Shades of Gray 2: That Lady in Yellow

It was 1986. Rain just fell and sky was bright. The Dictator’s despotic tenure in the Palace by the River, were numbered. I was dressing-up for my afternoon class when suddenly, commotions leaks from outside. I peeped through our windowpane and check where the torrent of squeals are hailing from. I witnessed a lion’s share of frantic feet, big and small, all casted towards the town's center street. Could it be a Fire or a Gang-war that made ‘em (my neighbors) dumped their chores and flee their homes? “The wife of Ninoy’s coming”!.. yelp an omen-believing Elder.
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CORY!, CORY!
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From a distance, I stood in dignified silence while my tribesmen are chanting a woman’s name. (My freaking folks are a picture of blood-hungry spectators cheering for clashing Gladiators in a Mortal Combat). The ear-defeaning chant of theirs get bigger and heavier as the Party’s campaign-float drew closer. Finally it passes our respective border and in the blink of an eye, conquered each and everyone. Lean and small, I was overshadowed by the tall and fat ones, so I needed to crane my neck like a giraffe to grab a better glimpse of that simple-looking woman in geeky glass whose short hair’s wavy, skin's flawless tipping-off a wealthy background.

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An Encounter w/ a Hero,

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To my delight, she gave a me quick nod and a sweet smile as she does generously for everyone. I sighted: her two hands are diligently making an L shape - for FIGHT or “Laban” accordingly, to which everybody (except for me, I guess) have gladly mimic on the spot. Incredible! My young mind wonders "what kind of charisma this woman possessed to freak and enchant my townsmen?".

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As for me, what star-strucked me the most is the vivid paint of the blouse she’s wearing - a beautiful YELLOW, so eye candy and magnetic - eventually became a special symbol of her extraordinary legacy in the concrete jungle that is Politics. Soon I learnt, she is the Leader in disguise who beckon thousands of feet and hands in unity and spearheaded 'em to revive freedom & democracy. The grieving mom and widow of a noble man who became the prime instrument in ousting the country's tyrannic-aging ruler and his Imeldific-shoe collector wife to leave the High Office they and their loyal cronnies had occupied & looted terribly for 20 years.

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it was a defining moment. 23 years ago when I first saw her, the President. and the rest, they say is History.

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Tie the yellow ribbons,

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From million miles, I could only see her now in TV and in print. Lifeless and colorless this time after a month-long of battle and defeat with the Big C. She's being mourned greatly, missed sorely by millions of Local & Global Filipino as patented by showers of yellow confettis and ribbons everywhere - to both lament and honor her passing. I could also see "crocodile tears" amongst those who sobbs and siffs. Those who question her indecisive leadership in social and economic reforms. Those whose expectations she "failed" when the agrarian program fell short in ending land domination of the Elites. Those cynics and hecklers who joked and guffaws upon the rumors of her alleged "hiding" beneath the bed to shield her head of bullets in the apex of an opposing military coup', ...among others.

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Against all odds and tides, that Lady in yellow remain affloat and in usual kind self - respected, beloved, remembered and shining as ever - even in her sickness and in death. The International Merits Awards she garnered during her time are nothing compared to the hearts, spirits and souls she has earned - "Us" whom she taught and inspire to believe again in the moving power of Hope, Faith and Integrity. OF FIGHTING A GOOD FIGHT TILL THE VERY END.

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I am one of those who say "Salamat po and PAALAM Tita CORY".