It was greatly saddening that Senator Miriam Palma Defensor-Santiago, one of my greatest Filipino Idols – in terms of politics, wisdom, achievements, faith, almost everything about her, passed away peacefully in her sleep last September 29 at the age 71, at about 8:52 AM (I think I’m in my ENG3 class by that time). I was taking lunch with my college friends when I heard the news. Of course I was shocked and almost got my tears on my plate, and the first thing that came into my mind and that’s more saddening than the news was that realizing that I was not even able to meet her before she died. Meeting her and having a deep conversation with her is one of my goals since childhood, seeing her on the TV and newspapers, excelling in her chosen fields. She is one of my inspirations that’s why I’m planning to take up law after  my engineering degree. As a tribute to my most admired Philippine Lawyer and Senator, the Incorruptible Lady, the Dragon Lady, the Platinum Lady, theTiger Lady, and  the Iron Lady of Asia, amidst my busy schedule (because exam week is coming) I prepared these calligraphy pieces as remembrance of her great works and deeds for the country. I handpicked and listed down 7 of her most memorable lines – some are just snippets & non-verbatim.

      Sen. Santiago’s final words at the last leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 at University of Pangasinan.

     Whole Quotation from her book Stupid is Forevermore:  “Dare beyond your strength, hazard beyond your judgment, and in extremities, proceed in excellent hope. Bare the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.” 

     Miriam Santiago in her presidential campaign speech, once.

     Whole Quotation: Those who like me, raise your hand. For those who don’t, raise your standards!

     Whole Quotation:  “What is the meaning of life? This meaning is not for you to find, but for you to define. The meaning of life is found in the purposes that we pursue as we grow older.”

     Whole  Quotation:  “We are so insignificant. We are only here for a blink,”

     Whole Quotation on her resignation as Secretary of Department of Agrarian and Reform in 1990: “This is goodbye. I shall not importune you any longer. I shall fade into the night like Batman.”

     The late Senator Miriam Santiago did her best for the betterment of the nation and its people, she served the country with her whole heart and pure intentions, She served all three branches of the Philippine government: the judicial, executive and legislative. Senator Miriam Santiago also attended schools like the University of the Philippines, Oxford University, University of California, University of Michigan,  Maryhill School of Theology,  Harvard University and Cambridge University, that makes her unquestionably brainy and smart.

     Though I was not given the chance to meet her before she’s gone, I am still so lucky to live in a generation that somehow knows her legacy. I will always remember Senator Santiago for her wit, humor, superb intellect and her fiery speeches and sharp quips. She lived her life fearlessly yet one worthy of emulation.   She will always be one of the best defender of the law, especially of the fundamental rights of every Filipino.  

      My greatest sympathies and condolences go to her abandoned family. And for my Idol, madame you have fought a good fight, you finished the track gallantly, you ended the fight peacefully. So now you deserve eternal peace in paradise with our Creator. You will be remembered for everything that you’ve done and you will continue to be an inspiration to young people like me. Rest now, Madame Miriam Defensor Santiago, farewell. 💐