JUDE O. MARFIL-SCHWALBACH
34, Filipino student at Harvard University (USA)

I was nine years old when Ninoy died and therefore was too young to be politically aware.  Ninoy's death was a relief to me because it became apparent that Marcos was not the be-all, end-all of the Philippines.  You see, growing up I had this (convoluted) anxiety about what would happen to the Philippines once Marcos died. Like, I was so scared about Marcos (dropping) dead.  But when Ninoy was assassinated, it made me realize that there could be a better leader.  

I remember watching Ninoy's video (taken) inside the airplane and (images of him) falling down at the tarmac. And I thought, how could someone kill someone in plain public view like that?  Ninoy's death made me realize how dangerous life was.  It almost made me not want to grow up. 

The Filipino is worth dying for? What Filipino? Who? Is that Filipino a corrupt public official?  Is that Filipino a greedy, tax-evading businessman? Or is that Filipino a jobless married man who breeds more kids even though he knows he cannot give each and every one of his offspring a decent future? If yes, then he is not worth dying for. 

More than looking at Ninoy as a hero, the next generation should be more aware about the sustainability of their actions.  

When Ninoy died, the people woke up and came together with the common cause of ousting Marcos.  Twenty-five years later, I think Ninoy's death should remind everyone that the Filipino people could still come together to fight public corruption, to curb population explosion, and care about the environment.  Simple, easy things like using birth control, not throwing trash on the street, and growing plants could make a difference if everyone is doing it.

CHRISTINE MARIE ALZONA
19, college student, Miriam College

Hindi ba si Ninoy Aquino 'yung pinatay sa airport? Isn’t it when he died, Cory continued his fight, and that’s why she became president?  

Inaamin ko po, wala akong masyadong alam tungkol kay Ninoy Aquino kasi po I did not have much interest in history when we took it up in school. What I know is that the international airport is named after him, that he is considered a hero because he was brave, he fought Marcos who was the highest and most powerful person in the country that time. But honestly, I haven't really looked at how Ninoy became a hero. Why he is adored as a hero?   

I think I should learn more about Ninoy Aquino and find answers to my questions, and because he is an important part of our political history.

RACHELLE CHING
17, college student, De La Salle University

I think he should be a hero because he fought for what is right and just. He also made a lot of contributions to the country and influenced the EDSA revolution to take place.  

(But) honestly, when I hear the name Ninoy, there are two things that come into my mind: father of Kris Aquino, and the 500-peso bill.  

I was not born yet when Ninoy was killed, but we learn about him in school, during elementary and first year high school. But even though he was not taught in school, I… frequently ask questions from my relatives and family about things like Marcos and Ninoy. Plus, my favorite bill is the 500-peso. That is why I got to know him (first) as a picture on the money.

DR. RODOLFO TAMSE
medical practitioner

I think Ninoy Aquino remains relevant today. I have known him from television and newspaper reports and he seems to be really good at moving people, especially their hearts, toward love for country, and I still believe in his legacy. The problem is, it has to be a collective effort. We have to realize it's really up to us as Filipinos to take our part in rebuilding this nation.   

I guess there is no quarrel about Ninoy's love for his native land and I am sure he was really thinking then that the Filipinos would move on or get better. But…have we progressed since then?

Perhaps in the hearts and minds of many, Ninoy still lives on. It's really a pity now that there are people who should be following his footsteps…but have (only gone) back to the old ways.

ALEX PETALLANA
40, audio technician

Nasa Surigao pa ako noong pinatay si Ninoy, first-year college. Kilala na namin si Ninoy kasi matapang siya, lumaban siya. 

Ang alam ko si Ninoy Aquino ay isang bayani dahil siya ang nagpabago ng administrasyon mula kay Marcos. Siya ang nagbigay ng demokrasya sa Pilipinas. Siguro 'yung iba nakakalimutan na si Ninoy, pero hindi dapat. Ako, may anak na nag-aaral na, at siyempre ipinakikilala ko sa kanya si Ninoy bilang bayani. Naging bayani siya kasi may mga mabuti siyang nagawa para sa bansa. 

(I was still in Surigao when Ninoy was killed, first year college. We knew Ninoy because he was brave, because he was a fighter.

What I know of him is that he was a hero because he was the reason why we were able to have a non-Marcos administration. He was the one who made democracy possible for the Philippines. Maybe there are those who have forgotten Ninoy, but this shouldn’t be. I have a child who is now going to school, and I make it a point to tell my child about Ninoy the hero. He became a hero because he did good things for our country.)