I’m up for extraordinary early Saturday because I was set to attend a wedding. Before leaving, I check my Facebook account out of habit.

There it was. A link from one of my friends to a news. Former Philippine President Corazon Aquino C., 76, had died.

Comments are great and fast. As I scrolled down my Facebook page, most of my friends are posting their own messages of grief, remembrance and condolences to the family Aquino. Circulated a few details about the building, which will be open to the public. Posted another link to a video clip from the president on the old YouTube.

Message in a few common themes:

“Why good people die first?”

“God bless Tita Cory.”

“Rest in peace, we pray for you.”

But for me, the most heart-wrenching of all, “Madame President, salamat po (Thank you very much).

Two nights ago, I spent a good part of the time watching the video on YouTube from Cory. One is from the United States Congress after her election as president.

He was wearing a skirt and blazer in the signature yellow. The Senators and congressmen give him ceaseless applause ovation and standing. When up on the podium, he flashed the “L” sign with right hand, he was the campaign’s trademark.

Cory gave her speech, not in the way politicians usually deliver a speech, but with great sincerity that makes me empathize with her. He talked about the loss of her husband Ninoy and found himself should be careful of a nation that just got its independence. He was simple and majestic, he poise.

He impressed the heck out of that audience.

With the comment that says “sustained and enthusiastic applause, more than usual.”

“It is showing the emotions that you can see out there who come from across the board, Democrats and Republicans, and Liberals
conservatives, “one commentator added.

If not for YouTube, I have not relived the history of the slice.

In years of experience online, I never saw something like that for the Philippines leader grief. Not only has technology changed how news travel, which has changed the way we grieve. We are no longer limited to our express sadness at the people-to-person basis. We are not dependent on one of the ways that media outlets report. We can now jointly mourn online.

In addition to Facebook’s status message and a link to the video Tita Cory, there have also been real-time twitter updates from people following the news reports, not to mention the blog reminiscing about how the president establish a normal life of many people.

Because I deal with people in various parts of the world, I can say this with confidence: Madame President, I and my friends and many other people, young and old, in the Philippines and abroad, mourn you pass.

You have inspired us all to be calm both Filipinos even more difficult. With live your life that you do, you have shown us that there is still hope for our country. We are comforted by the thought that will be the same with a better Ninoy
place. We know that you will keep us as usual.

May you rest in peace.