MEETING SEN. NOYNOY AQUINO AT THE HISTORIC MANILA HOTEL

Sen. Noynoy Aquino with Fr. Abe, CRS inside the Manila Hotel Tent City

Last September 16-18, 2009 I represented our Aemilianum College in the National Convention of CEAP, the National Asscociation of Catholic Educational Institutions, at the historic Manila Hotel. I was excited because it was the first time for me to enter the legendary Hotel which once the residence of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the hotel that hosted all Philippine presidents and almost all heads of states visiting the country.

The Reception Area of Manila Hotel

The excitement intensified when I later found out the day before that the late President Cory Aquino will be given a special tribute during CEAP Convention 2009 and a special award shall be given post-humously and much more the beloved Aquino Family will be present to represent the former president, headed by her one and only son, Sen. Noynoy Aquino who declared his presidential bid earlier this month.

The Lobby

After the morning Mass in the Manila Cathedral with Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales as main celebrant we returned to Manila Hotel for the convention. I finalized my registration and was told that the main venue, the Tent City, is already filled to overflowing so we were directed to another room to watch the activities through a large screen. I was troubled then because the program schedule points to the same evening for the tribute to Tita Cory. I don't want to watch it on that large, blurred screen. I must be in the tent city.

When the time comes close for the Tribute, I talked to one of the organizers standing the entrance door of our session hall. And I talked to him spontaneously without any let up: "Sir, I attended this Convention in order to participate in it and be involved directly. I don't want to sit inside this large, airconditioned room watching the activities as if on a theater house. Otherwise, you can video the event and let us buy a DVD copy and watch it at home. It will be less expensive and more comfortable for us. Now, if it is impossible for me to be inside the tent city during the entire convention please grant me the grace to be present there during the Tribute to Tita Cory. That is something important that I don't want to miss. Do something... PLEASE."

The man looked at me straight in the eye, checked my I.D. that bears Fr. Abe, CRS Aemilianum College - Sorsogon City and smiled. He said: "Father, the Tent City is already filled to the point that if there will be more participants inside it will jeopardize the safety of the venue itself." Then, he paused and inhaled more air and added: "But, there is a way for you to be there... However, you might be in a place that is uncomfortable. Will that be OK for you? Immediately I answered: "It's fine with me. I'll take it."

He led me to a labyrinthine passage from the elegant corridors of the hotel until the kitchen area where there was the heat of cooking as well as the waiters preparing the food to be served while others were coming in and out. Until finally we entered the tent city.

It was a large one and fully airconditioned despite the fact that about 2,500 people were inside. The good guide brought me right at the side of the stage where there are empty seats reserved for those who will perform on the stage. I have a wonderful view of the stage although looking from the side.

Only later did I discovered that the place is where the performers are waiting to be called. So that I got the chance to mingle with the great Jose Mari Chan, the divine diva Jamie Rivera, the classic beauty Kuh Ledesma and the handsome boys of Kundirana of De La Salle University. What a blessing indeed. He, he, he... I was not able to take pictures of the stars because the young people around were surrounding them so I just enjoyed their presence nearby.

Soon, there was strong clappings and Sen. Noynoy Aquino arrived led by some nuns. And the tribute to Tita Cory was read by my Moral Theology professor Msgr. Gerardo Santos, Ed.D. The tribute to Tita Cory was so touching and moving. The words expressed declared here greatness as a people's hero and being a woman of faith. The CEAP highlighted the fact that Tita Cory was an alumna of one of the school members, St. Scholastica.

The Awards was received by Sen. Noynoy who also gave his response on behalf of the family. The Senator spoke English and Filipino fluently and brought the house down with his subtle but disarming jokes. Before leaving he left the seat of honor in front and transferred to... where we were. He, he, he... People immediately went around him to clasp his hand and since he was walking straight to me and will pass right beside me I stood to shake his hand.

I thought he was leaving already but the women at the back prevented his leaving. They asked for picture taking. Seeing what was happening even the males got their courage. They also struggled it out with the women to be near the Senator, then priests, teachers, school heads were lining too. It's fine with me I got the chance to be with him and be pictured already before the long lines. I immediately developed the pictures in large print and my friend Fr. Albert Poblete, OFMCap and others were very jealous of my opportunity.

I got more than what I expected.