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Aug

21

Meeting A President

Filed Under Books, Comics Artists, Filipino Artists, Politics | 19 Comments

I met Cory Aquino today. Pardon me, Former Philippine President Cory Aquino. I guess I had gotten so used to refer to her simply as “Cory” that it’s hard to break the habit. It’s by no means a gesture of disrespect, but it’s testament to a Filipino icon, who in spite of her position, history, and accomplishments, seems very much like an ordinary, average Filipino. She exuded no aura of a politician (unlike many other politicians who were there), but a simple aunt who came over for a visit. Myself and Ilyn couldn’t believe that we were actually there talking to her like it was just an ordinary conversation with a neighbor. We talked about art, comics, and well, cellphones. She has a cellphone anecdote that’s just hysterical, but it’s a story for another day.

I was very thrilled to meet her, specially since I have a long long history of being Yellow. During the time of Marcos, being Yellow and living near Malacañang was a rather dangerous thing to do. I often forget I have yellow ribbons in my backpack when I go home that the PSG stops me and tell me to remove them before proceeding.

Most of those old enough to remember the Philippine revolution of 1986 would know what pride in being a Filipino at the time felt like. I felt it, and I remember it well. Cory played a huge part in making all that happen.

Although it is sad to know that Cory is battling a serious illness, it’s remarkable to see that it hasn’t affected her spirit and her humor. It is both encouraging and inspiring.

I met her because of my participation in a book put together by Ninoy And Cory’s grandson Jiggy Cruz. Myself along with a lot of other Filipino comics artists contributed illustrations of Ninoy Aquino for inclusion in the book. The book has just been published and will soon be available at bookstores.


The Artists: Brian, Leinil, me, Jason, Harvey, Carlo, Jiggy and Jed


Me and Leinil


With Kris


Fanboy moment.

More Photos Here.

Comments

19 Responses to “Meeting A President”

  1. Ferres on August 21st, 2008 9:23 pm

    Her presidency gave as the most freedom, if not for the repeated coups, things would be a lot different than it is today. :(

    Her only real failing was the neglect our power utilities and giving meralco away. Of course; if the coups never happened she may have dealt with those issues earlier.

  2. Ed on August 21st, 2008 10:42 pm

    “L” sign pa si Nil. Hehehe! I wish to meet President Mrs. Cory Aquino someday. :D It’s nice to see her smiling in all of the pictures.

    Gerry, I think lumaki ka. Dalawang upuan occupied mo eh. Wehehe.

  3. dennis on August 22nd, 2008 12:28 am

    Cory suddenly looks very old to me. I don’t know maybe it’s because of her illness. I wish her full recovery…

  4. Mack on August 22nd, 2008 2:08 am

    si Cong. Teddy Boy Locsin yung nakaupo sa likod nina Pres. Cory at Gerry. Speechwriter ni Madam Cory yan during her regime. With Kris, Purefoods player James Yap and their son Baby James.

  5. Lori on August 22nd, 2008 7:01 am

    Wicked cool article Gerry! So glad you had a fanboy moment! lol Thanks for sharing

  6. Eusebio Yu on August 22nd, 2008 10:27 am

    Ok ka rin, Gerry. Ikaw nakaupo, sa gitna pa. Si Cory, nakatayo lang!

  7. Gerry Alanguilan on August 22nd, 2008 10:46 am

    Eusebio. he.he. Sya kasi ang may gustong nakatayo sya sa likod e.

  8. Jose Mari Lee on August 22nd, 2008 10:51 am

    Gerry

    Saan mabibili itong Ninoy book? Ire-release kaya iyan dito sa north America?

    Ninoy-Cory fan din kasi ako, eh.

    Maganda iyang ginawa ninyo ni Leinil. Paano kaya kung hilingin ni Imelda na gumawa rin kayo ng drawing sa libro tungkol sa kanya? LOL. Magpractice ka nang kumanta ng DAHIL SA IYO. He-he.

  9. Gerry Alanguilan on August 22nd, 2008 11:03 am

    JM, once it becomes available sa National, baka pwede nang orderin online.

    As to the other thing, over my dead, rotting, worm infested, maggot eaten, horribly bloated from exposure, but still twitching body. :D

  10. adam! on August 22nd, 2008 12:39 pm

    fanboy nga! nung monday, i was wondering how mrs aquino was. pity about the colon cancer. it’s how my uncle died nung early 30s niya. it’s a fucken bastard disease.

  11. pao on August 22nd, 2008 7:54 pm

    sir gerry gawa ko nma kahit konting article about this book.. or kahit bout kay ninoy.. hmmm… dala nio bagong digicam mo.. sana may video blog din.. heheheh

  12. Jiggy Cruz on August 22nd, 2008 9:53 pm

    Sir Gerry,

    Thanks talaga for helping me out!

    How’d you do the iamninoy pic? Photoshop? :) I wanna make my own one!!! hahaha

  13. Gerry Alanguilan on August 22nd, 2008 10:27 pm

    Hello Jiggy! No, thank YOU! Yes, I just photoshopped a photo of mine, inspired by the animation on the IAMNINOY site. :D

  14. rizaldy manrique on August 23rd, 2008 8:26 pm

    Gerry,

    Now, this blog post, I really love it!

    Looking forward to buying the book and sharing it with my friends here in Bikol.

    Fan rin ako ni Ninoy and Cory.

    Aldy

  15. noel on August 23rd, 2008 10:35 pm

    wow! way to go bro!

  16. solo on August 24th, 2008 1:01 am

    aw.. shes like a little ol’ grandma. though my grandad is actually not pro cory, but shes still cool.

  17. ManuelV on August 24th, 2008 5:41 pm

    Galing!

    Pati yung photographer, excited. May kasama pang nginig. :-)

    Can’t wait to get the book in NBS. Congrats, Gerry!

  18. Demi on August 26th, 2008 7:37 pm

    HAHAH! natawa ako dun sa “fanboy moment”

    nice nice!

    swerte mo!! nakita mo in person idol mo!! haha
    akin di pa eh ..Japanese kasi ampffu

  19. Rafael on August 30th, 2008 7:19 pm

    Kudos to all those who lent their talents for this book. Ninoy came from the same province as my family and his story is both tragic and uplifting. Cory’s story is one for the ages.