Name : Told, John Lyster A. Professor: Salise, Percival B.

Course/Section: BSHM Subject: Readings in Philippine History

Title :The Last Journey of Ninoy

https://letterboxd.com/film/the-last-journey-of-ninoy/

Date of Publish (Documentary Film) : AdU Theater / July 28, 2010 / 9:00-11:00 AM

By: Aldrin Brosas

Reaction: One of the greatest and the most remarkable person of the Philippine history is the late and
former senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr., who stood up for what he firmly believed is right and once lit up
The fire of democracy in the hearts of many Filipinos. “The Filipinos are worth dying for.” Indeed!
Goosebumps and touched hearts all over filled thethe Adamsonian community with some guests, as the
anticipated screening of The special tribute movie documentary of the last journey of Ninoy Aquino,
which reminded us of how someone can be courageous and Patriotic, willing to die for the sake of his
country. The movie documentary reopened our eyes as well as our hearts of The heroism of Sen. Aquino.
With an interview with Ninoy’s wife, the Former President Corazon Aquino before she died, she related
and Narrated with us how Ninoy suffered and fought for the sake of this Country. From the day that Pres.
Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law, and on how he greatly opposed this until he was imprisoned for
Almost eight years. His sufferings, loneliness, sickness and so forth Were portrayed in the movie. He
spent the next three years at the United States with his family to live a completely normal life. Amidst
Rumors and reports that there’s an assassination plot waiting for him Back in the Philippines, he took the
risk of going back to his beloved Country in the year 1983 intending to campaign in the promised
Election. On the climax of the movie, World press followed him until Manila International Airport and
August 21, 1983 marked his death, Shot in the head.Aquino’s death opened the eyes of millions of
Filipinos living Under the dictatorship of Marcos, to fight for democracy and to fight For what’s just.
Marcos didn’t declare Martial Law to restore peace. The day it was declared marked the day democracy
died. Protests and Oppositions from different sectors courageously roused and came up With the
historical EDSA People Power Revolution setting up a Bloodless revolution to restore Philippine’s
democracy. Peace and Democracy was completely restored as Ninoy’s widow was brought to the Political
forefront as the first female President of the Republic of The Philippines. Followed their footsteps at
present, is the newly elected President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, of the 2010 National Elections.
“Even though a leader may be wise as a sage, he must humble Himself and yield to others. Then the
intelligent will offer him Counsel, and the brave will exert the fullest for him.”

Critical Analysis : We shared our awe and admiration for this man, whose visage we knew quite well
from the P500 bill, but whose life remained a bit of a mystery to our young memories. What did we
really know about him? We weren’t even born when he was assassinated. The Last Journey of Ninoy is
an important film that introduces him to a new generation. It follows him on his return to Manila
(reenacted by Bam Aquino) and pieces together Ninoy’s life from his humble beginnings to his tragic
death. Narrated from Ninoy’s point of view and interviews of his beloved wife Cory supplemented by
photos and TV clips, we see that Ninoy was truly an exceptional and inspiring man.
Hard-working, immensely intelligent, passionate, prayerful and noble, he dedicated his life to public
service and, in the latter years of his life, took a stand against the death of democracy in the Philippines.
He went through so much pain and loneliness in his struggles, but he was resilient and continued to fight
for our freedom. He often said that he was not afraid of dying, and it’s moving to see how much he was
willing to give up for this fight. These days, we see our politicians swinging from one party to another, to
wherever they think will give them a better chance at winning. It seems that parties — or politicians, for
that matter — no longer stand for any one ideology. In Ninoy’s case, you see his beliefs in everything he
does — his hunger strike, his seven years in prison, and his attempt to return to Manila. Actions speak
louder than words after all. Through his iconic glasses, his eyes remain focused on making his stand clear.

The best revelation about Ninoy was”his unmistakable eloquence. It was absolutely arresting. His voice
was strong, words sure-footed, and charisma palpable. When he talked, you couldn’t help but listen and
be moved. Cory said he was an extrovert, and it showed in his astute ability to express himself. Best of
all, he was genuine. It seemed like his words flowed from his heart. He spoke succinctly and honestly
that there was no room for speculation.

Watching her talk about her husband, we kept thinking how hard it must have been for Cory as well. You
see that Ninoy was indeed very focused on service, and so he didn’t have a lot of time for his family. It
was something that she had to accept and live with. She supported his endeavors, no matter how
dangerous, painful, and uncertain for him. Unselfish as Ninoy was, giving his life to our country, she too
was unselfish in letting him. Behind this great man was indeed a great woman.

The documentary showed Ninoy’s last trip back to Manila,