Marcos sends wreaths to tombs of Ninoy, Cory, Noy

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday sent two wreaths of white flowers to the tombs of the late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and former presidents Corazon Aquino and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

Ninoy Aquino, a staunch critic of Marcos Sr., was assassinated upon his arrival in Manila from the US on Aug. 21, 1983.

His widow Corazon was installed as president in 1986 following the people power revolt that toppled the government of strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Meanwhile, Marcos visited the tomb of his father at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.

He arrived at the cemetery at 10:07 a.m. with First Lady Liza Marcos. They were joined by their sons, Joseph Simon and William Vincent.

Marcos’ mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, and sisters, Sen. Imee Marcos and Irene Marcos-Araneta, were also present.

The President’s family and their supporters attended a mass in honor of Marcos Sr., who placed the country under martial law during his term.

The family left the cemetery shortly after the mass.

No program was held and the President did not grant an interview with the media.

In his message for the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, Marcos urged Filipinos to value a “virtuous life” and remember the bravery of the saints as they strive to overcome trials.

He encouraged Filipinos to reflect on their purpose and the “unceasing need for God’s guidance as they celebrate the saints’ devotion and the legacies of those who have died.”

“Let us remember the courage that our saints and dearly departed have shown amidst their plight, so we may be empowered to be bold in living with and for Christ no matter the difficulties that we face in this world,” Marcos said.

“Let the examples of faith demonstrated by our forebears bind us all in appreciating the joy of leading a virtuous life here on earth as well as in recognizing the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ,” he added.

Marcos said that Filipinos’ obedience to the holy obligation throughout the centuries has given birth to traditions and culture that give utmost importance to faith and family.

“This time comes as a refreshing gift, for we can also enjoy reuniting with our loved ones while receiving much needed nourishment for our spiritual lives,” he said.

The President declared Nov. 1 and 2 as holidays through Proclamation 42 issued in August last year.

All Saints’ Day or the Solemnity of All Saints honors the men and women who are regarded as models of the Catholic faith.

All Souls’ Day is an occasion to remember and pray for those who have died and are believed to be undergoing cleansing before going to heaven.

‘Ghosts at Malacañang’

Marcos shared creepy encounters in Malacañang, which was his family’s residence for more than 20 years, during the administration of his father.

Malacañang is the official residence of the Philippine president.

Marcos Sr. served as president from 1965 to 1986.

“I haven’t really told these stories to my children. They might get scared. But since it’s Halloween, I will tell you about my experiences here, especially when I was young,” Marcos said in Filipino in his vlog titled, “Mga Multo sa Malacañang (Ghosts in Malacañang),” posted on YouTube on Oct. 31.

In the vlog, Marcos was joined by his eldest son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.

He began his story with “Father Brown.”

Marcos said security guards at the Palace claimed Father Brown wakes them up at night.

“When we looked at the history (of Malacañang), we found out that Father Brown used to work at the Palace during the time of the Americans,” Marcos said.

He narrated his strange experience at the guest room, near the state dining room, where he holds Cabinet meetings.

He said he went home late one night and when he opened the door to his room, he saw the chairs move.

“I screamed and ran. I told the security, ‘Ghost! Ghost!’” Marcos said.

Sandro commented: “I still find that hard to believe.”

“It’s true,” Marcos told his son.

He said he had shared a ghost-hunting experience with his friends at the Palace.

He told stories of doors opening and closing, and chandeliers moving on their own.

Marcos said that when he walked up the Palace’s formal stairs, especially when he was alone at night, he felt as if somebody was watching him from behind.

At the end of the vlog, Marcos asked Sandro: “What would you do if we had ended up living here in the Palace?”

Sandro replied: “I’ll just get a condo unit nearby.”

Marcos said Malacañang was built in the 1570s by Don Luis Rocha Camina.

It was bought by the government in 1825 to be used as a summer house of the governor-general.

It became the residence of 18 governor-generals and 14 American military and civil governors, and later on of presidents of the Philippines, Marcos said.

He said the Palace underwent renovations and refurbishments after several wars.

“The major remodelling happened during the time of my father, because my mother did the remodeling,” Marcos said.

Pray

Manila Cathedral vice rector Fr. Vicente Gabriel Bautista said that praying and having friends to whom you unburden your sorrow could help in coping with the loss of a loved one.

Bautista advised those who are experiencing difficulty in coping with grief to pray to lessen their heartache.

Another way to ease a heavy heart is to have friends who listen and give comfort.

“Your continuous companionship with each other, find friends you could talk to. At least someone who would be there to encourage you and tell you that they (dearly departed) are in a safer place,” he said.

The prelate said those who have gone to the afterlife are believed to be in the company of the Lord. — Alexis Romero, Evelyn Macairan