Yellow Day

The life of Corazon Cojuangco Aquino is an open book not just for the Filipinos, but for all the people in the world. Now that she is dead, her story will live on; more chapters will be added to that book by stories of people being inspired by the legacy she had left.

I was in grade one when I first heard the name Cory Aquino, that was in the year 1985. Even though I was very young that time, I had noticed already that there was something very important about this woman. I asked my grade one teacher about her, and she told me that she was the wife of the slain Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino, Jr., a leading figure in the political opposition against the autocratic rule of President Ferdinand Marcos. I did not really understand fully the whole scenario, but deep in my heart I knew that Cory and Ninoy were significant figures in our country. At home, I overheard many times different discussions of my parents and their friends about the state of the nation during that time. I understood that they were supporting this woman, so I think I was influenced by my parents that I had learned to love and support Cory.

Back at school, my class was divided into two, one for the Red group and one for the Yellow group. I'm on the Yellow group, for Cory and the others belonged to the Red for Marcos. The Red group would have to tease us "Cory,KURIKONG (skin diesease)!" And we shouted back, "Marcos, GIKUSKOS (scratched)!" Very childish of us! But it really made sense to me now how really important is to take a stand for an ideology.

Then EDSA revolution came in 1986, which turned out to be a victory for the yellow group. From that time on, I was so certain that Cory Aquino is one of the greatest women rulers in the world; she can be compared to Golda Meir of Israel, Indira Gandhi of India, Tzu-hsi of China, Hatshepsut of Egypt and Elizabeth I of England. My favorite snack that time was PEOPLE POWER, a cheaper version of Chiz Curls which had stickers inside about EDSA revolution. I fondly collected the stickers and pasted it on my notebooks, then showed it with great pride to my classmates especially those who belonged to the red team.

As the President of the Philippines during my elementary years until early high school, I can still recall the good things Tita Cory had contributed to the country. One important thing is the moral standard she had exemplified as the most powerful person in the Philippines. She showed love of democracy and deep faith in the Almighty which are obvious in the policies and programs she had implemented during her term. Even though she was not a perfect President, because no one really is, for me she is the best President yet in my life time.

Democracy comes fro the Greek word demokratia (dêmos = people) (krátos = rule), literally translated as 'popular government'. It is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. This is the greatest legacy the late President Aquino had given to us. Let us all be vigilant in guarding the freedom we have now. Let our patriotism and nationalism be a living honor for Tita Cory.

Katherine Mae Won the Crown

Last July 31, 2009, the pageant and coronation of Miss Intramural Sports of Carmen Nationation High School was done in the school quadrangle. Fourteen lovely candidates were vying for the title in a competition of beauty and brains. The show was hosted by Mr. Jhun Matthew Ares. The judges were Mr. Jillito Ares of Cebu Academy, Mr. Barry Eubank of Carmen Elementary School and Mr. Edgar Tinapay of Liki Elementary School.



The Candidates were competing in three phases; the Production Number, the Sports Wear Competition and the Casual Wear Competition. Based on the three portions, the magic five was chosen. The top 5 ladies proceed to the fourth phase, the question and answer portion. The following made it to the top; Sheena Ria Ginco, Sthepanie Suday, Gladys Remoto, Vanessa Herrera and Katherine Mae Arizo. Eventually, Katherine Mae won the title and will represent the school in the upcoming District Meet selection for Festival Queen.



I was kind of sad when I said goodbye to the ladies who did not make it to the top. But I reiterated to them the words I said during the practice, that "their experience is more important than winning in this competition." This is not Miss Carmen, nor Binibining Pilinas, but this could be a stepping stone for the winners as well as the non-winners for bigger beauty pageants.



I opened the show with the quote from The Little Prince, and I will end this article by writing the line from that story by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

" It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, for what is essential is invisible to the eye."

I wish that this line will always remind everybody the true essence of beauty.