Ex-Cabinet execs, relatives celebrate Noynoy Aquino’s 62nd birthday

File photo of former president Noynoy Aquino.

MANILA, Philippines — Former Cabinet officials and relatives of late former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III remembered their fond memories with him on his 62nd birthday on Tuesday.

His former spokesperson Abigail Valte greeted the late president with a playlist from his favorite album of American composer, singer, and songwriter Jimmy Webb.

“Starting the day with one of PNoy’s favorites, post-term. He liked this album so much that he bought multiple copies to give out to friends and family. Happy, happy birthday, Mr. President,” Valte greeted in a tweet.

Starting the day with one of PNoy’s favorites, post-term. He liked this album so much that he bought multiple copies to give out to friends and family. Happy, happy birthday, Mr. President. pic.twitter.com/gZmiFz7ZJx

— Abi Valte (@Abi_Valte) February 8, 2022

Meanwhile, former presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Edwin Lacierda, in a separate tweet, posted a greeting for the late president and recalled the latter’s favorite snack and drink.

“Happy Birthday Mr. President! A year ago, your passing compelled the nation to fittingly recall your service to us. I am sure your parents, Dinky, Mon, Jesse, Dina, Dondon & Karina have prepared chicharon & Coke for you! Lastly, pray for us, I know we are worth praying for,” said Lacierda in a tweet.

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

A year ago, your passing compelled the nation to fittingly recall your service to us.

I am sure your parents, Dinky, Mon, Jesse, Dina, Dondon & Karina have prepared chicharon & Coke for you!

Lastly, pray for us, I know we are worth praying for.

— Edwin Lacierda (@dawende) February 7, 2022

Jiggy Aquino Cruz, the nephew of the late president, also paid tribute to his uncle, narrating a scenario that happened during a shoot for the 2012 Philippines Yearbook when a photographer wanted Aquino to wear a rubber shoe, to which he politely declined.

“Happy Birthday up there in heaven Tito Noy! The picture below was for the 2012 Philippines Yearbook (a decade ago!) and I wanted to share a story. Initially, the photographer wanted Tito Noy to wear Yellow Chuck Taylors to which he politely said no. Tito Noy said that he had to uphold the integrity of being President inside the halls of Malacañang,” Jiggy recalled in an Instagram post.

“So he kept the formal leather shoes for the photoshoot. Most stories about Tito Noy say how decent, proper, and straight he was. This particular experience of mine made me see how proper he was in declining the shoe request and that in every little detail, he had to uphold his job as President with honor and respect,” he also said.

Aquino, who served as the 15th president of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016, died in his sleep on June 24, last year, according to a statement released by his family. He died due to renal disease secondary to diabetes. —Jericho Zafra, Inquirer.net trainee

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JPV

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