The Corazon Aquino Interview
*Some words my dad said were translated because spoken to me in tagalog in some parts*
For my first interview I had was my dad, Al Capistrano. I’ve known my dad all my life and it was really cool, being able to talk to him about his experiences during The Cold War and his opinions on the effects Corazon Aquino had made in the Philippines. The aspect of the Cold War I’m asking my dad about is how the allies with the US and the Philippines tied in with how Corazon Aquino and how she was affected with The Cold War during her elections He had been a student at the time and he thinks that nothing really affected his studies during that time, He was about 24 years old at the time and he is happy to say it was a wonderful thing to live through so much history..
Do you remember the day Philippines had Corazon Aquino’s as president?
Yes I do. It’s great to know you have such interest in our country. Cory Aquino was such a monumental hero to everyone in the Philippines, remember when she just died last year? It was the saddest thing. I remember when all my friends and I traveled all the way to Quezon City just to hear her inauguration speech, and we lived in Baguio which is pretty far from each other.
And so how was that like being able to see her being elected as president?
It was great, me and my friends had about P100($10) in our pockets, it really wasn’t much but it was worth being able to be there. Before she was elected, the Philippines was in control of Ferdinand Marcos. He was a big shot dictator of the Philippines and well everyone really didn’t like him, so that was why they wanted to elect Cory. He had laws that the people in the Philippines really disagreed with, and there was this big thing about how, instead of making Philippines a better country, he made it worse and made us much more poor by paying for all these programs, that wasn’t even needed, but instead put everyone in National debt.
Wow. Not only was he a dictator, but he was president for quite sometime back then. So how did this tie in with Cory Aquino, how did she get involved?
Well I’m pretty sure you know that, It all started with her husband right Ninoy (Benigno) Aquino. Well, when he was running for president, she was always the one like giving him opinions. She used to I study law at her old school I guess. That’s how she gave him some of her opinions. After he died, she then wanted to carry on her husbands unfinished legacy. People didn’t really think she had the right background to be able to serve a country, but since people didn’t like Marcos, people were going to give it a shot.
What was so bad about Marcos that everyone seems to not like so much?
Well, I really don’t remember why but it had something to do with how he had this weird law that said that if the government couldn’t handle any political or physical aspect the Philippines ,The New People’s Army was going to supposedly fix it. I’m not so sure. But I do remember this huge riot that happened in Batangas City and how kids about 12 years old or so, were talking about burning down the City hall in Quezon City. Also they were like communist rebels and they had this type of gun, you could’ve injured someone with but you couldn’t really kill anybody with it, and they were going to shoot the soldiers in The New People’s Army with it.
How did that turn out? Was that successful in any way?
No, I would say not even close. But it really did grab everyone’s attention. I don’t even think Marcos cared that much about it. But there was a huge political riot that happened there, they started burning down the US flag and ran around screaming “Laban ang Bayan!” (meaning: Fight for your City). It was pretty crazy. Oh yeah.. there was also this rule which was pretty silly that Marcos had, that got us out of school for like a month. It was something about attending his appearances whenever he comes to the city and when he does we pay the bank like about P30 (5 Cents). It was weird..
Wow, I never read about that tell me more, did he ever go to you city?
Yes he did and whenever he did we had to pay the bank, he said it was some sort of tax. It was call “Matakot sa Pera” (fear of the money). I know, pretty weird name, well that wasn’t really what the rule was called. It more like what we say to everyone in our city when it’s time to pay up. Funny story about that when the Japanese were there.
That is a pretty weird way of calling a rule, funny. I think they had a movie in that same title out before. So what was the story behind the Japanese?
Well during WWII, The Japanese was some town in the Philippines and the Japanese would always sell gold there to the rich Filipinos. But what happened was they hid the gold under a tunnel. So one day, a man named Rogelio Roxas found the gold. It was the craziest thing. Later on, Marcos apparently stole it from him and that was how Marcos is so rich and powerful.
What an interesting story, and Marcos seems like he’d do anything for fame and greed. So you said the Japanese was in the Philippines, weren’t they against each other during the Cold War?
The WWII Is very different from The Cold War. In WWII, the Japanese and the Filipinos were against each other. Now, during the Cold War the Filipinos were allied with the US with this one treaty org. That was called SEATO, After the start of the war of terror, the Philippines was part of this coalition that gave support to the US of Iraq. Also SEATO was part of a Truman doctrine anti-communist defense treaty. These treaties and agreements were intended to create alliances that would contain communist power. Philippines were also part of Korean and Vietnam Wars ally with the US.
That’s really fascinating. Was SEATO a successful organization?
Yes it was, it was successful Org. it was I think allied with Southeast Asian countries. I heard that Corazon Aquino was part of this Organization i’m not so sure.
Cool! Thanks dad so much, for your help and it was nice talking to you :)
It’s been a pleasure, and I hope your project goes well.
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Showing posts with label Revolution in Philippines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Revolution in Philippines. Show all posts
Philippines revolution, 1986 - Jessica Paz
Interview 1
I know the first interview person because I am related to her. She used to live in the Philippines, and now she lives in America so she could get better opportunities. Now she is 51 years old. I asked her about what it was like when she lived in the Philippines during the revolution.
What did you think about Ferdinand Marcos and his reign?
Ferdinand Marcos’ reign was pretty good, because he handled a lot of things. But he had people left and right to make sure that everything he wanted was being done. So he liked everything going his way.
How was the economy going when he was president?
The rich were just getting richer and the poor were getting poorer; because everyone who ever gets to be president, would be around the family. Everything stayed within the family/ people they knew.
Did Marcos help the Philippines?
Marcos did help the Philippines, because he did a lot of things to improve. With Marcos in president, he got to keep the American government in the Philippines. And after him, the other presidents wanted to charge more money, which made them leave.
Bad: he didn’t want to give up his presidency. Which made the peoples power get involved.
Did anyone or group try to make Marcos give up his presidency?
The peoples power were trying to fight against him so that he would step down from his position. They held rallies and protests at the Malacañang.
Did you want to/ join any of the protests?
Didn’t want to join any of the protests, because she doesn’t like politics. But still watched it on TV to know what was going on.
Did money play a role in any part of the presidency?
Marcos took a lot of his money when he traveled to other countries, and invested it there.
The power and money corrupted the people in power. It was for their own-selfish needs, not for the whole country. All the presidents would usually do would care about themselves and just be corrupted by their power.
How did you learn about what was going on?
Would hear rumors about the politics everywhere, and would watch TV.
What do you think about the Philippines?
Philippines is already good at corruption, only thinking about how to make themselves better.
Why did you want to move to America?
Reason to move to America is to make a better life. All you money in the PI would go to food and your home; there weren’t a lot of jobs back home.
Did you hear anything about Corazon Aquino?
Heard that Corazon could make the country better because she is a woman. But it seems like not much good/ improvement has happened since she was president. There were improvements, but not too many.
Did Marcos try to do anything to stop the rallies that were going on against him?
Marcos wasn’t able to stop any of the rallies because there were so many people who had already joined them.
Interview 2
My second interview was my Uncle Arturo, and now he is 58. He lived in the Philippines his whole life; but now he is living in the Philippines. I asked him about what it was like living in the Philippines. As well as what he thought about the presidents during the time of the revolution, around 1986. As well as Marcos’ wife, Imelda.
What did you think of Marcos while he was president?
Marcos was a good president before. The only thing that destroyed him was that he lost the trust of the people. He declared martial law, and everyone who went against him would go to jail. Was more of a dictator, not so much of a communist.
What happened when Marcos got sick?
When he got sick, his wife was in charge. But Marcos would sign off all of the papers for her since she was still alive.
What happened during Marcos’ exile?
American Gov. sent Marcos to Hawaii, which made PI very unruly. And US put a replacement president before Aquino was elected.
How was Ferdinand’s wife?
His wife was greedy, which is who destroyed the power of the president. When they would travel, she would spend the people’s taxes and buy a lot of things. She invited foreigners to go to the PI
What did Marcos do to help the Philippines?
He made many developments in the PI.
Why do you think Corazon Aquino became president?
Corazon rose to power because of the death of her husband.
What did you think about Benigno’s death?
Benigno was given an amnesty to go to the US. But if he went back to PI, he would be sent to jail. But went back to PI to face trial.
The military controlled everything, like the security of the airport. It was a hit-man, but it was probably an order from Marcos. It was in the news that Mr. Aquino would be shot.
Who went into power before Aquino?
Joseph Estrada was loved by the low income people. But he was a gambler, drinker and womanizer. He had many wives.
After him there was, Gloria Macapagaeal . June 30
Had enriched themselves, they kept the money to themselves.
What eventually happened with the Aquino family?
The son of the late Aquino, Noynoy Aquino, the only son. Became the new president in the PI.
How was Cory as the president and before she was president?
Corazon was a motherly president. Not bad, and ran the PI. Wasn’t as bad as Marcos and Gloria. They had houses in the other states.
Aquino was rich, they had sugar plantations.
Who do you think was the best president out of all the ones you named?
Best president was probably Cory Aquino. But Marcos did make a lot of improvements.
Interview 3:
My last interview was with my Auntie Nene. She is now 65 years old. I asked her about what she was doing around the time of the revolution. Also what it was like being around all of her young students during such a hard time in their country. As well as what she thought about the presidents and the post revolution.
Do you remember anything in the Philippines from 1986?
The only historical event that I know which happened between the years you mentioned was the 1986 EDSA revolution.
What were you doing at that time period?
At that time, I was still teaching here at Quezon Elementary School. Each one of us was so scared of what was happening in Metro Manila.
What were people doing out on the streets?
Millions of people went out in the streets and soldiers were ready to use violence if the president would give them a go signal.
How was everything? Was there any violence?
But fortunately, it was a very peaceful revolution without bloodshed. This is a proof that Filipinos are still level headed and they love their countrymen.
What were you thinking about during that time?
During those crucial days, I would like to think that everyone prayed for a peaceful solution of the problem created by martial law.
Did you hear anything about Ferdinand leaving the PI?
With the help of God, the occupants of Malacañang Palace (the president and his family) fled the country and headed for Hawaii.
What happened after everything in the revolution?
Others tried to duplicate that event by the successful staging of EDSA II, but this was a smaller one and this time there were no soldiers involved.
How were the presidents after wards? / The transition of presidents?
The President left the palace and there was a smooth transition of power from President Joseph Estrada to President Gloria M. Arroyo.
Did you hope for anything after that revolution? And for the future of the Philippines?
I hope that there won't be a repetition of said events and our incoming president, Benigno Aquino III will really do his best to propel the Philippines to lasting peace and prosperity.
I know the first interview person because I am related to her. She used to live in the Philippines, and now she lives in America so she could get better opportunities. Now she is 51 years old. I asked her about what it was like when she lived in the Philippines during the revolution.
What did you think about Ferdinand Marcos and his reign?
Ferdinand Marcos’ reign was pretty good, because he handled a lot of things. But he had people left and right to make sure that everything he wanted was being done. So he liked everything going his way.
How was the economy going when he was president?
The rich were just getting richer and the poor were getting poorer; because everyone who ever gets to be president, would be around the family. Everything stayed within the family/ people they knew.
Did Marcos help the Philippines?
Marcos did help the Philippines, because he did a lot of things to improve. With Marcos in president, he got to keep the American government in the Philippines. And after him, the other presidents wanted to charge more money, which made them leave.
Bad: he didn’t want to give up his presidency. Which made the peoples power get involved.
Did anyone or group try to make Marcos give up his presidency?
The peoples power were trying to fight against him so that he would step down from his position. They held rallies and protests at the Malacañang.
Did you want to/ join any of the protests?
Didn’t want to join any of the protests, because she doesn’t like politics. But still watched it on TV to know what was going on.
Did money play a role in any part of the presidency?
Marcos took a lot of his money when he traveled to other countries, and invested it there.
The power and money corrupted the people in power. It was for their own-selfish needs, not for the whole country. All the presidents would usually do would care about themselves and just be corrupted by their power.
How did you learn about what was going on?
Would hear rumors about the politics everywhere, and would watch TV.
What do you think about the Philippines?
Philippines is already good at corruption, only thinking about how to make themselves better.
Why did you want to move to America?
Reason to move to America is to make a better life. All you money in the PI would go to food and your home; there weren’t a lot of jobs back home.
Did you hear anything about Corazon Aquino?
Heard that Corazon could make the country better because she is a woman. But it seems like not much good/ improvement has happened since she was president. There were improvements, but not too many.
Did Marcos try to do anything to stop the rallies that were going on against him?
Marcos wasn’t able to stop any of the rallies because there were so many people who had already joined them.
Interview 2
My second interview was my Uncle Arturo, and now he is 58. He lived in the Philippines his whole life; but now he is living in the Philippines. I asked him about what it was like living in the Philippines. As well as what he thought about the presidents during the time of the revolution, around 1986. As well as Marcos’ wife, Imelda.
What did you think of Marcos while he was president?
Marcos was a good president before. The only thing that destroyed him was that he lost the trust of the people. He declared martial law, and everyone who went against him would go to jail. Was more of a dictator, not so much of a communist.
What happened when Marcos got sick?
When he got sick, his wife was in charge. But Marcos would sign off all of the papers for her since she was still alive.
What happened during Marcos’ exile?
American Gov. sent Marcos to Hawaii, which made PI very unruly. And US put a replacement president before Aquino was elected.
How was Ferdinand’s wife?
His wife was greedy, which is who destroyed the power of the president. When they would travel, she would spend the people’s taxes and buy a lot of things. She invited foreigners to go to the PI
What did Marcos do to help the Philippines?
He made many developments in the PI.
Why do you think Corazon Aquino became president?
Corazon rose to power because of the death of her husband.
What did you think about Benigno’s death?
Benigno was given an amnesty to go to the US. But if he went back to PI, he would be sent to jail. But went back to PI to face trial.
The military controlled everything, like the security of the airport. It was a hit-man, but it was probably an order from Marcos. It was in the news that Mr. Aquino would be shot.
Who went into power before Aquino?
Joseph Estrada was loved by the low income people. But he was a gambler, drinker and womanizer. He had many wives.
After him there was, Gloria Macapagaeal . June 30
Had enriched themselves, they kept the money to themselves.
What eventually happened with the Aquino family?
The son of the late Aquino, Noynoy Aquino, the only son. Became the new president in the PI.
How was Cory as the president and before she was president?
Corazon was a motherly president. Not bad, and ran the PI. Wasn’t as bad as Marcos and Gloria. They had houses in the other states.
Aquino was rich, they had sugar plantations.
Who do you think was the best president out of all the ones you named?
Best president was probably Cory Aquino. But Marcos did make a lot of improvements.
Interview 3:
My last interview was with my Auntie Nene. She is now 65 years old. I asked her about what she was doing around the time of the revolution. Also what it was like being around all of her young students during such a hard time in their country. As well as what she thought about the presidents and the post revolution.
Do you remember anything in the Philippines from 1986?
The only historical event that I know which happened between the years you mentioned was the 1986 EDSA revolution.
What were you doing at that time period?
At that time, I was still teaching here at Quezon Elementary School. Each one of us was so scared of what was happening in Metro Manila.
What were people doing out on the streets?
Millions of people went out in the streets and soldiers were ready to use violence if the president would give them a go signal.
How was everything? Was there any violence?
But fortunately, it was a very peaceful revolution without bloodshed. This is a proof that Filipinos are still level headed and they love their countrymen.
What were you thinking about during that time?
During those crucial days, I would like to think that everyone prayed for a peaceful solution of the problem created by martial law.
Did you hear anything about Ferdinand leaving the PI?
With the help of God, the occupants of Malacañang Palace (the president and his family) fled the country and headed for Hawaii.
What happened after everything in the revolution?
Others tried to duplicate that event by the successful staging of EDSA II, but this was a smaller one and this time there were no soldiers involved.
How were the presidents after wards? / The transition of presidents?
The President left the palace and there was a smooth transition of power from President Joseph Estrada to President Gloria M. Arroyo.
Did you hope for anything after that revolution? And for the future of the Philippines?
I hope that there won't be a repetition of said events and our incoming president, Benigno Aquino III will really do his best to propel the Philippines to lasting peace and prosperity.
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