Cory's Fantastic Four

Mrs. Corazon "Cory" Aquino was buried last Wednesday 5th of August 2009, the funeral procession which is scheduled to end at noon lasted until 8'oclock in the evening. Thousands of Filipinos who were waiting at the roads wanting to join the procession or even catch a glimpse of her coffin had caused the delay. But among the sea of people who accompanied the late former President to his final resting place at the Manila Memorial Park, four men standout LITERALLY.

They are PO1 Danilo Malab, Private First Class Antonio Cadiente, Airman Second Class Gener Laguindam and Navy Petty Officer 3 Edgardo Rodriguez. The four service men motionless atop former President Corazon Aquino’s cortege for eight straight hours.


A lot of Filipinos admired their endurance, not moving the whole time and wondered where they have drawn the strength to last the eight hour stand. As they were interviewed the four men themselves could not explain how they lasted the funeral procession without moving, for they themselves could not believe that they were able to survive it.

As they recall the experience they said that if it is not for the rain they might not even got to quench their thirst and their knees might have collapsed. Rodriguez recalled during the heat of the sun, he had recited a prayer in his head asking Mrs. Aquino to help them last the travel for she is close to Jesus. Then he prayed for rain, amazingly a few minutes after he had recited the prayer, his prayers was answered. Still not being able to move, fearing that their superiors might caught them, the service men clandestinely sip water that was running down their face. Rodriguez even said that he never imagined that rain would taste so good.

But aside the heat of the sun the four service men also endured the coins being thrown at Mrs. Aquino's coffin, for it has been a tradition and was believed to be good luck. But it served as bad luck for the service men for some of the coins flew straight to their face, but because they were not allowed to move they were not able to dodge the coins.

When they were asked what was the first thing they did right after the burial, Rodriguez said he went directly to the Navy service coaster and rested his legs while he ate a packed meal. Malab on the other hand said he immediately went straight to the comfort room. Although the four said that during the long time of the procession none of them felt the need to urinate.

But if you think their sacrifice would pass unnoticed, then you are wrong. They were admired by the whole nation because of that T.V. programs had them in their show as their guests, their story were featured in news and even in some of the internet forums their story is being talked about. Also PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said he would be promoting Malab to PO2 after due deliberation. As for the three honor guards from the AFP, military spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said they would be commended and given medals. And today each of them received cash reward from former senator Agapito "Butz" Aquino, brother-in-law of the late President Cory Aquino. They are the living proof of the Filipino saying "kapag may t'yaga may nilaga", and may their story inspire others to also perform their duty more than what is expected of them.

And as my sister have said it, to Cory's Fantastic Four "Saludo ako sa inyo!(I salute you!)"...