I heard about former President Corazon Aquino’s passing this morning on the radio. The host of the show was on the phone with Brother Eddie Villanueva, asking him to account his most touching memory of Tita Cory. I am from a generation that is too young to remember the events of the People Power Revolution of ’86, and my knowledge of the Aquinos’ mark in history consists mostly of their youngest Kris’s very public mishaps. Yet I felt myself tight on the throat, as if to shed tears any moment during that car ride.
Yes, we studied her and Senator Ninoy in History class but I am a bit skewed towards being apolitical and apathetic (partly because of frustration and exasperation over the vicious cycles we allow to happen) so I only have textbook knowledge of “that” turning point in Philippine history. On paper, I should not be one to quickly sing her ode. But with the very little I know, I thank God for allowing Senator Ninoy and Tita Cory to happen to Philippine democracy. The Edsa Revolution was one of the countries better times. As a believer of the wonders an empowered individual can make, I think Edsa was a pretty awesome display of the greater power of people coming together with one conviction. And moreover, it is a testament that "it can be done". I'd hate to think our country is going to the dogs.
May the Lord bless the soul of Tita Cory and may show her mercy. May He comfort her family at their time of grieving. And may every Filipino honor and uphold what Ninoy and Tita Cory shed their lives for.
***
Now we come to the more bitter goodbye. Thankfully, nobody else I know passed away today. Rather, today I say goodbye to a mentor, running buddy and a dear friend as she leaves for Tokyo to embark on a new adventure with her family.
Unlike my garbled memories of Tita Cory, I remember very well my first encounter with Lisa Marie. She is 1/3 responsible for my stint in NBO as she was one of the 3 people who interviewed me when I was a Marketing consultant wannabe 2 years ago. On my day of the interview I remember finding her pretty and one who asks a lot of difficult questions. It was soon after my hiring that I had the great opportunity to have my life intertwined with that of a beautiful soul. The one year I spent with her as my Project Manager, no doubt, was the most important year of my career. I consider Lisa as my first real mentor. It is with her that I learned a strong sense of work ethics, getting my work done excellently and on time, and forcing the client to agree with our recommendations by being charming. I would forever thank God for the one year she, Caloy and I spent as a team for Homeworks. That was the first time in all my years of working that I knew I was in a good place, under the guidance of the best bosses ever (together with the other people we work with).
There are many other wonderful things I would miss about Lisa: her being a proud mother to Bea and Joaquin and husband to Eric; her being the resident NBO clown; her being my fellow running aficionado- the one person who gets me when I share my highs and lows as a runner; her kind and gentle ways; and how she just literally lights up the room with her wit and pleasant disposition. The enumeration does not end there. I just figured I had to use the word ‘and’ at some point. And did I say she’s really really funny? And did I say she’s brilliant? And did I say everyone who had the great opportunity to meet her will surely agree with everything I’ve said so far (about Lisa, that is; not necessarily about Tita Cory).
Heaven help me I suck at goodbyes. And it does not get any easier if the person you bid farewell to is someone you love and deeply care about…
Haaay Lis, I will always have the fondest memories of you. Thank you for being such a positive force in my life. I have learned so much from you and you continue to be an inspiration not just in my chosen career but in being a woman of character. Thank you for marking my resume with your seal of approval. The 2 years I have spent with NBO, working with you, Alice and Arnie are considered one of my biggest achievements as an adult. Thanks for being the best cubiclemate ever. Our daily exchange about Pinoy showbiz, running and boys and anything and everything under the sun will be missed. You will be missed. Awfully missed.
It is my sincerest prayer that your family prospers in Tokyo. May you touch many lives there as you have here. May God bless you and keep you, Eric Bea and Joaquin always. And don’t worry, I’ll take you up on that offer. This is not it for us. Like I said, give me until next year to visit you in Tokyo :-)
I will hold my breath until the day we hit the road together again. For now, may you run your new race all the way to the finish line.
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