez" on DZMM beginning May 9. She and fiancé, Sen. Mar Roxas, were also supposed to have Pres. Cory as one of their godparents in their upcoming wedding.
Ted expressed his appreciation for Kris who told him in an interview during the funeral coverage last Aug. 5 that Pres. Cory instructed her to visit widower Ted and his children. "Na-touch ako dahil naisip pa n'ya 'yun," he said.
Source: http://www.mb.com.ph
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Willie apologizes anew, MTRCB eyes sanctions
"I am asking forgiveness to those who were offended. I hope you understand I had no intention to offend. If there are people who were offended, I apologize. For myself, my intention there was to give respect and make the occasion a solemn one." This, in a nutshell, was TV host Willie Revillame's response to mounting criticism being leveled against him for ordering the removal of the video of President Corazon Aquino’s cortege, which was being beamed live simultaneously with his noontime show "Wowowee" last Monday. Willie said most reports coming out in Internet sites took his comments out of context since the funeral cortege was shown at least twice during the airing of "Wowowee." He said he called up ABS-CBN management immediately during a break to request that the video be removed since he felt that the show's jovial mood was inappropriate for the cortege's somber mood. He said he could no longer contain his emotions after seeing the seond update of the cortege. "My intention there was not to disrespect the former president but to give respect. Sana lang po ay habang nagluluksa tayo ay hindi kami nakikitang nagsasaya, parang hindi kami nakikidalamhati," he said in an ABS-CBN interview. "Kung ako'y hindi nila wine-welcome at sa tingin ko ho na ako'y hindi na welcome sa bawa't Pilipino, sa araw-araw na gusto nila makasama, ako po'y aalis na sa programa," he said. Outrage overflows vs Willie Revillame's action last Monday drew instant criticism from various quarters particularly in various online forums. An online petition, which has gathered 9,709 signatures as of 3 p.m. Friday, urged ABS-CBN management to sanction Revillame for his arrogance and for showing a bad example to the youth. It also urged advertisers to stop supporting "Wowowee" until Revillame is removed as host. http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?badwilly Lourdes Dee Dee Siytangco, spokesperson of the Aquino family, also issued a strongly worded rebuke against Revillame. The statement read: "It is regrettable and a crass attempt to desecrate the memory of the beloved Tita Cory." The Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamamahayag (Afima) also issued a statement condemning Revillame's action as a "blasphemy of democracy" and urged the Movie and Televisions Review and Classification Board to sanction the TV host. "He may have the right to demand it, but he never waited until the next commercial break to quietly do it. He expressed his angst against Corazon Aquino funeral being shown side by side his “Wowowee” right before the dumbstruck millions of Filipino viewers around the globe," Afima said. MTRCB: Willie violated KBP code The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, meanwhile, said it is eyeing possible sanctions against Revillame. It said Revillame's comments falls under MTRCB's jurisdiction and violates Presidential Decree 1986 Section 3c which states that the MTRCB may sanction portions of programs deemed "indecent, contrary to law and or good customs and injurious to the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines or its people." "It's really a violation of PD 1986 and the [Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas] Code. He should have had respect. He should gone off air," MTRCB Chairwoman Consoliza Laguardia said. She said the MTRCB will send a letter to ABS-CBN management next week about its decision on Revillame's case. Revillame, meanwhile, said he will respect the decision of the government censors. He added, however, that what is important is that he has already explained himself to the Aquino family. "Kung may pagkakasala ako at kailangan niyo akong ipakulong, e di magpapakulong ako," he said. "Ang importante ay nakausap ko na ang Aquino family. Natanggap nila na wala akong intensyon na mambastos sa kanila."
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com
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Aquino family spokeswoman rebukes Willie
A spokeswoman of the Aquino family on Friday issued a strongly worded rebuke against "Wowowee" host Willie Revillame for ordering the removal of the video of President Corazon Aquino’s cortege, which was being beamed live simultaneously with the noontime show last Monday. A statement from Dee Dee Siytangco, spokesperson of the Aquino family, read: "It is regrettable and a crass attempt to desecrate the memory of the beloved Tita Cory." On Monday a visibly irked Revillame ordered the immediate removal of the livestream video of Aquino's cortege, which was being shown simultaneously with his show. The controversial host explained that it was inappropriate to broadcast it while they were having fun inside the studio. He added that it would be hard for him to make the public happy when he could see on screen the casket of Mrs. Aquino. "Paano kami makakapagsaya [kung] nahihirapan kami? Huwag niyo akong papagalitan kasi totoo ang sinasabi ko. Pagkatapos ng show, ipakita niyo ang gusto niyong ipalabas. Kasi itong ‘Wowowee’ gusto ko, at alam din ni Tita Cory dahil napasaya rin siya ng show na ito, [dapat] laging masaya dito," Revillame said. His staff immediately removed the live streaming from the screen. No bad intention The host later apologized on television for his action and said he had no intention of hurting anyone's feelings. “Sa sitwasyon na ito, kung may nasaktan ako, I'm sorry. Sa pamilya Aquino, alam ng buong pamilya Aquino [na] wala akong masamang intention doon. Ayaw ko pong nagsasaya tayo dito, mayroon tayong labi na nakikita sa TV," he said on Tuesday. He said that prior to the incident, he called ABS-CBN entertainment production head Linggit Tan asking her to remove the live streaming. He told Tan that he does not want to come across as someone without a conscience. “Nakakahiya. Sabi ko, ‘ako ang nakaharap sa camera. Sa akin magagalit.’ Nagsasaya [ako]. Akala niyo wala akong konsensiya,” he said. He said he only reacted after he saw the funeral procession again on the screen. He also divulged that before the airing of his Monday show, he even told ABS-CBN management that he was willing to give way to the live coverage of Mrs. Aquino’s funeral. The host appealed for the understanding of the public. Revillame's action condemned Revillame's action drew instant criticism from various quarters. In their Facebook accounts, some people branded it as “utterly disrespectful,” “really bad,” and “damn stupid.” One online commentator wrote: "Very rude action on national tv. I condemn this act to the fullest. Very insensitive." Some, however, said ABS-CBN management was equally to blame for allowing "Wowowee" to air while Aquino's procession was ongoing. An online petition, which has gathered 9,709 signatures as of 3 p.m. Friday, urged ABS-CBN management to sanction Revillame for his arrogance and for showing a bad example to the youth. It also urged advertisers to stop supporting "Wowowee" until Revillame is removed as host. The Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamamahayag (Afima) also issued a statement condemning Revillame's action as a "blasphemy of democracy" and urged the Movie and Televisions Review and Classification Board to sanction the TV host. "He may have the right to demand it, but he never waited until the next commercial break to quietly do it. He expressed his angst against Corazon Aquino funeral being shown side by side his “Wowowee” right before the dumbstruck millions of Filipino viewers around the globe," Afima said.
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com
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The big showdown, at last: Martin vs Gary V.!
As they would say, mag-kakaalaman na.
Isn’t it high time we knew who really rules the concert scene, who performs better, who can shake the crowd to boiling point, who deserves to be ranked No. 1?
Martin Nievera or Gary Valenciano?
The big showdown, titled As 1, is scheduled, rain or shine, on Sept. 19 (a Saturday), starting at 8 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds.
No billing problems? Whose name should come first in the ads? Who gets a bigger talent fee?
The two considerable icons have guested in each other’s shows both here and abroad but it’s the first time they have agreed to do a concert together. Well and good. If not now, when? Kapag uugod-ugod na sila? You wouldn’t want your idols performing attached to, hmmmm, wheelchairs, do you?
I gathered a few comparison points between Martin and Gary V. (that kind of billing will have to suffice for now, but only in this corner) from people who have watched the two in their (solo) concerts, to wit:
• Martin is the better singer and Gary V. is the better dancer;
• Martin is an original while Gary V. is a Michael Jackson “clone” (something he has never outgrown and which he should bury...in MJ’s Neverland?);
• Martin is the total performer while Gary V. is Mr. Pure Energy; and
• Martin can entertain the audience not just with his singing but also with his gift of gab and comedic flair; while Gary V. spices up his singing with “body language” and a sprinkling of “religious” music.
Actually, I have a choice of who The One is but I’d rather keep it to myself. You, too, right?
Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano’s As 1 concert on Sept. 19 at the SM Mall of Asia Open Grounds is a production of Star Media Entertainment, Big Mouth Productions International and Management, Genesis Entertainment & Management, Inc. Avail of an early-bird promo and get 20 percent off in ticket prices. For details, check out the official concert posters or call Ticketnet at 911-5555 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.
Source: http://www.philstar.com
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Top singers turn Mass for Cory into mini-concert
Years from now, the funeral mass of former President Corazon Aquino at the Manila Cathedral on Wednesday will be remembered as one of the most star-studded Eucharistic tributes in Philippine history.
The requiem Mass, officiated by Bishop Socrates Villegas, brought together at least 10 of the country’s leading artists to pay tribute to the democracy icon.
From top: (1) Zsa-Zsa Padilla; (2) Martin Nievera and Regine Velasquez; (3) Ogie Alcasid - Screen captures from GMA NewsAll the song numbers were backed by the Ateneo Chamber Singers and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
During the Eucharistic celebration, Dulce sang “Your Heart Today" – a song composed by Fr. Manoling Francisco for Mrs. Aquino and her husband, the late Senator Ninoy Aquino. Actor Piolo Pascual performed his version of “Sa’yo Lamang."
But it was Zsa-Zsa Padilla, aka the Divine Diva, who reduced the family of Mrs. Aquino, especially her daughter Kris, to tears as she sang “Hindi Kita Malilimutan."
After the Mass, nostalgic mourners, many of whom were veterans of the anti-Marcos struggle, were transported back to the drama of the mid-80s by award-winning stage actress Lea Salonga's soaring rendition of “Bayan Ko" – a patriotic song written during the American occupation of the Philippines. [See: Lea Salonga's 'Bayan Ko' rendition brings mourners back to EDSA '86]
While the casket of Mrs. Aquino was being brought out of the Manila Cathedral, the golden voices of Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez and Concert King Martin Nievera comforted the mourners and well-wishers of the late president with their version of “The Prayer." As the procession started, SOP mainstay Ogie Alcasid performed “Pangako" while singer-composer Jose Mari Chan sang the poem “I Have Fallen in Love" composed by Ninoy for Mrs. Aquino.
Jed Madela sang “The Impossible Dream," a song associated with the struggle of the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. against the dictatorial rule of Ferdinand Marcos. The Aquino assassination in 1983 sparked widespread protests, culminating in the non-violent EDSA uprising three years later that swept Mrs. Aquino to the presidency.
Songs from the people power revolt took center stage as well. Youthful singer Sarah Geronimo belted out Magkaisa" while the Apo Hiking Society, who figured prominently in the anti-Marcos movement, sang “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo" in memory of the late president.
Mrs. Aquino – who was diagnosed with colon cancer in March last year - died at the Makati Medical Center on Saturday. [See: Former President Corazon Aquino, people power icon, passes away]
The former president was buried Wednesday beside the remains of her husband at the Manila Memorial Park.
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv
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Quigaman pulled out of Wowowee again
Precious Lara Quigaman was supposed to make a comeback on “Wowowee” before she was pulled out again.
The rumored reason for this was her relationship with actor-model Marco Alcaraz. There were rumors that “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame was courting Quigaman, but these were quickly dismissed.
During the thanksgiving dinner for “May Bukas Pa,” Quigaman revealed to ABS-CBN.com why her comeback did not push through.
“Hindi naman siguro sila (Wowowee) ganoon kababaw para i-base nila ‘yong kapasidad ng isang tao dahil lang may boyfriend siya o may dine-date.
“Ang sabi talaga sa akin babalik na ako as regular host. Inayos na nga ‘yong papers ko kasi dapat kasama ako sa show nila sa Lake Tahoe yata. Na-sad talaga ako n'ong sinabi nila sa akin na hindi na matutuloy. Pero ang sabi nila sa akin cost cutting daw ang Wowowee ngayon. I understand naman.”
Quigaman admitted that she is dating Alcaraz, who she met through common friend Valerie Concepcion.
“We’re friends. And yes, we go out. Wala naman akong dapat itago. Single naman kami pareho. But also I’m not rushing into a serious relationship. Very recent lang ‘yong breakup ko with my last boyfriend, four months ago. Three years naging kami. Ngayon, I take my time. Hindi na ako bata para maglaro pa ng mga ganitong bagay,” she said.
She added that she is the type of woman who takes every relationship very seriously.
“Para sa akin kapag pumapasok ako sa isang relationship umaasa ako na sa kasalan na ang tuloy. ‘Yong last boyfriend umasa rin ako na kami na talaga. Hindi rin naman ako nakikipag-boyfriend kung alam kong walang pupuntahan ‘yong relationship,” she said.
The former Miss International also revealed her impressions of Alcaraz.
“So far naman I find him nice. Dati kasi maraming nagdi-discourage sa akin, may mga sinasabing bad about him. Pero ngayon nakikita ko naman sa kanya na hindi totoo ‘yon.”
She revealed that Alcaraz has already met her mom but the elder Quigaman is still a bit apprehensive about her new suitor.
“One time nga naipit ako sa work so si Marco pa ‘yong naghatid sa mom ko sa airport. Gan’on ka-sweet si Marco. Pero alam mo naman ang typical na mother, laging ‘no one is good enough for your daughter.’ May fear siya na dahil artista si Marco babaero. Mga gan’on lang pero okay naman sila.”
When asked if she sees a good future with Alcaraz, the “May Bukas Pa” star jokingly answered: “Lagi namang may bukas pa! (Laughs) Sa ngayon, siya lang naman ang dine-date ko.”
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment
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Bea scared without Lloydie?
Actress Bea Alonzo was initially apprehensive to do film projects without her long-time on-screen partner, actor John Lloyd Cruz. The "And I Love You So" star said she is not embarrassed to publicly admit this fear. "It's a natural feeling para sa isang artista na mahiwalay sa love team niya na matagal na. At ngayon lang siya mahihiwalay," Alonzo told ABS-CBN News. In 2003, Alonzo and Cruz were first teamed up on hit television show "Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay." They also worked together in box-office hits "Now That I Have You," "Close To You," and "One More Chance," among others.
In “And I Love You So,” the actress, this time, was paired with two actors - Derek Ramsay and Sam Milby.
She said she was able to overcome her fear through the help of director Laurenti Dyogi, the scriptwriters and her co-actors. She said she had a blast shooting the movie. "Ang dami kong natutunan… Of course, bonus kung kumita but mas interesado ako sa ganda ng pelikula, sa quality ng pelikula," Alonzo said. "And I Love You So" tells the story of a young widow (Alonzo) who meets a new man (Milby) shortly after the death of her husband (Ramsay). It will be shown in theaters starting August 12.
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment
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'May Bukas Pa' opens August with highest rating ever
The cast and crew of ABS-CBN primetime series, "May Bukas Pa" held last Aug. 3 yet another thanksgiving party for remaining on the top post of the Philippine Primetime TV ratings as per the Taylor Nelson Sofres nationwide survey results.
The night of the party, "May Bukas Pa" posted its highest rating yet at 44.4 percent over its rival show which only garnered 24.5 percent in viewership.
Led by child actor Zaijian Jaranilla who plays the lead role in the show, the press people were treated to a sumptuous dinner fit for the celebratory mood.
The stars of the show including Albert Martinez, Tonton Gutierrez, Maja Salvador, Rayver Cruz, Dominic Ochoa, Lito Pimentel, Desiree del Valle, Arlene Muhlach, Ogie Diaz, Ron Morales, David Chua, Victor Basa, Ruben Gonzaga, Badji Mortiz and Ms. Liza Lorena came in full force and wore black T-shits with print that read, "Panalo ka, Bro!"
They chatted informally about forthcoming "May Bukas Pa" episodes one of which will feature King of Comedy, Dolphy.
Other multi-awarded actors who have appeared as guests in "May Bukas Pa" are Susan Roces, Lorna Tolentino, Claudine Barreto, Ai Ai delas Alas, Gabby Concepcion and Christopher de Leon, to name a few.
"May Bukas Pa" is loosely based on the 1955 Spanish film, "The Miracle of Marcelino." It tells the story of Santino who was abandoned by his mother in a monastery while still a baby.
Raised by caring priests, Santino eventually finds a mysterious friend named Bro, who helps him transform lives of people in his town.
"May Bukas Pa" airs after "TV Patrol" on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida..
Source: http://www.mb.com.ph
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Philippines lays to rest democracy icon Aquino
About 200,000 people took to the rain-soaked streets of Manila on Wednesday to bid farewell to former president Corazon Aquino, whose "People Power" democracy movement ended decades of dictatorship.
Aquino, who died aged 76 after a long battle with cancer, was buried in a private ceremony after a long funeral procession skirting the Philippine capital's gleaming business towers and teeming shantytowns.
With a national holiday called as part of 10 days of official mourning, thousands of people surrounded her flag-draped coffin as it left Manila Cathedral following a mass just before noon.
Eight police officers in full dress uniform served as pallbearers, carrying the casket to a flat-bed truck festooned with yellow and white flowers.
Police had estimated the crowd in central Manila alone to have reached 150,000 by mid-afternoon, but as the procession continued on its 18-kilometre (11-mile) route thousands more braved the rain to join in.
At Manila Memorial Park and the stretch of highway leading to it up to 50,000 more people were estimated to be in attendance, officials said.
It took about eight hours for the slow-moving convoy to arrive at the cemetery.
Aquino was given a 21-gun salute by the honour guard after which her remains were transferred to a caisson that carried her to a mausoleum.
She was laid to rest beside her husband, the late opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, who was gunned down by forces loyal to former dictator Ferdinand Marcos at Manila airport in 1983 upon returning from exile in the US.
Millions, including from the 8.7-million-strong overseas Filipino community, monitored the slow progress of the cortege on television and Internet sites with streaming video.
"Thank you very much to the Filipino people," said an emotional Rapa Lopa, an Aquino nephew. "It is really very heart-warming and very overwhelming."
"She made me proud again to be a Filipino," said Father Catalino Arevalo, recalling Aquino's bloodless triumph against the 20-year dictatorship of Marcos in 1986.
East Timor President and Nobel Prize winner Jose Ramos-Horta, who flew to Manila to attend the funeral, described Aquino as "one of the greatest people of the 20th century," likening her to India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi.
Men and women standing at least 10-deep on both sides of the road openly wept as the truck crawled through the swelling crowd, while military helicopters circled overhead, showering them with yellow confetti.
People in buildings lining Manila's streets opened their windows, hung yellow banners and dropped confetti onto the sea of mourners below.
A crowd of nuns, their blue habits wet from the rain, released white doves and yellow balloons -- yellow was Aquino's signature colour.
Ships docked along Manila Bay sounded mournful horns.
President Gloria Arroyo, whom Aquino had turned against over accusations of corruption in the Arroyo administration, made a brief pre-dawn visit to the cathedral to pay her last respects.
She shook hands with the former leader's son, Senator Benigno Aquino, and prayed briefly over the casket.
Arroyo cut short a visit to the United States following the former leader's death on Saturday.
But she was pointedly excluded from the invitation-only mass that was attended by two past presidents, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada, and foreign diplomats.
The family had rejected Arroyo's offer to hold a state funeral, reflecting the icy relationship between the only two women to have led the fractious and impoverished Southeast Asian nation of 90 million people.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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Outpouring of support for Cory a reminder for Arroyo to behave, says Binay
The outpouring of public support for the late former President Corazon Aquino is a warning sign for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her allies not to ram Charter change down Filipinos' throats, United Opposition (Uno) president and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay said Wednesday.
But a Palace official saw it differently, saying Mrs. Aquino's death as a call for national unity and that the administration is willing to reconcile with its political foes.
Binay, a close friend and ally of Mrs. Aquino, said the show of people power at Mrs. Aquino's "people's funeral" signifies that the people are capable of staging a political upheaval if Mrs. Arroyo insists on clinging to power beyond 2010.
"Cory’s death has awakened the people. She has bridged the generation that took part in EDSA 1 with the younger generation who are now aware that the freedom they enjoy was earned through struggle against a dictatorship," he said in an article posted on the Makati City Web portal.
"I am certain that if Mrs. Arroyo pushes through with her selfish agenda, the spirit of Cory Aquino will rally the people," he added.
Binay said that during the Marcos regime in 1986, Mrs. Aquino stood up against the martial law regime, fought for clean and honest elections.
After EDSA-1 toppled the dictatorship, Mrs. Aquino stood for morality and transparency in government when she became president, he added.
In 2005, Mrs. Aquino openly called for the resignation of Mrs. Arroyo over the “Hello Garci" scandal involving alleged fraud in the 2004 presidential elections. She also led protest actions against the declaration of a state of emergency in January 2006 and the NBN-ZTE scandal in early 2008.
"The younger generation got a crash course in contemporary history. In a span of four days, they learned how difficult life was under a dictatorship, and how our freedom was earned with the sacrifice of so many lives, among them Cory’s husband Ninoy Aquino," Binay said.
"By her example, Cory showed the people the importance of standing up against an oppressive, corrupt and power hungry regime. She showed us that even as a private citizen, we can and should stand up for what is right," he added.
Call for unity
In Malacañang, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the death of Mrs. Aquino should be a signal for all Filipinos to unite and set aside political agenda.
A Palace statement said Remonde called for unity, which he said could ease the political tension especially considering that the 2010 elections is just around the corner.
Less political tension according to him would allow Mrs. Arroyo to finish her programs in energy, education and environment before her term ends next year, he added.
He described the predawn visit of Mrs. Arroyo to the wake of Mrs. Aquino as "a triumph of goodwill against ill-will."
The Aquino family has turned down the Arroyo administration’s offer to give Mrs. Aquino a state funeral, saying they were more comfortable with a private funeral.
Nonetheless, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) accorded the former president all the necessary honors as mandated by law.
Source: http://www.gmanews.tv
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'Aquino siblings to take a lifetime to be OK'
For the five children left behind by former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino, it would take a lifetime for them to become okay. In her eulogy Wednesday, Cory’s youngest daughter, actress and television host Kris, tearfully said how their lives will change now that their mother is gone. From now on, Kris said eldest sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino will no longer have her mom to go with her everytime she left the office. Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Abelleda lost a prayer partner while Victoria Eliza “Viel” Dee will no longer have someone to marvel at the simplicity of her family. Her brother, Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, lost a campaigner who helped him during the four times that he ran for public office, Kris said. For her part, Kris said: “Wala ng magte-text sa akin tuwing magla-launch [ako] ng bagong programa ko ng ‘good luck.’ At pagkatapos, as soon as mag-end ang show, nagco-congratulate agad to say, ‘I’m proud of you.’” “I’m sorry mom, I lied to you. Nagsinungaling ako when I told you na we would be okay. I did this because we wanted you to be free from all your pain at para hindi ka na mag-alala tungkol sa amin. Pero, mom, it would take a lifetime for us to be okay because we will forever miss you,” she said. Kris’ eulogy sent her three female siblings crying while Noynoy was visibly holding back tears. Cory, 76, died last August 1 after more than a year-long battle with colon cancer. The former president is credited with restoring democracy after the1986 EDSA Revolution that removed President Ferdinand Marcos from power and catapulted her to the presidency. Her husband, former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., was Marcos’ staunch critic. His assassination in 1983 triggered a series of protest rallies against the Marcos regime that eventually led to the 1986 people uprising. “The last words mom expressed to each of us [was] take care of each other. I know that those words weren’t meant just for our family but for all of us as a nation,” she said. “Kagaya po ng pangako na iniwan ng dad at mom sa ating bayan, ‘Noy ikaw at ako, ang nasa posisyon para ipagpatuloy ang lahat ng kanilang nasimulan. You know that, in our last conversation, nangako ako sa kanya [na] whatever support you need, I would be there for you,” she added. ‘Thank you’ The actress revealed her late mom's last request to her before her death--to thank the Filipino people for the love and honor they extended the Aquino family. "What words can I use to convey to all of you that debt of our gratitude for the respect, appreciation and love you've showered upon our mother? How do we say thank you to all of you for the expressions of sympathy and support for our family during our time of bereavement? Come to think of it, from March of 2008, you are one with us in constantly praying for our mother's healing," she said at the requiem Mass at the Manila Cathedral. "Paano po ba kami makapagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat sa effort niyong pumila sa gitna ng matinding init at malakas na pagbuhos ng ulan para masulyapan ang mommy namin? Magbigay respeto at maipagdasal siya sa huling pagkakataon?" "Isa po sa huling binilin ng Mom sa akin ay ang magpasalamat po ako sa inyong lahat. You have given our family honor beyond anything we could ever have hoped to receive, that no matter how great the sacrifices of my parents, I can honestly say to all of you that for my family, the Filipinos are worth it," she said. Kris said she and her family are also forever indebted to Fr. Catalino Arevalo and Balanga, Bataan Bishop Socrates Villegas who were there for them. Goodbye Kris said it was hard to say goodbye to her mother, knowing that in her heart the time they spent together was not enough. “But maybe that’s what love really is all about. It means sacrificing your personal happiness and interest for the good of the one you love. It’s forcing yourself to let go so that your mom would be free from pain,” she said. She said she and her siblings are also comforted by the thought that their mother is now reunited with her “one and only love” – their father. She said that although her mom “went through the most for me” she also believed that she was able to give her “the most joy.” She also thanked her for “the privilege of being your child.” “I will remind myself that my greatest gift to you will be living a life that will make you proud that I am your daughter… I love you, mom. Goodbye, mom. Maraming salamat at paalam,” she said.
Source: http://coryaquino.abs-cbnnews.com
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Ramos-Horta pays homage to Cory, Filipino people
East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta said today (Aug.5) he admires the Filipinos' resiliency in the face of adversity.
"Filipinos have always smiled and hoped. They are very resilient," said Ramos-Horta when he arrived this afternoon at the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City to pay his last respects to former President Corazon Aquino.
Ramos-Horta also underscored the importance of the Edsa People Power Revolution, which ousted the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos in 1986. The peaceful uprising was spearheaded by the church, civil society groups, the then political opposition headed by Mrs. Aquino and ordinary citizens.
"This was the first democratic movement in Southeast Asia," he said, noting that many Filipino priests and nuns are working as missionaries in East Timor, which has also experienced several political upheavals in the past.
Ramos-Horta said he wants to pay homage to Mrs. Aquino whom he last met in August 2008 for her contributions to empowering the Filipino people and for her role an "icon of democracy."
Though not a state funeral, today's farewell for Mrs. Aquino was well attended by tens of thousands of mourners who braved the rains and traffic. Ramos-Horta said he made the decision to attend the last rites for Mrs. Aquino since he was a journalist in East Timor before he became the head of state.
He also disclosed that there is no scheduled meeting with President Arroyo after the burial for Mrs. Aquino.
Ramos-Horta and his entourage arrived in Manila at around 4 a.m. today. He will fly back to East Timor tomorrow (Aug.6).
Source: http://www.philstar.com
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Will Kris have political inclinations in 2010?
If elections were to be held today and Kris Aquino would run for President, I’m very sure — 100 percent sure! — that she would win by a landslide.
You see, if she could move the whole world to tears and win everybody’s heart with the emotion-laden farewell/thank-you speech she delivered yesterday morning at the requiem Mass for her mother, former Pres. Cory Aquino, at the Manila Cathedral, I’m sure that she could, without really trying, sway the people into giving her a resounding vote of confidence.
And besides, didn’t Tita Cory once tell her that Kris reminded her of her late husband, calling Kris “the female Ninoy Aquino?” No wonder Kris said that she’s Tita Cory’s favorite daughter even as she admitted having given her mom the most “headaches” which were outweighed by “the most joys” that Kris gave her.
Everybody (those who were at the Manila Cathedral and those at home watching the proceedings on TV) was titillated by the possibility of Kris’ running in the elections — the earliest being 2010 — when, toward the end of her speech, Kris, addressing her brother, Sen. Noynoy Aquino, said that it was the two of them on whose shoulders has fallen the task of continuing the legacy of their parents, later promising Noynoy to give him all the support he ever needed if he decided to run again.
But somewhere in her speech, Kris also mentioned that when somebody broached the idea of her running for a public office, Tita Cory cautioned her, “Kapag naging simple ka na” (Only if you become simple) — that is, like Tita Cory who shunned branded clothes and high living even if she could easily afford them.
Kris’ reply? “Mom, matagal pang mangyari ‘yon. It would take time bago ako maging simple.” Said in all candor. Very Kris Aquino.
Would it take a lifetime, the same time frame Kris said it would take her and her siblings “to be okay” after their mom’s death?
She had a confession to make, addressing Tita Cory: “I lied to you, Mom,” recalling that a few days before Tita Cory died at the Makati Med where she was confined for more than a month and died of the colon cancer she bravely fought for more than a year, Kris assured her that she and the rest of the family were okay.
“I lied. No, we’re not okay. It would take a lifetime for us to be okay.”
Saying she couldn’t imagine life without her mom, Kris would surely miss the little things that mean a lot.
“Wala nang magti-text sa akin ng ‘Congratulations!’ when my movies make money o kaya ‘I’m proud of you!’ everytime she watched my shows.”
Like most families, Kris and her siblings would also miss Tita Cory most during happy occasions. That’s when they would intensely feel Tita Cory’s not being there.
Now, could it be true that Tita Cory also, among other habilin, reminded Kris and her husband James Yap not to separate?
What actually happened was that Kris and James had a spat last Holy Week and Tita Cory, as usual, helped patch things up between them.
“My mom told James, ‘Be more patient with Kris.’ And she told me, ‘Be more humble’.”
“I lost my No. 1 supporter,” said James of his mom-in-law who would pray the Rosary for good luck before James’ every game.
James is leaving today for Tianjin, China, to join the Power 8 Team Pilipinas in the Asian Qualifier for the World Championship games. “Mom always reminded me na kapag naglaro ako, dapat ibigay ko ang lahat para sa bayan.”
Source: http://www.philstar.com
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Kris, Noynoy to continue parents’ fight
Television host Kris Aquino said it was up to her, and her elder brother, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, to “continue” what their parents have started.
The youngest of the five children of the late President Corazon Aquino and martyred Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. made the statement after a requiem mass for the former leader at the Manila Cathedral on Wednesday.
“Noy, ikaw at ako ang nasa position para ipagatuloy ang kanilang nasimulan. [you and I are in a position to continue what they’ve started],” the television host said, addressing her brother.
“Noy, you know that in our last conversations with mom, nangako ako sa kanya na [I promised her that] whatever support you need, I will be here for you,” she added.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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Kris Aquino: How do I find the words to say goodbye?
Giving the most moving message from the Aquino family so far, television host and actress Kris Aquino said she could not find words to say goodbye to her mother, former President Corazon Aquino.
“How do I find the words to say goodbye? Paano bang magpaalam na alam ng puso mo na hindi pa rin sapat ang panahong ibinahagi sayo ng Diyos? [How do you say goodbye when your heart knows God did not give you enough time?]" the young Aquino said in behalf of her family, after the requiem mass for the former leader at the Manila Cathedral.
The youngest of the Aquino children also told their mother: “I lied to you. Nagsinungaling ako when I said we'd be ok. I did it because we wanted you to be free from all the pain.”
She said it would take a “lifetime” before the family could get over their mother’s passing.
“I love you. Goodbye, mom. Maraming salamat at paalam [Thank you very much and goodbye],” she said.
The young Aquino said the family was comforted with the thought that the former leader would finally join her husband, martyred Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in heaven.
"Dad, it's your turn now. You are her one and only love. Now that you are together again, no matter how painful it is for us to let her go, we were comforted knowing that mom is happy to be reunited with you," she said.
Kris also used the opportunity to thank her siblings, particularly her eldest sister, Ballsy, for always "keeping" peace within the family.
"To my ate, our eldest sister, Ballsy, I'd like to say thank you for being beside mom -- working for her and with her from the time of dad's death," she said.
"Thank you ate, for keeping the peace, for always so patient with all of us, for always ready to listen to each of us," she said.
Kris also thanked her other sister, Pinky, whom she would forever share the “most painful” memory while they were taking care of their mother.
And to her only brother, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, Kris sought for understanding as he would now take the place their mother as protector of her son, Joshua.
Joshua is Kris' lovechild by her ex-partner, actor Philip Salvador.
"Noy, alam ko sa ospital sinabi ni Josh, 'Tito 'Noy, never get married.' Sana maintindihan mo [Noy, when we were in the hospital, Josh said, ‘Toto Noy, never get married’ I hope you understand. You are now his security banket. You've taken take mom's place as his protector," she said.
"Pero huwag kang mag alala, kaming mga kapatid mo kung saan ka masaya pwede narin" she said.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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Vhong Navarro to meet 'Santino' in "May Bukas Pa"
Viewers of hit primetime series “May Bukas Pa” will get a rare chance to see Comedy Prince Vhong Navarro in a drama role when he makes a special guest appearance in the show. The comedian will play a struggling father, Moy, who juggles five jobs to meet the needs of his daughter. Actress Mylene Dizon plays his wife who abandoned him and their only child because of disappointment. Moy’s life will change after meeting miracle boy Santino (Zaijian Jaranilla). Navarro said it feels good to be part of the television series. "Sarap mag-guest dito sa series na ito. Parang may kakaibang pakiramdam. Dahil rin siguro sa theme at takbo ng kwento," Navarro said. “May Bukas Pa” airs weekdays after “TV Patrol World” on ABS-CBN.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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Willie draws flak for cutting Cory live stream
“Wowowee” host Willie Revillame on Tuesday apologized on television after he drew criticisms for ordering the removal of the live streaming of former President Corazon Aquino’s procession from his show. “Sa sitwasyon na ito, kung may nasaktan ako, I'm sorry. Sa pamilya Aquino, alam ng buong pamilya Aquino [na] wala akong masamang intention doon,” Revillame said in his show on Tuesday. He added: “Ayaw ko pong nagsasaya tayo dito, mayroon tayong labi na nakikita sa TV.” On Monday a visibly irked Revillame asked to stop the airing of Mrs. Aquino’s cortege from La Salle Green Hills to Manila Cathedral, which was being beamed live simultaneously with the noontime show. The controversial host explained that it was inappropriate to broadcast it while they were having fun inside the studio. He added that it would be hard for him to make the public happy when he could see on screen the casket of Mrs. Aquino. "Paano kami makakapagsaya [kung] nahihirapan kami? Huwag niyo akong papagalitan kasi totoo ang sinasabi ko. Pagkatapos ng show, ipakita niyo ang gusto niyong ipalabas. Kasi itong ‘Wowowee’ gusto ko, at alam din ni Tita Cory dahil napasaya rin siya ng show na ito, [dapat] laging masaya dito," Revillame said. His staff immediately removed the live streaming from the screen. ‘Utterly disrespectful’ Revillame’s action drew instant criticisms. In their Facebook accounts, some people branded it as “utterly disrespectful,” “really bad,” and “damn stupid.” “He has the gall to say that on national TV!?!?!?!?! He's beyond himself,” one wrote. Another said: “He thinks he's all that.” No bad intention On Tuesday, Revillame defended himself by saying that prior to the incident, he called ABS-CBN entertainment production head Linggit Tan asking her to remove the live streaming. He told Tan that he does not want to come across as someone without a conscience. “Nakakahiya. Sabi ko, ‘ako ang nakaharap sa camera. Sa akin magagalit.’ Nagsasaya [ako]. Akala niyo wala akong konsensiya,” he said. He said he only reacted after he saw the funeral procession again on the screen. He also divulged that before the airing of his Monday show, he even told ABS-CBN management that he was willing to give way to the live coverage of Mrs. Aquino’s funeral. The host appealed for the understanding of the public. “Uulitin ko po, wala akong kinakatakutan sa pangyayaring ‘yan. Wala po akong mali sa ginawa ko, dahil in my heart and in my soul, malaki po ang respeto ko sa pamilya Aquino at kay Tita Cory,” he said.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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Thousands of people took to the rain soaked streets of Manila to bid farewell to former Philippine leader Corazon Aquino
Tens of thousands of people took to the rain soaked streets of Manila to bid farewell to former Philippine leader Corazon Aquino, who overthrew a dictatorship to become a democracy icon.
Aquino, who died at the age of 76 at the weekend after a long battle with cancer, was to be buried later Wednesday in a private ceremony.
Her coffin left Manila Cathedral draped in the national flag and was carried by eight police officers in full dress uniform to a flat bed truck festooned with yellow and white flowers.
Men and women openly cried as the truck moved slowly through the crowd for the 18 kilometres (11 miles) journey to the Manila Memorial Park.
She will be laid to rest alongside her husband Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, who was gunned down at Manila airport in 1983 as he returned home to challenge dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Many shouted her name and threw flowers onto the truck where four members of the armed forces stood in silence on each corner of the coffin.
Tens of thousands of people began lining the route well before dawn despite storms that lashed the city overnight and into the morning to pay tribute to Aquino, who died at the weekend from colon cancer at the age of 76.
Teresita Devantes, 73, queued for 15 hours outside the cathedral on Tuesday before she got her turn to pass by her idol's open brown wooden casket at midnight.
"I'm really tired but I'm happy to be here," she said.
Wearing a yellow headband and a dress with a yellow floral design, the old woman told AFP she would accompany the cortege as far as she could.
Around 15,000 people gathered outside Manila Cathedral for the funeral ceremony.
"Where do we go from here? I am crying because we all lost a mother," said a mourner outside clutching a rosary.
University students clad in yellow were among the mourners, carrying placards that read: "Cory, you are not alone, we love you."
Tens of thousands of people have visited the cathedral to file past the open coffin containing Aquino's body ahead of the funeral rites.
Earlier, incumbent President Gloria Arroyo, an estranged ally, made a brief pre-dawn visit to the cathedral to pay her last respects.
Dressed in black slacks and blouse with a tan blazer and accompanied by key aides, Arroyo shook hands with the former leader's son, opposition Senator Benigno Aquino.
Arroyo cut short a visit to the United States following Aquino's death on Saturday and was met by Aquino family members, though she was later pointedly excluded at the invitation-only mass.
The family had curtly rejected Arroyo's offer to hold a state funeral, reflecting the icy relationship between the only two Filipino women to have led the often fractious Southeast Asian nation of 90 million.
Vice President Noli de Castro was the lone senior government representative at the mass, which was broadcast live on television and on giant monitors outside the city's principal church.
Two children of the late president Ferdinand Marcos, who Aquino had replaced after a bloodless 1986 popular revolt and who she held responsible for the murder of her politician husband paid their respects on Tuesday.
Arroyo only stayed for about 10 minutes, briefly praying at the coffin.
East Timor President and Nobel Prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta also visited the body early Wednesday, while thousands of ordinary Filipinos began lining up along Roxas Boulevard on Manila Bay to await the passing of the hearse.
Father Catalino Arevalo recalled Aquino's role and ultimate triumph in the non-violent struggle to end the 20-year Marcos dictatorship that claimed her husband's life.
"Whenever she thought freedom to the land she loved was involved, she went back to the streets to struggle," he said, referring to the former leader's active role in the anti-Arroyo protests that followed allegations of cheating in the 2004 presidential election.
"She made me proud again to be a Filipino," the priest said.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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Leah sings 'Bayan Ko' at funeral Mass
The country's top performing artists on Wednesday gave renditions of some patriotic songs and other classics at the requiem Mass of former president Corazon Aquino, stirring memories of the 1986 EDSA Revolution that catapulted Aquino into the presidency.
Wearing a white-silk dress, stage and theater artist Leah Salonga performed the patriotic song "Bayan Ko" during the final funeral Mass as a way of paying respect to the country's first woman president.
Salonga performed the song while the casket of the former president was taken out from Manila Cathedral to be brought to its final resting place at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque.
"Bayan Ko," originally written as a poem by José Corazón de Jesús in 1929, and set to music by Constancio de Guzman was often sung in protest rallies and demonstrations throughout the country's history, notably in protests following the assassination of Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. in 1983 and the ensuing People Power Revolution where Freddie Aguilar led crowds in singing the song.
Zsa Zsa Padilla, a close friend of the Aquino family, gave an emotional rendition of the song "Hindi Kita Malilimutan" during the funeral service. Padilla was personally asked by actress-host Kris Aquino, youngest daughter of the former president, to perform the song. Among those who gave tribute to the former president by singing her most favorite songs were actor-singer Piolo Pascual (Sa Iyo Lamang), Erik Santos (Lord's Prayer), Jed Madela (Dream an Impossible Dream), and Ogie Alcasid (Pangako).
Award winning artist Dulce sang, “Your Heart Today,” a song composed by Francisco that talks about the Aquinos and their sacrifices and love for the country. Dulce first sang the song in 1993.
Balladeer Martin Nievera and Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez sang "The Prayer" while Pop Star Princess Geronimo sang the patriotic song "Magkaisa." Finally, the APO Hiking Society sang their famous, "Handog ng Pilipino Sa Mundo," where they were joined by all the artists.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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Actress Kris Aquino on Wednesday revealed her late mom's last request
Actress Kris Aquino on Wednesday revealed her late mom's last request to her--to thank the Filipino people for the love and honor they extended the Aquino family.
"What words can I use to convey to all of you that debt of our gratitude for the respect, appreciation and love you've showered upon our mother? How do we say thank you to all of you for the expressions of sympathy and support for our family during our time of bereavement? Come to think of it, from March of 2008, you are one with us in constantly praying for our mother's healing," she said at the requiem Mass at the Manila Cathedral.
"Paano po ba kami makapagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat sa effort niyong pumila sa gitna ng matinding init at malakas na pagbuhos ng ulan para masulyapan ang mommy namin? Magbigay respeto at maipagdasal siya sa huling pagkakataon?"
"Isa po sa huling binilin ng Mom sa akin ay ang magpasalamat po ako sa inyong lahat. You have given our family honor beyond anything we could ever have hoped to receive, that no matter how great the sacrifices of my parents, I can honestly say to all of you that for my family, the Filipinos are worth it," she said.
Mrs. Aquino, 76, died last August 1 after more than a year-long battle with colon cancer. The former president is credited with restoring democracy after the1986 EDSA Revolution that removed President Ferdinand Marcos from power and catapulted her to the presidency.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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Celebrities attend Cory's funeral Mass
As the nation prepared for her final goodbye to former president Corazon "Cory" Aquino, celebrities close to the Aquino family attended the final funeral Mass for the ex-president. Spotted in the event were actors Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez, Ben Chan, singers Erik Santos, Sarah Geronimo and Jed Madela and APO members Jim Paredes and Boboy Garovillo. Actor Piolo Pascual, international artist Leah Salonga and friend of Aquino family, Ms. Zsa Zsa Padilla, were also present and will be offering songs for the late president. ABS-CBN executives Charo Santos-Concio and Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III also paid their respects to the country's first woman president. The funeral Mass started at 9 a.m. and was attended by the former president's family and friends in and out of politics.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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Jose Mari Chan paid his last respects to former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino
Renowned Chinese-Filipino singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan paid his last respects to former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino by performing the song “I Have Fallen In Love,” during the funeral Mass on Wednesday at the Manila Cathedral.
The song was originally a poem written by former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. for his wife, Mrs. Aquino.
In 1987, when the country was about to commemorate the death anniversary of Ninoy, National Artist for Theater Cecille Guidote-Alvarez approached Chan and asked him to “set the music” for it.
Chan recalled he only had two weeks to come up with a melody. But, he said, the Holy Spirit and Ninoy guided and inspired him to create “a melody that is worthy of the beautiful words he [Ninoy] wrote.”
“I could feel the immense love and respect that Ninoy had for Cory,” Chan said.
Singer Christian Bautista recently recorded his own version of the song.
Among those who paid tribute to the former president by singing her favorite songs are actor-singer Piolo Pascual (Sa Iyo Lamang), Erik Santos (Lord's Prayer), Jed Madela (Dream an Impossible Dream), and Ogie Alcasid (Pangako).
Award-winning artist Dulce sang “Your Heart Today,” a song composed by Fr. Manoling Francisco that talks about the Aquinos and their sacrifices and love for the country. Dulce first sang the song in 1993.
Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez and Concert King Martin Nievera performed a duet of the popular inspirational song "The Prayer."
Pop Star Princess Geronimo sang the patriotic song "Magkaisa" while international artist Leah Salonga performed the song "Bayan Ko."
The APO Hiking Society sang the EDSA 1 hymn, "Handog ng Pilipino Sa Mundo," where they were joined by all the artists.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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Former President Cory Aquino's Death
Cory Aquino died of cardiopulmonary arrest after complications of colon cancer at the age of 76 on August 1, 2009, 3:18 a.m., at the Makati Medical Center. Aquino was diagnosed with the disease in March 2008 but kept up public appearances in 2009. A devout Catholic, she was a regular at weekend Catholic mass until shortly before being admitted to hospital in late June 2009.
"Our mother peacefully passed away at 3:18 a.m. (19:18 GMT Friday) of cardio-respiratory arrest," her son, Senator Benigno Aquino III, told reporters in Manila.
The Aquino children declined Malacañang Palace's offer of a state funeral after the government pulled out Aquino's security detail in July 2009 as her illness worsened. Every living Philippine president is entitled to a security detail. The government responded to the political fallout claiming that the pullout was a mere "bureaucratic lapse," where the tour of duty of the bodyguards "expired."
Aquino's body lay in state at a public wake at the St. Benilde Gymnasium of La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong up to August 3, when it was later transferred to the Manila Cathedral. She was the first member of the laity to have been permitted to lie in state in the cathedral. This honor has always been reserved to deceased archbishops of Manila. A crowd with an estimated number of 120,000 people showed up to witness the transfer of her remains from La Salle Green Hills to the Manila Cathedral. Most of the crowd was concentrated at the Ninoy Aquino memorial statue in Ayala Avenue, Makati, where the hearse paused briefly as the crowds sang "Bayan Ko," one of the anthems of the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
On August 4, the children of Ferdinand Marcos, Bongbong and Imee paid their last respects to Aquino at the Manila Cathedral. The funeral mass and interment is scheduled on August 5, which was declared as a special nonworking holiday by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Aquino will be buried in Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque. President of Timor-Leste Jose Ramos Horta is expected to arrive to pay his last respects to Aquino.
All Roman Catholic dioceses had started requiem masses for Aquino, after they held "healing masses". Meanwhile, the government declared a week of mourning for her death. Former President Estrada said that they lost a "mother" and a "guiding voice of the people." Estrada also described Aquino as "Philippines' most loved woman". Aquino supported Estrada's removal from office in 2001, but the two supported each other to oppose amendments in the constitution since last year. The Senate has also expressed its grieving with Aquino's death; Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who along with Fidel Ramos launched the People Power Revolution, asked the public to pray for her. Minority leader Aquilino Pimentel, who previously served as interior and local government secretary during her administration, had "mixed feelings" with Aquino's passing, saying "We shall be forever indebted to Cory for rallying the nation behind the campaign to topple dictatorial rule and restore democracy."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corazon_Aquino
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