CORY’S UNWAVERING BELIEF

I watched a live telecast on the funeral of President Cory Aquino. The Manila Cathedral was full of people, people whose lives Cory touched when she was still alive; rich and poor people, people from all walks of life. I cannot believe that the funeral of Ninoy was matched by his wife’s funeral.

What made her, an ordinary wife so popular to people? She tended the needs of Ninoy with all her love. She was not well known during that time. I personally did not know that Ninoy had a wife named Cory. All I knew was Ninoy who was very vocal about inequalities was a champion of Filipinos who would fight for their cause. Ninoy, a hero material.

Then came that fateful day when Ninoy was eliminated. That was the start of the history of Cory. From a quiet, simple, and unassuming wife to a brave, intelligent, and President. Viva Tita Cory!

What transformed Tita Cory? Is it by call of necessity because there was no other choice? No.

Behind the quiet Cory was a woman of strong belief. She strongly believed that she could win over Marcos. Over his well-oiled mechanism and against all guns, goons, and gold. And most of all just like her husband Ninoy, she believed in the Filipinos.

Cory had the character that made her win. She knew that the majority of Filipino people were behind her. And was well-loved by them. A political mechanism, no matter how crude, she had it courtesy of friends and those that believe that she would end triumphant.

If only budding entrepreneurs could demonstrate the way Tita Cory carried herself to victory. Tita Cory strongly believes in whatever she does. Thanks to a lot of prayers, she emerged a winner.

There are many who tried entrepreneurship. It is sad to note that only 3 out of 10 people survive the trials of entrepreneurship. The rest when they experience hardships simply surrender and stop trying. They do not realize that behind the trial is success.

One of the richest American of his time, Henry Ford, believed that the V-8 engine was possible. His associates failed many times and were already giving up. The V-8 engine came out and it became one of the most popular inventions in the automotive industry. Because of the belief of one man that it was possible to build it.

Henry Sy, the owner of the biggest chain of malls in the Philippines, believed that the economic condition in the country would improve. He started Shoemart in the busy street of Carriedo fifty years ago. It was a small store that sold, well, mainly shoes. Business was good during those times when in early 80’s it turned sour. People started thinking of going abroad (including the rich) and some were selling their posh properties at a losing price. But Henry Sy believed that soon the economy would improve. Now it is down, tomorrow it is up. The rest is history for Mr. Henry Sy who is one of the top mega rich Filipinos.

Ninoy and Cory believed in the Filipinos. That is why we redeemed our freedom. If only budding entrepreneurs would have strong belief, then financial freedom can be enjoyed by many of them.

Kaya Natin Ito.