Ninoy’s children remember bad times, good times

MANILA, Philippines – The children of the martyred politician Benigno S. Aquino Jr., including President Aquino, recall their fond memories of their father in “Ako si Ninoy,” the documentary to be aired Saturday, August 24, 9:45 p.m., on GMA News TV.

The documentary also serves to commemorate the 30th death anniversary last Wednesday of the former senator remembered among the Filipino people as “Ninoy.”

READ: Ninoy’s life and times in TV special

Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon “Pinky” Abellada, Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee, Kristina Bernadette “Kris” Aquino, and Benigno Simeon Aquino III, the incumbent president, will also share their thoughts on the role their parents played in the Philippines’ modern history.

Aquino, the staunchest critic of the Marcos dictatorship, was shot dead in the hands of his government escorts on a Sunday afternoon, August 21, 1983, upon his homecoming after a 3-year exile.

His assassination at the Manila airport that now bears his name, along with the back story of his long incarceration during the dictatorship, sparked a national protest movement that ultimately catapulted his widow, Corazon “Cory” Aquino, to the presidency.

In the documentary, Ballsy remembers his dad’s moments of suffering and loneliness during the family’s visits to his prison.

Pinky recounts more about that dark chapter of more than 7 years. 

Viel remembers his dad’s exile in the United States as the happiest chapter in this family’s story, when they were able to live ordinary lives, if for a brief period.

Public arena

Kris will talk about her quality time with her father in Boston and his fearless forecast that she will be a star.

Kris’ introduction in the public arena in 1978 was not in showbiz but in politics.

Ninoy took part in the sham elections of 1978 to seize this opportunity to reach out to the electorate, even from his cell.

It was during this campaign that her youngest daughter, Kris, who was 7 at the time, walked up on a makeshift stage to address a crowd of ralliers on his father’s behalf.

President Noynoy recalls his resentment at the plight of his family during martial law and his later understanding and acceptance of that episode.

Actor Dingdong Dantes will read excerpts from Ninoy’s poems, essays, and letters which the senator wrote while in prison. – Rappler.com