Remembering Benigno Aquino, Jr: The Father of People Power Revolution

August 21, 1983...the news about the assassination of former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. at the tarmac of Manila International Airport (MIA) shook the whole archipelago of the Philippines and even the world. The untimely death of the prime opposition against the Marcos tyranny brought grief and sadness to the Filipinos who wanted political reforms and peace since the dictatorship proclaimed martial law on September 11, 1972.

This was the devastating scenario of the political atmosphere that I've seen at a young age of 13 ( I was a graduating elementary student, then). The New People's Army (NPA) movement were infiltrating the schools in order to recruit possible members even in the far flung barangays of the country. Oftentimes, they replaced our teachers in order to brainwash our young minds about their objectives in order to topple down the Marcos regime.

Because of the untimely death of Ninoy, the dormant longing of Filipinos for freedom erupted on February 25, 1986, the first-ever People Power EDSA Revolution, a bloodless revolution that's been witnessed by the entire world. We proved to the world that we can attain positive change in our country without shedding innocent bloods of our people.

The inspiration that was left by Ninoy saw the telenovela-like scenes in the lives of her family. Her wife, Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, a former teacher was catapulted to power as the first female president, through a snap elections that's been backed up by the people. This caused the Marcoses to elope from Ilocos to Hawaii for exile due to threats and attempts on their lives that were being cooked by leftist groups.

Twenty seven years, later, Ninoy's only son, Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, is continuing his legacy as the elected 15 President of the republic.

And people are hoping that more and more political reforms will be achieved during the reign of P-Noy.

We must not forget the voice of the new hero who awaken us from Marcos tyranny. Truly, the Filipino is worth dying for (Benigno Simeon Aquino Jr. November 27, 1932 -August 21, 1983).

1. Senator of the Philippines - in office (December 30, 1967 -September 23,  1972)
2. Presidential Adviser on Defense Affairs -  in office (1949-1954)
3. Mayor of Concepcion, Tarlac - in office (Deccember 30, 1955 - December 30, 1959)
4. Vice Governor of Tarlac -  in office ( December 30, 1959 - December 30, 1961)
5. Governor of Tarlac - in office (December 30, 1961 - December 30, 1967)

Born: November 27, 1932 @ Concepcion, Tarlac, Philippines

Died: August 21, 1983 @ Manila International Airport, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Resting Place: Manila Memorial Park, Paranaque City

Nationality: Filipino

Political Party: Liberal (1959-1983)/ LABAN (1978-1983)

Other Political Affiliation: Nacionalista Party (1955-1959)

Spouse: Former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino

Children: 1.Maria Elena Aquino-Cruz; 2. Aurora Corazon Aquino-Abellada; 3. Benigno S. Aquino III; 4. Victoria Eliza Aquino-Dee; 5. Kristina Bernadette Aquino-Yap

Residence: Times Street, Quezon City

Alma mater: University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, San Beda College High School (Class of 1948)

Occupation: Politician

Profession: Journalist

Religion: Roman Catholic Christian

Amid the political turmoils that happened in his lifetime, Ninoy is best remembered because of his works as journalist, being one of those members of media who braved the rigors or perils of Korean War.

As a loving husband to Cory, he made a poem that touched the hearts of his admirers. Among them is the famed Filipino balladeer, Jose Mari Chan (whom I met during my radio days while promoting for his album 'Constant Change' in our province).

The poem-turned-song, 'I Have Fallen In Love With The Same Woman Three Times', became a sleeper hit of Jose Mari Chan and also one of my sentimental favorites.

Had it not happened to Ninoy, his assassination, I'm sure he'll not just be a political icon, but a literary mogul as well.

 Ninoy...the epitome of an ideal Filipino political became an inspiration to boost the morale and courage of every Filipino to stand fro what they're fighting for.

After 1986, as the first People Power was staged by Filipinos in all walks of life, the movement became the catalyst that toppled the rogue administration of former President Joseph Estrada. It also became the instrument that nearly drove former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo due to series of much-publicised scandals from Malacanan Palace.

The eyes of Filipinos today were opened by the idealism of People Power. They're no longer afraid to voice out their complaints and fight for the rights through public rallies and demonstration. The democratic approach is really  surfacing in the present governance of the country.

Experiencing the Marcos era nearly blocked my dreams to pursue my ambition, or every Filipinos ambition. With the more open communication between the government and the people, the Filipino journey to the right path of progress and democratic realism will continue.