Ferdinand E. Marcos, born September 11, 1917 to Mariano Marcos and Josefa Edralin. His grandfather instilled in him a passionate concern for his country and an ambition to write history himself. He attended college at the University of the Philippines, graduated magna cum laude and achieved the highest marks in the history of the Philippine bar. Marcos was a courageous leader during World War II and was awarded many medals for his bravery.

Marcos’ leadership was as excellent, and he dealt out justice to outlaws and established unimpeachable personalities in positions of command. He was sent off to Congress and was Ilocos Norte’s representative to the legislature thrice. He became president in 1965 and his four years of presidency earned him a record that surpassed that of any of the five presidents before him. He was returned to a second term in 1969—the first Filipino President to be re-elected—and in 1972, he declared martial law.

When Ninoy emerged from prison, it seemed clear to those who knew him that much had changed in him. The superb political animal – shrewd, fast, eloquent, and brave – who had placed his immense talents in the service of the Republic in the hope of public honors, had evolved into a man for whom love of country was only the other face of his love for God. And I think this is the truest and the best kind of patriotism. It is only on this plane that patriotism ceases to be, as they say, the refuge of scoundrels and becomes, instead, the obligation of a Christian.

Corazon C. Aquino
(from a speech delivered on March 10, 1984)

Mrs. Aquino was put in to the political spotlight not long after the death of her husband Ninoy, who was one of the most influencial opposition leaders at that time. She was called to arms, with only her belief in democracy as her guide, along with the countless supporters who shared in the goal of bringing back the power to the people.