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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Kris Aquino goes back to work
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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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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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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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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Former President Corazon Aquino will be remembered as a simple woman
In death as in life, former President Corazon Aquino will be remembered as a simple woman unaffected by the trappings of power.
The former democracy icon and the country's first woman President will be laid to rest beside her husband, former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., in a simple white tomb with the inscription "Corazon C. Aquino 'Cory', Jan. 25,1933-Aug. 1, 2009."
Six yellow ribbons were tied around two pillars of the Aquino mausoleum, while yellow flowers were placed on top of Mrs. Aquino's tomb early this morning.
Inside the cemetery, yellow ribbons were tied to trees and posts leading to the mausoleum. Loyal supporters of the former President, mostly women, were already seated near the mausoleum as of this posting, where photographers and mediamen await the funeral cortege from the Manila Cathedral.
The Aquino family has opted to have a private funeral for Mrs. Aquino instead of the state honors usually accorded to former presidents.
Full military honors will however be accorded the former chief executive as she is laid to rest at the Manila Memorial Park, including a 21-gun salute – one salvo fired every minute for a 21-minute period – once the casket leaves the cathedral.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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Thousands gather at Manila Cathedral for Requiem Mass for Cory
Thousands of supporters, politicians and celebrities have gathered around the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila for the requiem Mass for former President Corazon Aquino this morning.
The Mass is set to start at 9 a.m.
At the nearby Anda Circle, members of the Ateneo community have likewise gathered to pay homage to the well-loved President, who toppled the dictatorship and suceeded the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos in February1986.
Police estimated the crowd at more than 10,000.
After the Mass, the former chief executive will be taken to her final resting place at the Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City, where her husband, the late Sen. Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino, was laid to rest after he was assassinated in August 1983.
The Aquino family has opted to have a private funeral for Mrs. Aquino instead of the state honors usually accorded to former presidents. The Palace said earlier it will respect the decision of the family.
Full military honors will however be accorded to Mrs. Aquino as she is laid to rest at the Manila Memorial Park, including a 21-gun salute – one salvo fired every minute for a 21-minute period – once the casket leaves the cathedral. There will also be a 21-gun salute at Rizal Park, Camp Aguinaldo, Fort Bonifacio, Villamor Air Base and Fort San Antonio Abad on Roxas Blvd.
Another round of 21-gun salutes will follow one hour after the burial in major military commands, including the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City, the Northern Luzon Command in Tarlac City, the Southern Luzon Command in Lucena City, the Western Command in Puerto Princesa City, the Central Command in Cebu City, the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City and Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City.
Source: http://ph.yahoo.com
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