500 bucks

In the commemoration of Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.'s death  last August 21, several documentaries/films have been broadcasted. Growing up, I've seen countless retelling of this story. Yet, each time I see images of this portion of Philippine history, I can't help the tears from falling. Maybe it's my acknowledged shame that this generation may have easily forgotten. Or my recognition what the past generation was able to do in four days somehow proved we have hope as a nation. We just have to find it in our hearts to unite and believe in our ability as a nation to rise up against adversity and hopefully sustain that fervor. Time and again, we need to prove that we are a people worth dying for. I hope Ninoy's memory will be more than just a face on the P500 bill. If it would take an image of his lifeless body sprawled on that tarmac to jolt us to our senses, so be it.