Cory the tita, the boss, the friend

Dr. Alex Ayco was a batchmate of Cory’s daughter Pinky Abellada and also served as Cory’s personal physician during her presidency. I remember asking Alex during one of Cory’s state visits, which had a backbreaking schedule, what supplements he gave her because her stamina was just so remarkable. “Nothing! She is naturally energetic.” He said he just left her alone because she was such in robust health. But the painful task of breaking the bad news of the results of her blood test fell on Alex’s shoulders 20 years later.

The floral arrangements on Cory and Ninoy’s tomb on the day she was buried were designed by Alex and executed by florists from Roberto Antonio’s. Excerpts from his eulogy:

Eighteen months ago, when I got the blood test results, I did not know how to tell you, and I just kept staring at the report. I did not know what to do, and I asked God..... why? During this same time my mother in Bacolod was sick and dying, and now it is you with this illness. Bakit sabay pa kayong nagkasakit, dalawang ina kong minamahal. I kept on hesitating to call you, but you called me and said, “Alex wala pa ba ang results? Kasi kung normal yan, kilalang kilala kita, tinawagan mo na ako agad.” I dreaded to tell you the news, and tried to keep my eyes dry when I faced you, but when you saw me, you knew I was sad, you said... “Alex, I have lived a full life, if it is God’s will, so be it.” And when several suggestions of treatment abroad were offered, you said, “I trust the Filipino doctors; I have faith in them. I want to be treated here.” That night, you impressed deep in my heart the Divine side of you, just like the time when the Blessed Mother said her yes to God through the angel Gabriel. Such peace and reassurance that you were with God. That very night, I promised to God to give all the best care and attention. You even kept on asking how my mother was doing in Bacolod. And when we the doctors would say we will visit you, you were worried baka matraffic kami or maka-abala pa kayo ng ibang pasyente namin. During the last month of your illness, you were more concerned how the nurses, doctors were and you never failed to say thank you despite the inconveniences you were experiencing.

I have never addressed you as Tita Cory through these years, but today, Tita Cory, thank you for being a part not only of my life, but a part of the lives of every Filipino. May your courage and strength in God remain in our hearts. We will never forget you. I love you.

Ate Ballsy, Pinky, Noynoy, Viel and Kris, thank you for welcoming me as part of your family and giving me the opportunity to take care of your mom.

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Inspector Mel Mamaril wasn’t only Cory Aquino’s close-in security aide, he was part of her extended family. They shared the same blood type (A+) and Mel would donate blood whenever the then ailing former president would need a transfusion. At least four times during her confinement at the Makati Medical Center, Cory would tell Mel, “Uwi na tayo.” Mel hardly ever left Cory’s side at the hospital. He virtually lived there during her confinement. He left her side only to attend healing Masses held for her, usually at the Greenbelt Chapel.

I would like to start with a very significant experience with Ma’am Cory as her close-in security ever since she became president of our nation. One time, in 1998 we arrived at their home from Forbes Park where she was having painting lessons. She was assigned to provide merienda to her class that day so she brought with her cooks and helpers in Forbes Park. After her class, we reached their home on Times Street ahead of the other household employees so there was no food prepared. Her driver and I were waiting for the household employees... when all of a sudden, Ma’am Cory came out of the house handing to us a bowl of hot noodles that she prepared herself!!! That is how Ma’am Cory was. She takes care of the people around her, no matter how big or small. She treated us not as mere employees but just like a mother preparing food for a son after a hard day’s work!

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Cory once told me how she admired Gina de Venecia for offering her great suffering at the death of her youngest daughter KC as a lifeline for other bereaved mothers. “She transformed her suffering into a balm for other grieving mothers.” Cory believed that just as Jesus Christ, who had no sin, suffered, we, too, must take up our cross. During Cory’s illness, Gina always sent her fruits and her other favorite food. Cory once told me, “between Gina and President Erap, naku, I will never be lacking in fruits!”

I remember the first birthday I celebrated in our house in Magnolia after Joe lost his bid for the Presidency in 1998. I was worried that only a few guests would arrive because many of my so-called friends had turned their back on me since Joe was no longer in power.

But there she was, Tita Cory, who came an hour ahead of everybody else. Ang sabi niya, “I may not always have been around when you were up there, but now, I am here.”

I knew then that no matter the reason or circumstance, I could always count on Tita Cory for moral support. She valued her friends and showed me the importance of being there for the people you love and care for.

Nguni’t ang hinding-hindi ko malilimutan kay Tita Cory ay nang maganap ang pinakamalagim na trahedya sa aking buhay — nang mamatay ang aking bunsong anak na si KC nang masunog ang aming tahanan noong Dec. 16, 2004.

Hatinggabi nang kami’y maghanap ng aming matitirhan sa isang katabing hotel upang doon ay sandaliang manirahan. Kinabukasan, mga alas otso ng umaga ay naroroon nang naghihintay si Tita Cory sa labas ng aming silid — kasama ang kanyang mga anak upang makiramay sa amin.

Naaalala ko rin na during the wake, she was always there with her family, even on Christmas Day which was the ninth day novena for KC — para ipadama sa akin ang kanyang taos-pusong pagmamahal, pagmamalasakit, at pagiging pangalawang ina.

Siya rin ang nagpakilala sa akin kay Sister Herminigildes, Mother Prioress ng Pink Sisters sa New Manila, upang mabigyan ako ng spiritual guidance. Throughout my grief, they held my hand and taught me to accept the will of God, to trust in Him and His Divine Will, because He will always make things beautiful in His time.

Just last November, she attended the launch of Joe’s book, “The Global Filipino,” even if she was already weak and undergoing chemotherapy. She knew that it was yet another low point in my life, when I felt so deserted by my “so-called” friends, this time for siding with the truth.

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