Noynoy claims his destiny tomorrow

Five years ago, for the fifth anniversary of People Asia magazine, we asked former President Cory Aquino to list the five most memorable events in her life. Instead, she said, “Joanne, may I instead give five reasons why the number five is significant to me?” Thus she came up with the following list.

1. I was born on Jan. 25

2. I live on 25 Times St.

3. I have five children.

4. Ninoy died at 50.

5. I was President in my fifties (53 to 59).

I bring this up now on the eve of the inauguration of her only son Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as the 15th President of the Philippines.

“Five” seems to also be a lucky number for P-Noy.

He is 50 years old, he was elected on 5/10/2010, all numbers divisible by five. He won by some 15 million votes and led his closest rival former President Joseph Estrada by some five million votes as well. He is the 15th President of the Philippines.

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Some 115,000 are expected to attend tomorrow’s inauguration at the Quirino Grandstand, when P-Noy claims his destiny.

In 27 years, at least four watersheds in Philippine history took place all within one family — the 1983 assassination of Ninoy, the 1986 people power revolution led by Cory and her assumption into office, Cory’s death in 2009 which unleashed a longing for her brand of clean and honest government, the decision of her son Noynoy, who embodied Cory’s traits, to seek the presidency in September 2009 and finally, his election into office on May 10, 2010. 

“He is claiming his destiny tomorrow,” says Maria Montelibano, head of his communications team and co-chairman of his inaugural committee. “Ninoy died and the torch was passed on to Cory, and Cory died and the torch was passed on to Noynoy.”

It is a role Noynoy was seemingly groomed for since birth — by destiny.

“When we were studying Philosophy, History and Theology in school, Noynoy was already living it,” says his classmate Lito Nadal.

Former Deputy Executive Secretary Sonny Coloma says that one of the themes of the inaugural is “Journey to Destiny.”

P-Noy specifically told those in the inaugural committee headed by incoming Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa and Maria Montelibano that he wanted the ceremonies to be simple.

What will set this inauguration apart is that apart from P-Noy, all his supporters present at the Grandstand will take their oath as well. “Panata sa Pagbabago.”

The participation of the people in his inaugural, at the Quirino Grandstand and at the Quezon City Memorial Circle (where he will sing and dance), is P-Noy’s wish.

Maria thinks it was during a campaign sortie to Masbate, where Noynoy did not expect much support and people’s participation, that he realized he had “an awakened citizenry” who shared his vision. A 15-minute trip between one stopover to the other took 90 minutes because the people of Masbate came out in full force to see Noynoy, whom they looked up to as a symbol of change.

“You will fulfill our dreams,” Maria remembers the Masbateños telling candidate Noynoy. They formed human shields around him, saying, “kailangan buhay ka para sa amin.”

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President Arroyo and President-elect Aquino will arrive at around 11 a.m. at the Grandstand. There will be no military honors, just arrival honors. The National Anthem will be sung by Charice Pempengco to be accompanied by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Ryan Cayabyab. Instead of a military parade, there will be a musical ensemble, to be composed of the Madrigal Singers singing Bayan Ko, the Apo Hiking Society singing Minamahal Kong Bayan, and Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez and others singing the inaugural theme song, among others.

President Noynoy will take his oath before Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio Morales before a Bible to be held by family friend Fr. Catalino Arevalo S.J. and born to the stage by barangay captain Eugenio Perez of Sinait, Tarlac. It will be recalled that President Noynoy had considered taking his oath before a barangay captain, but was advised it may not be in keeping with the Constitution.

Sources say he will deliver his oath in Filipino, even if the oath has an English version.

To be beside him as he takes his oath are his four sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Pinky Aquino-Abellada, Viel Aquino-Dee and Kris Aquino-Yap. The President’s brothers-in-law, nephews and nieces are not going to be by the podium as President Noynoy takes his oath, according to Maria. Same with Vice President Binay. He will only be surrounded by his wife and children.

Will Shalani Soledad be in the oath-taking?

“She has been invited,” says Maria.

President Noynoy’s inaugural address is expected to be only 10 minutes long. After Noynoy delivers his inaugural address, there will be a 21-gun salute followed by a fireworks display. He will then proceed to Malacañang as the duly elected 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Destiny calls.

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