The Philippine Consulate General and the Filipino Community offered a Requiem Mass in loving memory of former President Corazon C. Aquino at the Philippine Consulate Lanai on 1 August 2009. More than 100 guests, including Hawaii State Senator Clarence K. Nishihara and key Filcom leaders were in attendance. Two memorable songs, ‘Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree, and “Impossible Dream were played as the Pictorial Tribute on the Life and Times of President Aquino was shown.
Consul General Leoncio Cardenas acknowledged the outpouring of love and sympathy by the Filipino-American community for President Aquino who gave so much of herself to the service of God and country. He also acknowledged that their presence is a testament to the time-honored filipino tradition to be together whenever a loved one passes away, without the need to be invited.
Mr. Eddie Agas, President of the United Filipino Council of Hawaii, remembered President Aquino’s courage in taking on the leadership mantle of the united opposition following the assasination of her husband, Senator Ninoy Aquino.
Dr. Belinda Aquino, Professor of Political Science and Dean of the Philippine Studies at the University of Hawaii in Manoa, spoke of President Aquino as a good and kind person with the ability to immediately make personal connection, an attribute she experienced first hand when she was introduced to the President in 1986 as a volunteer for the Presidential Commission on Good Government. But most of all, she emphasised President Aquino’s personal contribution in leading the peaceful 1986 People Power Revolution at EDSA as the beginning of the modern day revolution for a political change in Eastern Europe, in Korea, and in other parts of the world.
The news of the death of President Aquino was covered by all TV, radio and print media in Hawaii. TV 2 and TV 8 also covered the Requiem Mass.
The news of the death of President Aquino was covered by all TV, radio and print media in Hawaii. TV 2 and TV 8 also covered the Requiem Mass.