With the untimely passing of our former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Filipinos all over the world are grieving the loss of another great leader. Three fathers posted heartfelt tributes dedicated to the late PNoy.
Cousin of the late president, Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aguirre Aquino IV posted, "Nadurog ang puso ko sa paglisan ni PNoy sa atin. Sa mga susunod na oras, maraming sasabihin tungkol sa kanya—iba totoo, iba hindi. Pero ito ang masasabi ko—lahat ibinigay niya para sa Pilipino. Wala siyang itinira. Ipagdasal natin na mahanap niya ang kapayapaan kasama ng ating Panginoon. Mahal ka namin, PNoy! Maraming salamat at paalam."
Celebrity dad Dingdong Dantes shared that he got to know the president more through the youth development projects under his time. "President Noy was a champion of youth development...He also institutionalized November 25 of every year as the ‘National Day for Youth in Climate Action’."
"He selflessly dedicated his life to public service, and was a formidable beacon of uprightness and incorruptibility during his administration. But I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to know him beyond work, because behind that seat of power was a simple man, who beams with humility, inspiration and hope for the country," he added, thanking PNoy for the trust and confidence to work under his leadership.
"He will be in our prayers, and we will always be deeply thankful for his service to the nation and to this generation. We know that He has seen his good work and that he is already with Him, resting in heaven’s glory."
Meanwhile, Gary Valenciano remembers APEC Philippines 2015 where he got to approach the PNoy after the whole forum ended. He got to congratulate, thanking the late president for that night. "He then gave me a heartfelt response by saying in tagalog na hindi talaga tayo match sa presentation ng China the year before dahil sa tindi ng pag gamit ng kanilang teknolohiya. He however was so proud of the feedback he got from the foreign leaders that unanimously said that the Philippines’ presentation had so much heart. This is what mattered to him. This is what he wanted fellow world leaders to see, to hear, and experience; the heart of the Filipino through arts and music, and then he thanked me for being a part of it. We shook hands and as I walked away he stayed on to continue his simple joy of watching his team celebrate. That was my one and only solo moment with this man. I will never forget you sir. And now please allow me to say with all my heart for all you’ve done…thank you."