AFTER photography school, Eggie Apostol invited me to cover the rallies after the assassination of Benigno Aquino in the early ?80s. Pretty soon, I was taking pictures of Tita Cory in the rallies.

My camera was witness to Tita Cory?s transformation from a naive street parliamentarian to President of the Republic of the Philippines. I was also there when she was honored by Times International in Hong Kong, together with Ms Apostol and Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc. In that particular event, Tita Cory was without a doubt the star of the night.

My ?highlights? with Tita Cory were many, but two remain indelible in my mind: The first time was when she was already President, when she hosted a Christmas party in Malacañang. I was with Tita Eggie and Letty Magsanoc. As I crossed the social hall, I saw her walking toward me. I looked back, but there was no one behind me. Then, she hugged me and said she was glad that I could make it to the party. I felt I was on top of the world!

Gift

The second was when I wrote about Tita Cory after she received the Times International award in Hong Kong. She thanked me for the article and photos that came out in this paper, then sent me a gift that same afternoon. It was one of her paintings?a flower garden that was made into a puzzle!

Covering Tita Cory and her quest for democracy for so many years has made me patriotic. The last time I saw her was at the premiere of the musical, ?Cory!? Even then, she looked regal, calm and exuberant.

Last Thursday, I attended the healing prayer for her at the St. Scholastica?s College chapel. There was a picture of her in a yellow blouse at the altar. In it, her eyes twinkled with hope?and freedom. Tita Cory, you have made me proud of being a Filipino?in thoughts, words and deeds. I love you?and I?m so proud to have covered you through the years!

Email mandynavasero@yahoo.com