Asia's first woman president

For days I have seen as things unfold ever since my country's former president died.

Corazon Cojuanco Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer over a year ago and passed away last August 1, 2009.

The former president seems to have that "effect" over the Filipino people.

From the moment her husband was assassinated down to her passing.

The outpour of grief and support despite torrential rains never ceased.

People stood for hours in line just to take a glimpse of the woman as she lay in her casket, people willing to walk for kilometers along with the cortege despite the pouring rain.

The late president may be the only president whose simplicity and humbleness can never be questioned. Someone who traveled via commercial flights, wore clothes more than once despite what the "fashionistas" seem to believe that doing such is an abomination, these are but mere examples of how she did things considering that her roots are really from a very rich family.

But one cannot talk about the former president without mentioning her late husband Senator Ninoy Aquino, and what struck me the most was the poem written by her husband while he was in jail...

"I have fallen in love

with the same woman three times;

In a day spanning 19 years

of tearful joys and joyful tears.

I loved her first when she was young,

enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.

She was brilliant, fragrant,

and cool as the morning dew.

I fell in love with her the second time;

when first she bore her child and mine

always by my side, the source of my strength,

helping to turn the tide.

But there were candles to burn

the world was my concern;

while our home was her domain.

and the people were mine

while the children were hers to maintain;

So it was in those eighteen years and a day.

’till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.

Suddenly she’s our sole support;

source of comfort,

our wellspring of Hope.

on her shoulders felt the burden of Life.

I fell in love again,

with the same woman the third time.

Looming from the battle,

her courage will never fade

Amidst the hardships she has remained,

undaunted and unafraid.

she is calm and composed,

she is God's lovely maid."

Goodbye Madam Cory,

join your husband in the heavens.

Rejoice as another Sigma Deltan and Upsilonian

are once again joint in heaven.