Remembering Cory

MANILA, Philippines - Editor’s note: STAR chief photographer Val Rodriguez joined the Palace as close-in photographer of President Cory Aquino shortly after she assumed office following the February 1986 people power revolution. In the six years of the first Aquino presidency, he had near unrestricted access to the President, documenting all her official functions as well as many of her family affairs. After she left Malacañang in June 1992 and became citizen Cory and Val left the Palace in 1994 and joined The STAR, the two maintained a close friendship and Val continued to cover his “Tita Cory.”

As we mark President Cory’s 81st birthday on Jan. 25, we share some of Val’s treasured photographs from his work during what he describes as “the best and most unforgettable six years of my life.”  Photos by Val Rodriguez

It is both an honor and a privilege to have been the official/private photographer of the late former President Corazon Aquino and the Aquino family from 1986 to 1992. Those were the best and most unforgettable six years of my life.

Every time I think of my many colorful and challenging experiences as her photographer, I cannot help but be reflective and grateful. The Woman in Yellow was – and still is – an inspiration because of her distinct humility and utmost honesty. Her sincerity to serve the people is captured in the many photographs I took of her.

Her many endeavors and sacrifices are chronicled in the many rolls of film I used up. Her every action, simple and sincere, gave color to my pictures. Her life, either private or the part that many people saw and felt, gave meaning to my photographs.

Tita Cory’s grateful heart is deeply missed. And I am also thankful that she gave me the chance to capture her every moment. My camera and I will always be grateful to her.

I photographed your life and sacrifices, but your life gave color to my photographs.