Ninoy Aquino’s California family, friends, cherish his heroic sacrifice

Three generations of Aquinos (from left) Gang Aquino-Chong, Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara and Nina Aquino. CONTRIBUTED

ATHERTON, California – It was a beautiful summery day in Atherton at the home of Zeny Mallari, Monday, August 22.  Faithful diehard “friends of Tito Ninoy,“ now much older than 40 years ago,  continue to cherish his heroic sacrifice ever more passionately.

About 70 of us packed an old barn now converted into a music room for a short program and lively renewal of fellowship.

Fr. Rey Culaba officiated before a makeshift altar. His  homily recounted how as a young priest he was deeply moved and inspired by Tito Ninoy’s martyrdom. He’s been a staunch supporter ever since.

Veteran Newsperson Lloyd la Cuesta shared his eflections on the historic events of 1986.

As a reporter for KTVU Channel 2 at that time, he was a well-known name, and doors opened for him where other newsmen couldn’t get through. He covered the multiple rallies we had in San Francisco and even flew to Manila during the EDSA People power revolution.

As always Uncle Ken Kashiwahara entertained us with his super well-written anecdotes of those memorable precious moments.

Uncle Ken has been courageously reliving what must’ve been a most if not THE most horrifying day in his life — Tito Ninoy assassinated at the end of their journey together.

Imagine all those photographers and newsmen bearing witness to TRUTH that now is being continuously vilified and insultingly revised!

Such an affront was not wasted on Uncle Ken who quietly yet emphatically told us we need to act to correct history and uphold Tito Ninoy’s name and martyrdom. The audience remained meditatively pensive!

“Ang Bayan Ko” always brings tears to my eyes. This was made more moving with a collage of closeups of Tito Ninoy through the years and scenes from the airport to EDSA as the song was played.

Then it was time to mingle and exchange stories as we feasted on donated refreshments of honey baked ham pandesal sandwich,  baked chicken wings and lumpiang shanghai. I missed the suman, opting to speak to Jeanette Vives who was photographing the event.

Every year we gather in loving memory of Tito Ninoy’s ultimate sacrifice. It will be 40 next year. Wow!

It doesn’t really matter where — we are all drawn just to meet and each year we introduce new blood to the “ fight.” It’s a calling of remembrance, a gathering of old friends sharing the same likes, sharing with the new generation what is the truth. And I know that the hidden spark that keeps us aflame and patriotically remembering is Tita Lupita Aquino Kashiwahara.