January 25, 2010 marked the 77th birthday of the former Philippine President Corazon Aquino . To celebrate the event, staunch Cory supporter Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim inaugurated the first monument in the country dedicated to the former leader of the country.
located right outside the Intramuros walls beside the statute of Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. right across the historic Manila Hotel and Luneta park . It would actually be the latest in the city’s “yellow fever craze” as some might call it, Most of the City hall employees and traffic enforcers are already wearing yellow uniform , having already named a bridge, an elementary school, a university building, and a hospital after her in a span of 5 months.
77th birthday FDC commemorative stamp with second print Cory memoriam stamps
Not to mentioned the not so new issue of the Philippine Postal Corporation a First Day Cover ( Cory’s 77th birthday ) with a second print of the Cory Aquino memoriam stamps . These FDC stamp is considered commemorative, since there were about 500 pieces according to the philatelic staff.
Tita Cory was featured in Philippine stamps for about a dozen times which included the definitive issue (Philippine Presidents ) series in early 2000.
Manila Cityhall officials led by the enigmatic Mayor Alfredo Lim, Ms. Gemma Cruz- Araneta , members of the Cojuangco- Aquino family , distinguished guests led the unveiling of the statue.
The monument showed the former President Cory flashing the ever-famous “Laban” or “Fight” hand sign on her right while holding the 1987 Philippine Constitution on her left which Castrillo explained was a symbolism of Cory’s legacy in restoring and upholding democratic rule in the country.
Senator Benigno Aquino statute
The Cory monument was designed by renowned Filipino sculptor Eduardo Castrillo , who happens also to be the same sculptor behind the Rajah Sulayman monument, Our Lady of EDSA, the Pinaglabanan shrine monument and the Bonifacio monument beside the Manila Cityhall among many others.
Cory and Ninoy stickers a hot item for collectors and sympathizers
After the unveiling ceremonies of the statue, the sea of yellow supporters and crowd sung famous EDSA songs , yellow colored balloons were flown, While street hawkers had the opportunity to sell merchandises related to the famous couple.
Despite being world-famous for fighting martial law and restoring democracy in the country, The tandem of Ninoy and Cory statute seems out of place !
Under the National Historical Institute guidelines on monuments, the Rizal Monument at Luneta (Rizal Park, Manila) and the Bonifacio Monument (Caloocan City) are established as points of reference and should preferably be the focal point of a city or town center.
The NHI said if two or more monuments are present at the site, the most important monument should be given prominence at the site. It said the environment around the monument must be clean and neat and should not overshadow the dominant monument.
“No new construction, demolition or modification, which would alter the relations of mass and color must be allowed,” the NHI added.
Photo taken from the book : Ninoy Ideas & Ideologies , page 8 : copyright 1993