Tuesday, September 8, 2009

For the love of country...

This was taken during my Lolo Ninoy's funeral in 1983. Things can be compared to today but I think what differentiated 1983 to 2009 was that people were sort of angry in 1983. They were all tired of the dictatorship and this was the turning point.

In some ways, my Lola's death can also be a turning point for many of us. I believe she did something to make us proud of being Filipinos. She let us go back to prayer and she made us love the Philippines more.

People felt that they lost a great leader who was clean, simple, honest, good-willed and faithful. It wasn't like that for our family though. We lost our mother, pillar, and anchor... She was our source of strength and wisdom.

I wish I knew what love for country was in my grandparents' definition... I believe it's something gained through time or experiencing a life-changing moment.

I don't know what the future holds but what I do know is that my grandparents left my family a legacy. They taught my family integrity, honesty, true public service, and they emulated love for country... My family holds those values. You may not get to see it 24/7 but what's important is that the foundation is there.

We are all part of TEAM PILIPINAS. All of us Filipinos are part of one country with such high potential for greatness.

Let's go T.E.A.M. Pilipinas!!! Together, Everyone Achieves More!!!

Mabuhay tayong lahat!!!

35 comments:

Darleen said...

hi jiggy... We Filipinos have really look up to your family. Might not be too obvious but your family has been our pillars of strengths whenever our country is beset by political crisis. Before we turn to your Lolo and Lola who were such great leaders to lead us in our battle. From Senator Ninoy Aquino...to President Cory Aquino...And now... Senator Noynoy Aquino... Currently, all eyes are now on Senator Noynoy. Everyone is hopeful that he will say Yes. If it's his calling to serve the Filipino people, so be it. Although we should at the beginning set the expectations with the Filipinos that if Sen. Noynoy will be our next President (now I'm just so optimistic here:-)), we all have to do our share. We cannot leave the restoration of Philippines to only one person. We should give our 100% support to Sen. Noynoy, he deserved it. Our future is in our hands. Our duty as a Filipino does not end after we have elected our President. It goes all the way down to supporting his platforms. Let's pray for Senator Noynoy, let's pray for ourselves, let's pray for our nation. It's going to be a ONE BIG FIGHT next year!!!

c16_c17 said...

mabuhay ka din Jiggy! Bilib ako sa'yo.

Looiegirl said...

Hi jiggy, I truly agree with you. We should all unite and continue the fight Sen. Ninoy Aquino had started. Your grandfather must be so proud of you, continue inspiring people specially the youth.

My prayers and support are with your uncle, Sen. Noynoy Aquino. I'm really hoping that he'll respond to the call of the Filipino people. Definitely, I'll campaign and vote for him. Our country needs someone like him, a man of integrity.

May God always bless you and your family. :)

Chris said...

your family is truly an inspiration to all of us... and you being part of the family... have become a source of inspiration to others too (whether you want to or not)

mabuhay ang pilipinas!

Anonymous said...

The overwhelming support of the Filipinos for your family made realize that your grandparents are anything but goodness. They changed my life and I became more vigilant about the things happening in this country.
-KimmyDee, 16

JM Erni-Manongdo said...

Thank you, Jiggy, for reminding us that, as we hope and dream of a better Philippines, we shouldn't just look to one man or one family to bring us there. The struggle for our country's progress lies in all of us. I remember your Lolo Ninoy's speech in LA, he said that in the struggle for freedom, we shouldn't depend on one man, we should depend on all of us. The Filipino people thanks your family for all that you have given for the good of the country. Thank you for making us proud to be Filipinos. And I'm sure your Lolo and Lola are so proud of you. :)

Marrion Cruz's said...

Hey Kuya Jiggy! I may not be old enough to understand what this all means, but I think I have a pretty vast mind to understand even a little of this. And you know, I thank you for your Lola & Lolo for making such a huge difference. They really make me proud to be Filipino. I'm also not there in the Philippines to make most of the freedom that they have both fought for, but I still thank them. What I do to contribute to our country is to educate myself with all the books and YouTubing that I can do. Anyway, Kuya Jiggy, I admit that before your Lola passed on, I wasn't AS interested in the Philippine Revolution, EDSA, Philippine politics, etc., as I am now; but I did read as much as I can about Sen. Ninoy even before (but the books that I can get thru the library and Borders and Barnes & Noble and such bookstores, my lists of books are very limited), he's an interesting character, and his life sticks out in all those other martyrs, for me. I admire you and your Lola and your family because of how humble and down to earth you all are. & keep on talking about this on shows and books Kuya Jiggy because I do think that my generation or the young ones take freedom and democracy for granted.


I would also just like to share with you that I stayed up all night just to watch the whole footage of Tita Cory's burial, an because it was summer Mama let me stay up with her and my Tita. And with the mass and the songs after the mass and the burial itself, my mother and Auntie was just crying and crying. And I honestly did not understand why they were crying this much and I asked my mom why she was crying and she said that I wouldn't really understand until I go thru something like the People Power and how moving it was and it was mostly because of this one woman. And so starting from then, I really did a lot of "homework" on Tita Cory. And now my elective is journalism, for my middle school news paper, and so the first paper coming out this school year, I'm working on an essay about Ninoy Aquino and a second continuation on your Lola. I just wanted to share this because I want you and your family to know that your Lola hasn't only touched and moved the young generation of the Philippines but also some around the world. (I've already got three of my friends interested in Ninoy Aquino and his story/legacy because of the stories I've retold them after reading books about him & they're not even Filipino (=.. )

Thanks for taking your time reading this (: Take care & God bless .

Oh and lastly, since I'm doing a whole thing in my school newspaper on your Lola and Lolo, can I ask if I can send you some questions and you'll reply back with some answers? It won't be personal, I promise. I know that this is a bit too much to ask, but it'll be great if you let! But if not, it's alright, I just appreciate you reading this. (Just reply back or something if you let or not. Thank you!)

the spunky wanderer said...

hello...i may not have known your family personally, but the impact of your Lolo Ninoy and Lola Cory to me was so strong that as a child i have learned that it's ok to love the country so much because this is our only country, the beloved Philippines (i even dreamed of becoming a politician someday). anyway, you're right jiggy, we are one...we are all part of TEAM PILIPINAS! and we, the Filipinos, shall never ever forget that. as to what @Darleen stated, we all have to do our share. we Filipinos shall also remember that we are the main beneficiaries of our acts...whatever we sow, we reap! so as Filipinos, we should support Sen. Noynoy to continue Sen. Ninoy & Pres. Cory's fight for truth, democracy and justice. i know that Sen. Noynoy will not tarnish the names of his parents much more the legacy that his parents left the Filipino people!
we will support Sen. Noynoy for his presidency and if need arise, i will join in his campaign.

jean_gonzales@yahoo.com said...

may ask where to buy the shirt worn by Sen. Noynoy kanina sa club filipino kanina? tnx

Unknown said...

i watched you last sat. and sun ng gabi sa studio 23..suki ka na ah...hahaha..sanay k na cguro noh...masaya ka ba?..sikat k na e..dati tahimik ka lang..hmmmm..

ian laput said...

hello jiggy...your grandparents surely were inspirations. they contributed much for our country and i'm glad to have experienced the spirit they've left in this lifetime.
Anyway, i attended the mass at EDSA Shrine...the readings for today about the Beatitudes really relates to Cory and the sacrifice she made. The priest said Cory exemplifies a life filled with Jesus and the gospel that it illuminated every soul who meets your lola's spirit.

dojski said...

Hi Jiggy! I won't be able to contribute campaign funds (I have none) but if Noynoy's campaign needs volunteers, let me know, especially if the services needed concern a desk job, or financial reporting, or something admin. Hehe. God bless. =)

nekoely said...

Ang sarap balikan ang nakalipas.. :)

isa toh sa mga natutunan ko kay LOLO Ninoy...


You can do it if you believe you can!

WahahahH!! Now I'm shy..

marissa said...

it is going to be a big fight next may 2010 jiggy.and yes to Noynoy for President
malakas ang laban ng Tito Noy mo with all the big support coming wag lang dayain
kayo youth are of big help to his candidacy and votes.
ituloy ang laban ni Ninoy at Cory!

Anonymous said...

Thank you to one who informed me that you have a blog jiggy!

Your posts are great and inspiring! I will recomment my students in my catechism classes to visit your blog whenever you have new posts.

I am one with you in our TEAM PILIPINAS. Rest assured that I will help my parishioners attain an honest and peaceful election here in Olutanga Island, Zamboanga Sibugay. We just started our political education before we start our daily masses.

God bless you Jiggy and your family...+

captainblue16 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

This is a great post to read for my birthday last Tuesday. :-)

ÜberRIA said...

hello jiggy! about your tweet (re: sen.noynoy's campaign & youth volunteers), i'd love to be of help! i am currently away though, so if there's anything i can do (hmm blog..?haha!) do let me know!

ethel said...

now that your tito noy has finally announced his acceptance to run in the presidency, let's all start moving to make sure he wins this election.
and once there, let's work harder to achieve our goals for a truly democrative and progressive country. with our hard work, our prayers should never stop as shown to us by your dear lola, because nothing with be achieved without the divine help of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
MABUHAY NAG PILIPINAS!!!

Kim said...

hey hey hey :) i'm from iloilo, and i'd like to help with your uncle's campaign here in our city... :D

Kim said...

hey hey hey :) i'm from iloilo, and i'd like to help with your uncle's campaign here in our city... :D

Anonymous said...

Hi Jiggy! Thanks so much for letting us read your blog and follow you on Twitter. Actually, I can very well see your Tito Noy as one of the future great leaders of our country. And at this very moment, he already has my vote for 2010. I wish I could become a member of the Youth Volunteers for your Tito Noy's Campaign since I'm also hoping that the youth will take part on next year's election. It's about time that we show gratitude to your Lolo Ninoy and Lola Cory's legacy. I'll be very glad if i'll become a part of the Voices for the Youth here in Rizal province. More power Jiggy and God bless to you and your family. :)

Anonymous said...

Hello, Jiggy.

We're glad your uncle Noynoy will continue the fight your Lolo and Lola have started.

We'll continue to support and pray for your family.

I agree with what you said that all of us are part of TEAM PILIPINAS. I just hope everyone will at least do their fair share -- to vote on 2010 for the candidate whom they really think is righteous and can help our country climb up to the top.

Mabuhay tayong lahat!
God bless. :)

Nash said...

hey jigz, read your tweet earlier about the Youth Volunteer?

I'll be happy to join :)

maan said...

hi jiggy! I hope you receive this comment. I'd like to volunteer for the campaign of your tito noynoy. I believe he is the best candidate we have for the coming election and I want to be part of his campain team. Thanks!

maan said...

Hi! I'd like to volunteer as part of the campaign team for your tito noynoy. I believe that he's the best candidate we have for the coming election and I want to be part of his team. If you think I can help you just comment on my blog. Thanks

Unknown said...

hi jiggy! :) i've been following you on twitter and you said on one of your tweets that you'll be part of the Youth Volunteers for Sen. Noy's campaign. I am very much interested to join. It'd be a great honor to be part of his campaign. is there like a website where we can sign up for this? :)

www.wanderwomom.com said...

i dont know where to comment.. if this is the latest blog you're talking about,anyhoo.. im also a youth who wants to help for the campaign! tell me how tell me how! hehehe!

tsa pising said...

..g0 T.E.A.M. PILIPINAS,. i'll supp0rt sen.n0yn0y n0t just because he's the s0n of sen.nin0y and pres.c0ry but i'll supp0rt him because he's y0ur tit0*haha,jst kidding!*seri0usly,i'll supp0rt him because i kn0w he'll be a great president!Ün0 d0ubt ab0ut it;-)

the spunky wanderer said...

hello jiggy...i wanted to know if your Tito Noy would need any volunteers for his campaign? if so, then i would be more than willing to help (not financially though :D)

cookai said...

hello there!i agree that your grandparents really brought legacy to our country.they are truly remarkable people who taught us the value of integrity and character.i heard the mass yesterday and the priest made your lolo and lola as examples of people with very pure souls and clean hearts.he said that may we value them and remember their words:from Sen. Ninoy Aquino that 'Filipinos are worth dying for' and former Pres. Cory that 'Filipinos are worth living for'.ituloy and laban!we will support Senator Noynoy!God bless to your family!Together, Everyone Achieves More!!!

DemocracyLady said...

hi kuya jiggy..nabasa ko po sa twitter ung tweet ninyo about sa youth volunteers for Sen.Noy's campaign at kung sinong interested ay mag cooment lang po d2..well, interested pa po ako at hindi pa po masyadong confirmed but I think my four friends are also interested...pwede po ba kaming sumali???kung ano po yung decision ninyo,,, send nyo lang po ako ng message sa tweeter..ang account ko po ay laban4cory..follower nyo po ako..kung pwede po, as soon as possible ngayong araw ko po kailangan ng reply nyo so I can tell my friends...sige poh..God bless u and ur family...Laban!!!

suzett said...

hi Jiggy!

I've been following you at twitter and read one of your tweets about uncle/Sen Noy's YOUTH VOLUNTEERS, I would like to let you know the we're interested to be one of the volunteers and so pleased to help you guys ^_^ GO T.E.A.M PILIPINAS!!! Tuloy ang "L"aban para sa pagbabago!!! regards to your family!

Unknown said...

hi jiggy, id be more than happy to help in campaigning for your Tito Noynoy.. =)

JON FLOR said...

Aloha Jiggy. You're a good guy for the country. Someday will see you as one of Philippine's future president. Good Luck.