A supporter standing near the Ninoy Aquino monument at the intersection of Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenues

Former Philippine President Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s cortege passed by Ayala Ave., Makati City, at around noon today, en route to the Manila Cathedral where her remains will be brought before it will be interred on Wednesday. Along the avenue, thousands of people gathered to pay their final respects to the departed and well beloved leader who brought back democracy to the country in 1986.

Cory, as she is fondly called, died of colon cancer last 1 August and when her body was brought to La Salle Greenhills where it was opened to the public, I wasn’t able to go there and visit. When I learned early this morning that her cortege will pass by Ayala Avenue where it will pause for five minutes at the monument of her husband, Ninoy Aquino, I didn’t lose time to prepare my things, get dressed and headed out.

L signs for "Laban" (fight) by supporters as Cory's cortege passed along Ayala Ave.

People, mostly office workers from the different buildings were already out in the streets as Ayala Avenue was closed to traffic. Early in the morning, I was somewhat worried because of the rain but later, it stopped and the sun went out, providing a hot and humid time while the cortege passed.

Cory's remains with honor guards

I really didn’t expect the number of people but it was overwhelming to see such a huge crowd. Many were in the trademark yellow color either in shirts, candles, umbrellas or even with ribbons tied around their heads or hands or pinned at their breasts.

The monument located inside the RCBC premises

Of course, it also helped that Kris and James Yap, Cory’s daughter and son-in-law, were there as the crowd, upon seeing them, went excited at seeing these local celebrities.

More photos are uploaded at Demotix. In an upcoming post, I will also show a series of portraits that I took during this event.

Similar Posts:

• When Cory's cortege passed, a slideshow
• Cory cortege story now published in Demotix.com
• People portrait studies
• Ballsy Aquino at the Sto. Domingo Church
• Found objects during a photo shoot up north

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