Cory Aquino passed away through a cardio resperatory arrest around 3am of August 1, 2009 (Saturday) at the age of 76. She has been fighting cancer, which is at stage 4, for sometime now. This prompted her youngest daughter, Kris Aquino, to miss most of her tv shows just to be by her mother's side.Cory Aquino was Philippines first female President. Her remains will be at Dela Salle Greenhills according to news reports.
Born Maria Corazon 'Cory' Cojuanco Aquino, Cory was the 11th Philippine President following the 20-year regime of Ferdinand Marcos. She was succeeded by former President Fidel Ramos.
Here's a quote from her official website www.coryaquino.ph:
The Works of Cory Aquino
Speeches
When her popular husband was alive, Cory was quite content living in his shadow and found no need or inclination to speak publicly about anything during the first 50 years of her life. But Ninoy’s assassination in August 1983 made her the most prominent victim of an oppressive regime. She began sharing her pain and, before long, she grew comfortable speaking about themes like freedom, democracy, spirituality and People Power.
Prayers
Cory has her share of intellectual gifts but hardly found need to over-exert her mind as the wife of a consummate politician and as mother of five. As historical circumstances reshaped her role in life, she drew from her main source of strength: her faith. This served her well during the tormenting years of Ninoy’s incarceration and the extremely challenging times after his death. She went through moments of doubt and uncertainty but each time found solace and guidance through her personal communion with God.
Paintings
In 1996, Cory took an active interest in painting under the tutelage of artist Jeff Consumo. Next to prayer, painting became a favored mode of keeping her mind active and her sense of humanity intact. Although she has participated in a joint exhibit with friends and has sold some of her works to raise funds for her advocacies, she does not profess to be a professional painter. She likes to paint flowers and women, usually in oil or acrylic on canvas.
Her Advocacies
Mrs. Aquino has remained active in helping nurture the fragile Philippine democracy that was restored during her presidency. Largely through the Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Foundation (BSAF), she has supported programs that promote people empowerment, peace and human rights. In recent years, she has devoted much time and energy to strengthening the infrastructure that would transform micro-enterprise development into a potent vehicle for raising “people power” to the next level, slowly creating a broad middle class that would fortify the foundations of Philippine democracy.