(Kilayko, a close friend of Cory Aquino, was at the Manila Cathedral and in the long procession to the Manila Memorial Park yesterday)

As it was in EDSA, so it was yesterday.

At the Manila Cathedral, nuns holding each other’s hands along the center aisle like honor guards of Cory Aquino's casket passing through then gave way at the threshold, to the men in uniform who gave their once commander-in-chief, due honors. At the Manila Memorial Park, once again we saw the beautiful harmony between the religious and military. As the seminarians prayed the rosary, the processional with Cory Aquino's military escort and band slowly entered the area close to where Cory was to finally lay at rest

* * *

On the way to the Manila Memorial Park, a sudden gust of rain fell but the Filipinos on the street, carrying their makeshift signs, were not moving away. They stood still and tall and flashed a sign -- to say thank you to their Nanay Cory-Lola Cory-Mom Cory. Clothes were drenched, umbrellas were for naught because the water struck each one from all sides.

* * *

It's been a long time since we've locked eyes with another Filipino on the street and, as if orchestrated by a master baton, lips broke into smiles in unison as right arms stretch, tipped at the end with the L (laban) sign. They will not meet each other again but the bond is sealed. A pact is made in a split second on the street. Someday, somewhere, as it was some 23 years ago, this pact shall once again come to life. As it was when we flashed the same sign and stood hard for it a few months later when electoral rights were violated.

* * *

On Tuesday we literally ran on the cobbled streets of old Intramuros, filled with a sea of people who were patiently waiting for their turn to pay respect for four seconds to their beloved Cory. Entering the Manila Cathedral for the first time since I was a little girl – I was awed at the majesty of its domes and carvings, awash with cool blue and was about to enjoy its historic past, especially when I lifted my eyes to see Cardinal Sin's archbishop's hat hanging from the dome. But as I looked down to where that hat was hanging over, I remembered what I was there for.

The hat hung exactly above Cory Aquino's coffin. It was not to enjoy the historic past of this grand old church - it was to experience the piece of history that was happening at the moment

* * *

There were 20 testimonials from people somehow connected to Cory for the necrological service. Not the usual lofty praises from political associates, but more intimate sharing from various people.

* * *

The testimony of Alex Ayco left many teary-eyed as he recounted how much courage he tried to muster over breaking the news to Cory when he first saw her test results that pointed to cancer. It was Cory who called him saying, “I know you, if the results were good you would have called me right away. But don’t worry, Alex, I have lived a full life, if it is God’s will, so be it.”

* * *

After sharing short conversations with Ballsy, Noynoy, Viel, Eldon and Dodo, we moved towards a convergence of people by a side entrance. We bumped into Monju Guanzon who was there with his brother-in-law Rep. Hermie Aquino. Monju graciously offered to take us home as it was raining and close to dinner time. However, we decided to wait for the mass as long as we could grab some bites.

* * *

Thankfully Alex Ayco, a childhood friend who was Cory's personal doctor and as close as an adoptive bother to the Aquino siblings, brought us to a tent at the side of the church. There, amidst monoblock chairs and some tables, were loads of food for the taking: pizza, ensaimada, sandwiches, pancit, doughnuts and more. Food donations just kept coming and someone mentioned that it was like EDSA once again.

The Aquino siblings and their children would also go out once in a while into the line and share some of the bounty with the people who had been standing in line.*

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