Thousands flock to Manila Cathedral

Manila Cathedral August 3, 2009

“if this yellow ribbon somehow serve as our hope, then let us become a yellow ribbon to one another” -Tarlac bishop Florentino Cinense

Thousands of Filipinos from all walks of life, including some of us went to the Manila Cathedral Monday night in Intramuros Manila to bid last farewell to the mother of democracy of the 20th century.

The body of former president Aquino was transferred from La Salle Greenhills Gymnasium to Manila Cathedral Monday, August 3 in a five hour procession; where it is said to be reminiscent of the 1986 People Power Revolution; people were yelling for Cory, Cory, Cory! in the EDSA Shrine area followed by a release of yellow balloons. In Makati, the cortege of Aquino passed through confettis dominating the sky. The people went out of the street just to take a sight of the coffin carrying what they and what we considered as our very own mother who cared for us unselfishly, who exemplified courage during the Marcos regime and certainly inspired every Filipinos all throughout the years.

In the Cathedral, people started gathering around 4pm and many others followed continuously. Falling in line to enter will take you roughly 4 to 5 hours, yes that’s right! (we’ve experienced it at first hand) that goes to show how thick the crowd who came, and even thicker crowd is expected to come tomorrow, the last day/night. The burial will follow as scheduled on Wednesday (declared holiday).

Note: Former President Cory Aquino was the first ever lay person allowed to use Manila Cathedral as her place of wake. Church policy limits the use only for Archbishops, the last was for the late Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin in 2005, the same being instrumental also in the success of People Power 1 and 2. The cathedral is the resting place for former prelates who have served the Archdiocese of Manila.