In the quarter century since Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was fatally shot on the tarmac of then Manila International Airport, almost every conceivable aspect has been written about his life, death and aftermath - good, bad, political, controversial, biased, investigatory- you name it. No conceivable angle could possible be new.

Notwithstanding, Enrich would be remiss if it did not honor Ninoy’s memory on the historical eve of his 25th death Anniversary this August 21, 2008. Plain and simple, Ninoy gave up seven otherwise quality years in the prime of his life, imprisoned in Manila in the ‘70s because he would not budge in iota on his convictions. In the end he made the ultimate sacrifice - in lieu of a peaceful and comfortable living on fellowship grants from two of America’s most prestigious universities, not to mention open-ended sanctuary in the United States, if he would have so chosen.

Throughout his three years in “self-exile” on American soil, Ninoy constantly insisted he would repatriate himself to his beloved Philippines. When warned of certain imprisonment or death if he did, Ninoy countered, “if it’s my fate to die by an assasin’s bullet, so be it”.

Enroute home he incredulously admitted he would be wearing a bullet-proof vest, adding prophetically “it’s only good for the body, but for the head there’s nothing else we can do” Onboard Chine Airlines Flight 811 he bluntly predicted his doom, telling accompanying media “to be ready with your camera because this action can become very fast… and I may not be able to talk to you again after this…” In his last formal statement he said, I have returned to join the ranks of those struggling to restore our rights and freedom through nonviolence. I seek no confrontation.”

Little did he know that he had upped the ante to a crescendo and set the stage for moments later fulfilling his heroic declaration that “the Filipino is worth dying for”.