Kasal makes the "L" hand sign: Love, instead of Laban
25 February 2011

"I have fallen in love with the same woman three times" -- these are the words of national hero Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino to her wife Former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino in a poem written by him for their 19th wedding anniversary.

Perhaps one of the most celebrated love stories in Philippine history is theirs. Not much has been said about the meek and the bold tandem of Ninoy and Cory but archived videos, articles, and letters speak much of the unprecedented love between the couple.

Ninoy and Cory were wed on October 11, 1954 at the Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Pasay City. In his last letter to Cory, he expressed his "unarticulated love that will never be equaled". A portion of the letter read,“All the things I want to tell you may be capsulized in one line – I love you! ... I realize I’ve been very stingy with praise and appreciation for all your efforts — but though unsaid — you know that as far I’m concerned, you are the best. That’s why we’ve lasted this long. There will only be one thing in the world I will never accept — that you love me more than I love you — because my love for you though unarticulated will never be equaled."

Their marriage lasted 29 years. He was gunned down at the Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983. His death led the people into the streets outcrying for democracy.Today marks the anniversary of 1986 EDSA Revolution and the celebration of freedom and love for the country.

Today, we also celebrate the marriage that lasted 29 years and the love spanning a lifetime. For the love that sacrifices, we remember.