'Cory's simplicity seen even in photos'

MANILA, Philippines - Pictures, they say, paint a thousand words.

And a thousand words are better seen through the lenses of photographers.

Indeed, the life and times of global democracy icon former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino as a public official were immortalized in the pictures taken by her “favorite photographer” Val Rodriguez, who served the Aquino administration as chief of the Presidential Close-In Photographers Office from 1986 to 1992.

The photographs that Rodriguez took reflected the simplicity of Mrs. Aquino, a simplicity that endeared her to the Filipino people.

“Some movie stars would hate to be seen wearing the same outfit even after several months, but not the former president,” recalls Rodriguez.

“She would realize that she was dressed in the same clothes only when she would check out the photos that I took, but it never mattered just the same,” says Rodriguez, who is now the chief photographer of The Philippine STAR.

“I was so amazed by her simplicity. Imagine, she was the president, the most powerful person in the country. Aside from that, their family is rich, so she had the money to buy all the luxuries that her heart could desire. But there she was, wearing the same plain, mid-priced outfits twice in a week!” said Rodriguez, still visibly amused at this side of the former president.

“To say that she was simple would be an understatement. In my mind and in my heart, no one else beats her when it comes to that aspect,” he says.

“I hardly saw her buy new clothes. And her shoes? You can count them! In fact, I think she would only have new shoes when her children would buy her (some),” he says, adding that “the janitors in Malacañang were the ones shining her shoes and repairing the heels and soles.”

Rodriguez also shared how one time, during a trip to Singapore, Mrs. Aquino bought an imitation signature bag. “She had simple joys,” he said.

“Her children, I think, have taken after her. All of them grew up to become very simple, unassuming like their mother, very responsible and peace-loving persons,” he added.

Even when it comes to food, the former president was uncomplicated in her choices.

“She loved pinakbet, bangus, pancit, adobo and mechado. I liked seeing her during Sundays because she would be in a duster, her hair wet, cooking for her family,” Rodriguez says.

“Their family is very bonded. They get together every weekend and go to Mass together on Sundays. That’s how close they are,” he says.

The ace photographer recalled a memorable calendar shoot of Mrs. Aquino in Boracay.

“She (Mrs. Aquino) was an easy subject, no quirkss at all, although she did not really like to have stolen shots. My most memorable photo of her, however, was taken in Boracay,” he says.

“During that time, the Aquino government was besieged by problems. But in her photo, she seemed very serene, unaffected by coup rumors left and right. I guess it shows her inner strength, the reason why she survived all the trials that came her way. In the midst of trouble, she remained peaceful and prayerful,” he says.

Rodriguez, who was The Associated Press’ photo chief in Manila before he worked for Mrs. Aquino, confessed how his life had changed since the time he covered the former president.

“She is truly a leader worthy of emulation. She was a no-frills person who loved her family dearly and was genuinely concerned about the welfare of the people and the country. – With James Mananghaya