Filipinos in San Francisco rekindle memory of Ninoy’s martyrdom
SAN FRANCISCO, California — Close relatives and friends of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, and other Filipino community members gathered at the Philippine Center Gallery to commemorate his 31st death anniversary on August 20.
“Friends Meeting Friends, Remembering Ninoy Aquino,” hosted by the Philippine Consulate General began with a Eucharistic Celebration led Father Arnold Zamora, Pastor at the Holy Name of Jesus Parish in San Francisco. He was joined by the Singing Priests of Tagbilaran, who later led the community in the singing “Bayan Ko.”
Speakers recalled the events and the Filipinos’ experience under the Marcos dictatorship, including the fateful moment when Senator Aquino was shot.
Consul General Henry s. Bensurto, Jr., in his welcome remarks, described the difficulties that people encountered during that period, and stated that the people’s struggle was well worth it.
Photojournalist and Pulitzer-Prize winner Kim Komenich also shared his experiences. Komenich and showed a ten-minute version of his film, “Revolution Revisited,” featuring interviews with key players during the People Power Revolution that was sparked by the assassination of Ninoy Aquino.
Article continues after this advertisementThe program concluded with another imusical performance by the Singing Priests of Tagbilaran.