AS the late former president Corazon Aquino fought a losing battle against cancer, a worried nation stood by her in support, tying yellow ribbons around the country and on cyberspace.
Bloggers and users of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook had sported yellow ribbons in their profile pictures to show their support in Cory’s battle. The yellow ribbons multiplied after she died as a sign of sympathy and repent.
“It’s meant to show our love and support for President Cory,” said blogger and online editor Ederic Eder, who used Twibbon, an application that promotes personal causes on Twitter.
Cory supporters also used cyberspace to collect prayers for Mrs. Aquino’s health. One example is millionprayers.wordpress.com, which serves as an outlet for people who want to dedicate prayers or send condolences to the Aquino family through SMS. Users can also cite instances on how the president had touched their lives.
“We will gather your text prayers in a collection and give a copy to the Aquino family,” the site said. As of press time, the website has reached around 1,000 hits.
Even the popular social networking site Facebook has gotten in on the act. Currently, some 20 accounts in Facebook have been put up in support of Cory with around 18,000 members and at least 500 wall posts.
One of them, by Facebook user Emilie Manipol, wrote: “We’re still hoping that one day someone out there [is] willing to stand for the people of the Philippines without his personal interest. We need more people like you (President Aquino), we need real people who [also] think of others not only [of] themselves.”
Journalists from the United States also paid their respect to the late president through Twitter.
Jeff Sommer, assistant business editor and podcaster of the New York Times, recalled his encounter with President Aquino during the last revolution.
“[I] covered “People Power” in Manila and got to know [Cory Aquino]. She’s sweet, decent, and devout –an unlikely politician,” Sommer said.
“I hope our daughters grow up hearing about Cory Aquino. When duty and history called, she answered,” said Scott Simon host of NPR’s (National Public Radio) Weekend Edition Saturday.
“Though (Cory)’s passing is a big loss to all of us, her legacy shall remain to guide my generation and [the future ones],” Facebook user Bing Marconi said.
