The heavy rain did not succeed in discouraging me from going there. So even when I saw the flood waters outside were reaching my knees, I just folded my pants up and changed to slippers. I even got my big toe pierecd by something but I just ignored it :) I had breakfast at Jollibee and I got a free newspaper- perfect since there's a picture of Ninoy and Cory's tomb on the frontpage (that's where I'm going!). I waited for the bus then when I got on, excitement enveloped me as I hold my drawing to be left as a gift. The fare was PHP 55 but it's nothing compared to where and to whom I'm visiting. The ride was smooth at first then after 1 hour, we were at the SLEX and there was this big traffic! I looked at the window and was shocked when I saw how long the long line extends... The intense humid heat added to the misery but I patiently sat back down and prayed for everything to be ok. Then 30 minutes later, we were nearing Bicutan Exit-what a relief! Sucat was just over the horizon. I got an adrenaline rush and smiled the sky. Once at Sucat, we rode the jeepney to Mla. Memorial Park. Lumampas pa nga kami eh hehe its my first time to go there kasi. Outside Mla. Memorial were these vendors selling T-Shirts, button pins, flowers and fans. I walked to the gate and made a deep breath. I said to myself "Tita Cory, I'm here na." I didn't asked for directions sice I had a feeling inside of "follow your instincts". I saw yellow ribbons tied to trees so I thought "Ah! Just follow the yellow ribbons!" 3 minutes passed and still there was a long way to go (I got track of the time since I'm recording a video of my walk). 5 minutes later, I reached the bridge which was an omen for me that it's near! Another 3 minutes passed then I saw the dazzling white edifice of the Aquinos to the right. I stood there for a moment since I felt a sense of historical importance attached to that small patch of land in the heart of the Mla. Memorial Park. I approached the mausoleum and I saw people lighting candles and taking pictures while some just stood there like praying. I sat on the benches there and got my scissors and tape and I attached my drawing to Tita Cory's niche (at the left side). I said a quiet prayer and I touched the cold concrete tomb. I had a feeling inside of intense grief followed by deep inner joy. I felt something in my heart which I never felt before. I felt a sense of national pride. Somehow I felt "connected" to history and what it was to be Filipino. It was an experience I would forever treasure.
Here are some photos:
My drawing :)
At the tomb...
