Former Philippine President Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino passes away after a year of battling colon cancer

It is a sad day for many Filipinos.

At around 3:18 a.m. on Saturday August 1, 2009, former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino, 76 years old, passed away after being diagnosed with advanced colon cancer early 2008. She was confined in Makati Medical Center for more than a month, and very memorable thing for me as I would often pass by that area and see all the television and radio stations’ mobile units parked outside. For many Filipinos, she will be remembered as a symbol of democracy as well as the first female president of the Republic of the Philippines.

A very private person, she rose to prominence when her husband Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, a former Philippine senator, was assassinated in 1983, which gave rise to the first Philippine Revolution or “People Power” that ended the dictatorship of former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos.

She is often seen wearing the color yellow, which then became her symbol when campaigning for the presidency. This same color was worn by many supporters prior to her death.

Below is a video of family friend and celebrity Boy Abunda making the announcement.