CORY GIANT PHOTO MOSAIC was held at Quirino Grandstand Manila

MANILA, Philippines - A giant photo mosaic showing the face of the late President Corazon "Cory" Aquino was unfurled on Saturday afternoon at the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park in Manila. The photo tribute, dubbed "Cory in Luneta", was done to commemorate the first death anniversary of the late President on Sunday, August 1.

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, son of the late President Cory, led the unfurling of the photo mosaic, which measures 250 feet by 200 feet. Some 100 athletes helped unfurl the tarpaulin panels.

The mosaic is composed of photos taken during President Cory's term in office.

The project was funded and conceptualized by private sectors including the Cory Veterans Group and Aquino relatives.

The photo mosaic is also making a bid for the biggest photo mosaic in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records.

In his speech, Aquino said, "This mosaic of photographs is a symbol of that hope. The real challenge, however, is in making Cory Aquino's example and legacy part of our daily lives. All through her life, she demonstrated love not only for her family, but also for every single Filipino."

He also pointed out how one key teaching from his mother helped him decide to run for President.

"She said I could not live with myself knowing that I could have done something and I chose not to. That lesson about conviction was critical in my decision to run for the presidency," Aquino said.

"The burden she once carried is now upon me. She managed to overcome it with the help of the people. I hope and pray that you will also be by my side so that change that we committed to work on together will soon become a reality," he added.

A labor of love

The 4-ton giant photo mosaic is a labor of love.

It is made up of thousands of photographs sourced from the Internet and various sectors, and took two years to make.

A total of 120 tarpaulin panels make up the giant photo mosaic, which is about the size of 10 NBA basketball courts.

Total cost of the photo mosaic is estimated at P2 million, with private sponsors footing the bill.

Photojournalist Revoli Cortez is credited for the photo mosaic concept.

The photo mosaic will remain at the Quirino Grandstand for 7 days for public viewing. -- With ANC