#ninoy aquino

[spaceasianmillennial]

Recalling strong crowd reactions when I was attending HERE LIES LOVE on Broadway

"History repeats itself." The DJ informs the audience "Imelda's son is now President of the Philippines. Democracies are under threat."

And I could hear someone from the floor holler, "BOOOOOOOOOO!"

Incidentally, I remember this being the performance where some attendees across from me were grinning and waving the Laban sign at Ninoy Aquino's funeral. (The show encourages the audience to wave the Laban sign.)

I know two Filipino reviewers, who saw the show in person. A Black Filipino reviewer wrote a mixed opinion that criticized the lack of Black Filipino cast members and for embellishing the narrative of the Ninoy Aquino/Imelda Marcos romance. One also wrote a mixed review of the original Public production for doing a non-critical reprise of "Here Lies Love" after focus on the revolution (the Broadway version has since changed that, removing Imelda's lyrics and replacing it with a generalized "Here Lies Love" without Imelda's words). Sara Porkalob also wrote criticism of the Seattle production for watering down the actual intelligence Imelda had in politics, and that's a very reasonable criticism for a show that depicts self-mythologizing as poltical strategy.

[thespoliarium]

Historical Parallels?

As a Filipino who's currently interested in Soviet History (not that I'm careless about Philippine History), I cannot help but notice these parallels between Ninoy Aquino and Leon Trotsky, until their death.

Don't believe me? Let's chop this down.

Critics from the Opposition. Trotsky is a critic of the Stalin regime, while Aquino is a critic of the Marcos regime.

Get Out of the Country! Trotsky was exiled from the Soviet Union in 1929, going around the world before settling down his last years in Mexico. Aquino was imprisoned at first, but then he had a heart attack while being in the prison. He needed a doctor's help. For this, Imelda Marcos (FEM's wife) let him go to the USA, but Aquino decided to so a self-exile there until 1983, where and when death greeted him.

Behind You! Trotsky was struck by an ice-axe at the back of his head as Mercader snuck up on him. Aquino was stepping down from the airplane when a bullet entered at the back of his head and out of his chin.

Check the Calendar. They died 43 years apart, on a day like the 21st of August. Trotsky died in 1940, while Aquino died in 1983.

Let the Masses See You. They both had the period of lying in state.

Below these are the pictures of them in their deaths, and the funerals. Look at your own risk.

[coybits]

🫡🇵🇭8️⃣2️⃣1️⃣

[popcornbutterfly]

[dennistorejaperez]

Marcos urges unity on Ninoy Aquino Day

Manila, August 21, 2023 — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for national unity as he joined the country in commemorating the 40th death anniversary of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. In a statement issued on Monday, President Marcos acknowledged Aquino’s enduring legacy as a symbol of unwavering determination for countless Filipinos. Highlighting the significance of Aquino’s…

[pressplusdaily]

Marcos urges unity on Ninoy Aquino Day

Manila, August 21, 2023 — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for national unity as he joined the country in commemorating the 40th death anniversary of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. In a statement issued on Monday, President Marcos acknowledged Aquino’s enduring legacy as a symbol of unwavering determination for countless Filipinos. Highlighting the significance of Aquino’s…

[imeldas-left-shoe]

Ballad (Imelda x Ninoy)

The hall was bustling with activity, it was in celebration for the opening of the 7th Congress. Being a popular beauty queen and singer, Imelda was one of the special guests, tasked to sing a few popular Latin ballads. She wore simple today, a red polka-dot dress that ended right below the knee

Imelda was rather shy, avoiding the glances of the mostly-male attendees of the party. Upon noticing an empty roundtable by the corner, she chose to sit there to avoid the people. She opened her pocket mirror, making sure her lip and cheek rouge was still intact, as well as her hair. She quietly sat there for a few minutes before hearing a voice getting nearer.

“Hey, dear,” Imelda looked up to see that it was her lover, Ninoy, who was speaking to her. He was in his usual all-white three-piece suit. “What’re you going to sing first later?”

“FIrst song’s “Recordaré Tu Amor” by Monna Bell, dear,” Imelda replied with a sweet smile. She sang a few lines, impressing Ninoy who then clapped softly. “I can’t wait for you to hear the whole thing.” Imelda said.

Ninoy smiled, “You have a great voice,” Imelda smiled at the compliment, her red lipstick shimmering. Ninoy reached for her hand, kissing it. “Mind if I sit next to you?”

“Of course it’s okay,” Imelda responded, pulling out the chair next to hers. Ninoy sat on the chair and brought out a book he was reading. Imelda couldn’t understand it as it seemed to be technical, based on the few words she saw. 

“Ate Estrella never taught me those words,” Imelda quipped, earning a chuckle from Ninoy.

“Well, it’s a book on economic theories,” Ninoy said, showing Imelda the pages that had various visual diagrams and graphs, “Not exactly layman’s knowledge.” Imelda looked curiously at the various diagrams, and Ninoy could sense an inkling of interest. “You want me to tell you about it?”

“Ah, no need, Ninoy,” She responded, “I’m not really into those heavy things,” She looked over at the first live band that was performing, composed of a woman and three men. “I just want to focus on the joys of life.”

Ninoy scratched his chin, “What do you mean?” He couldn’t grasp the idea of not being into politics. It was a world he grew up in since he was born, after all. His father held a position in the wartime Cabinet, though other family members worked in the farm.

“Oh, the joys of life,” Imelda swooned, “You know, love, beauty, song and dance.” SHe grinned softly, showing off her pearly whites.

Soon, the first rounds of food were distributed while a certain Ferdinand Marcos gave a speech, welcoming everyone to the event. Imelda couldn’t help but steal glances every few bites, as the man seemed to have such a classy look to him, despite his short Ilocano stature.

Ninoy tapped her on the shoulder, “Hey, the lechon skin is going to get cold,” He said, “You should eat it now.” He wouldn't admit it, but he felt a pang of jealousy with her looking at other men. Imelda obliged and continued eating the appetizer.

There were a few more rounds of food, performances, and speeches before it was Imalda’s turn to sing. She calmly went up the stage, smiling at everyone while mentally noting the familiar faces, as well as some newer ones. She began to sing.

Mi vida te recordaré...

En mis ratos de dulce pensar,

El calor de tu boca sensual

Jamás olvidaré.

She sang of someone’s unforgettable love, of a love whose memories will forever be preserved by the one who was loved. The crowd swayed to the soothing tune of the violin as they enjoyed the music, as well as Imelda’s stunning vocals. 

As the song came to an end, everyone clapped and many gave her a standing ovation, including Ninoy…and Ferdie. 

After singing a few more songs, Imelda went back to her seat, visibly tired from standing and singing. “I got you some fine wine from the buffet table,” Ninoy poured wine on the two goblets on the table. Imelda took a few swigs in one go. “Does it taste good?”

“Yes, dear,” She said, smiling. Imelda hadn’t had much wine since her last party was a few months ago. Lately she had been preoccupied with training a fresh batch of Binibining Pilipinas candidates, which left little room for recreation.

The night came to a close, and Imelda joined a few other guests who were on the way to the nearby public transport terminal. It was going to be two buses from here to her small apartment near the bay. 

Ninoy managed to catch up with her, “Hey,” He said.

“You didn’t bring your car, love?” Imelda asked, confused by him seemingly going to the terminal.

Ninoy laughed, “I did, love, that’s why I’m driving you home.” 

“Sure, I guess it’s safer to go with you,” Imelda smiled at him as he held her hand and led her to the parking area where his car, a new Ford, sat.

Ninoy unlocked the car and Imelda rode in the backseat. She put her medium-sized bag that carried her stuff beside her. Ninoy turned on the car radio and set it to classical music, then started driving. It was around ten in the evening and so there were few cars on the road. Imelda seemed to have fallen asleep to the music on the radio. 

When they got to her place, Ninoy gently tapped her in the head, “Wakey wakey, we’re here, sweetheart,” He teased his sleepyhead lover. 

Imelda then got up with her bag, “Thanks for the ride, love” She said as she unlocked the front door to her house. Ninoy sat there in the car for a while, simply admiring his lover’s elegant way of moving. 

“Anytime, love,” Ninoy said, smiling.

[lovelyz-diary]

170812 Lovelyz Seo Jisoo at Ninoy Aquino International Airport © 시작하는사랑 do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

[thedalatribune]

© Paolo Dala

The [Airport] Life Of A LWUA Resident Engineer

I bumped into a couple of my fellow LWUA Resident Engineers at the airport at 3 in the morning. Different destinations. I was waiting for my flight to Bacolod City, Negros Occidental while they were waiting for their flight to Roxas City, Capiz... The life of a LWUA Resident Engineer is traveling life.

[pcgamer]

Watch This Window View Landing At NAIA Int. Airport - Air Asia A320

[spaceasianmillennial]

HERE LIES LOVE the musical: the finale

On a voter's invite, I re-attended the floor of Here Lies Love on Broadway. Because an audience wrangler noticed I was short and guided me to a stair step, I saw "God Draws Straight" (an ensemble number that notably uses actor-musicians in emotional contrast to an artificial prerecorded score) with a wider perspective.

Last preview on floor, I did NOT see an important stage direction: Arielle Jacobs (Imelda Marcos' actress), Jose Llana (Ferninand Marcos' actor), & Conrad Ricamora (Ninoy Aquino's actor) join "God Draws Straight" as anonymous Filipinos, not wearing politician costumes, joining the People Power Revolution against the Marcos dictatorship.

[thespoliarium]

Ninoy Aquino Jr.

On this day in 1983, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. died was murdered at the tarmac of Manila International Airport (today's NAIA, named after him).

A critic of the former President (& Dictator) Ferdinand Marcos Sr., he was one of the well-known figures of the regime's opposition. He spent his last three years in self-exile at Newton, Massachusetts, USA, before returning to Manila.

But before he could take his steps down Philippine soil, came the gunshots. The events before it and after it were recorded, but not the actual assassination. According to the post-mortem analysis of Aquino's body, the bullet came from the back of his head, and the bullet exiting the chin.

Aurora Aquino, Ninoy's mother did not want to have any make up on his face or a change of clothes, for the people must see what they did to his son. The bloody clothes can now be seen at the Aquino Center in Tarlac.

Moments before his assassination, he gave out his last interview on the plane.

Not long after, he's dead. (Graphic images underneath. Look at your own risk!)

This event sparked something among the masses, waking up from the blindness of this regime. In February 1986 came the snap election, discrepancies between the results given by Commission on Elections (saying that FEM has won) and the results given by National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (saying that Cory Aquino, Ninoy's wife, has won.)

Then, the People Power Revolution occurred from February 22 to 25, 1986. After all that, Cory Aquino became the winner, ending 21 years of the Marcos regime.

[carlocarrasco]

At least 4 more airports expected to be privatized in 2025

Recently the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that at least four more airports are expected to be privatized in 2025, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Clearly the recent privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) sparked a wave of change with regards to air travel and the need to modernize airports. To put things in perspective, posted below is an…

[rhk111sblog]

KULELAT PILIPINAS: Vietnam leaves the Philippines in its Dust again as they will be using Biometric Authentication for the Check-In to ALL Airline Flights by next Month already of 2023. Such a System is being used only in limited Numbers in the Philippines, with no plans yet to implement it on all Flights

[misctf]

Merry Christmas! I've always wanted to visit the Philippines during the Christmas season, as it's said to be full of great food and full of hospitality. As I was getting off the plane in Manila, however, a muscular Filipino man dropped his passport by mistake. I hope I can find him so I can return it...

It was always one of your dreams to visit the Philippines during the Christmas season. As you leave the plane, you remain focused on reading your Filipino Phrasebook for Travelers. You hope that some of these phrases may come in handy, but your thoughts are interrupted when the man walking in front of you seems to drop his passport. You quickly pick it up.

“Hey, wait...”

You raise an eyebrow- the man is gone. You look around, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. You figure it shouldn’t be too hard to find him. He was probably one of the most muscular men you had seen walking in the airport. His sleeveless t-shirt did little to hide his arms and you could tell by his wide back that he spent time at the gym. But as you look around, you realize he’s nowhere to be found. Figuring there was nothing you could do, you decide to give this to security.

Security at Ninoy Aquino International Airport proved efficient, directing you through various corridors until you reached their lost and found counter. A pleasant, middle-aged woman looked up from her computer as you approached.

“Good day, sir. Can you tell us your name and please provide me with the item you'd like to report lost,” she said with a warm smile.

 “I hope he comes looking for it soon.” You comment, earning a sympathetic nod from the officer, “Maraming salamat. Ako ay Nathan Aguilar.”

Your mind reels as the words spill out of your mouth - Nathan Aguilar wasn't your name, nor could you possibly speak Filipino so fluidly. But the security officer merely smiled wider, seemingly pleased that you were communicating in her native tongue.

“Nathan,” she says, “No one has tried to contact our lost and found yet about a missing passport.”

You nod uncomfortably, still trying to process what just happened. Just then, your chest began to feel tight and heavy, a foreign sensation. You glanced down to see the fabric of your shirt straining against your broadening shoulders. Muscles you never knew existed rippled beneath your skin as they expanded and hardened.

“Give us one moment, I’m going to go check on something.” The security officer says, taking another glance at you.

Minutes ticked by as you stood there, waiting for the security officer's return. You tap impatiently on the desk, a wave of nausea and vertigo splashing over you. Your slender frame continues to thicken with sinewy muscle. You shift as your back widens and your shirt strains against your growing musculature. You feel sweat dampening your tighter shirt and you run a hand through your hair, which is rapidly darkening and becoming black. Your hair restyles itself as you run your hands through it- buzzed on the sides, longer on the top. Your pale skin darkens to a warm, sun-kissed brown, freckles vanishing without a trace. Your eyes becoming darker and narrowing slightly as a chiseled jawline forms beneath your skin. The security officer returns, accompanied by another guard who eyes you closely. The two look at each other and then back at you.

“Nathan, mukhang sa iyo ang passport na ito.” She says.

As she spoke, your face shifted, the bridge of your nose growing slightly broader, your cheekbones more defined. Your lips thickened, curling into a subtle smirk that felt both new and familiar. You caught a glimpse of yourself in a reflective surface and barely recognized the chiseled, handsome features staring back. You shook your head vigorously, trying to clear the fog in your mind. 

“W-what? No, I'm not Filipino! This can't be my passport!” You speak fluently in Filipino, causing your eyes to widen in confusion.

Despite your protests, a flood of unfamiliar images began to surface in your thoughts - childhood scenes of playing in the streets of Manila, family gatherings filled with laughter and warmth, the feeling of sweat dripping down your back as you lifted weights in a cramped gym. The security officer's brow furrowed deeper as she studied your face, her eyes lingering on the distinct lines and contours that seemed to fit perfectly with the photo in the passport.

Embarrassment washes over you as you realize the mistake you'd made. With a sheepish expression, you turn to the officer and apologize profusely in Filipino, assuring her that yes, indeed, the passport belonged to you. She looked somewhat relieved, but still seemed wary of your sudden change in demeanor. Shrugging off the incident, you walk away from the counter, your strides confident and purposeful. As you stroll through the bustling airport, you couldn't help but admire your reflection in shop windows and mirrored pillars. Your chiseled features, powerful build, and striking dark eyes seemed to captivate everyone you passed. Finally, you stopped in front of a large glass window, gazing intently at your own image. Your fingers ran over the defined muscles of your arms, tracing the curves of your pecs and abs.

“It’s good to be home.” You mumble, a grin forming on your lips.

Without a second thought, you leave the airport. After the confusion from earlier, you know you need a good gym session to get your head back in the game.

[nso-csi]

241124 Manila, Ninoy Aquino Airport to Seoul