Corazon Aquino: L is for Laban (Fight)

That's her...Former President Corazon Aquino the way I remember her back in 1986. In her signature, symbolic yellow outfit, thick glasses, a no non-sense bob cut, and that hand flashing her signature L for Laban...which meant Fight!

During a tumultuous time in Philippine history she inspired a nation to fight back against tyranny. She was a widow, a mother, and a housewife; yet, by some unstoppable force Cory became the defender of democracy. She united Filipinos and led the historic People Power movement.

I was eight back then but I knew the importance of this woman's work. Growing up she continued to inspire me...to always fight for what is right. We fondly called her Tita (Aunt) Cory because she was a mother figure to us young Filipinos. Looking back if I had been in her shoes I would not have known what to do. Imagine she led a revolution, ousted a dictator, re-established democracy and fought off 7 coup attempts during her tenure as first Philippine female president!

To say that Corazon Aquino was a strong woman is an understatement. Her faith and belief in what is good propelled her to constantly fight for our nation's freedom. For that, I am in gratitude for I still reap the benefits of her legacy. She is my woman of the year. May her soul rest in peace. Tita Cory...para sa iyo ito. Salamat!

Note: Former Philippine President Corazon C. Aquino passed away last August. The world mourned the loss of a great leader, a great mother, and a great woman.   

-Grace is a blogger for The Sorbate. Check out her bio to see where her view comes from.

Related Articles

Cory Aquino, Time Woman of the Year  
Corazon Aquino, Time Asia   Cory's Style of Leadership, Manila Bulletin
The Cory Aquino Magic, Inquirer.net