The year was 1973. Ninoy wrote an ode for Cory from within his prison cell in Fort Bonifacio as a political detainee during the Marcos Regime. The original poem is composed of 19 stanzas symbolic of the years of their marriage. It’s a tribute to his wife sacrifices for him and their family as he served his country and fought for freedom. Its theme was both emotional and political.
In 1987, singer/songwriter Jose Mari Chan was commissioned to set the poem into music. The piece adopted the first line of the poem for its title “I Have Fallen in Love (with Same The Woman Three Times)” and was included in Chan’s top-selling album “Constant Change” which has since achieved a Diamond Record status (10 times platinum in terms of sales). The song didn’t get as much airplay on the radio then as much as the big hits from the album (i.e. “Beautiful Girl”, “Please Be Careful With My Heart”). But the paean now serves as one of the theme upon the former president’s demise.
On the day of Cory’s passing, the Joe Mari Chan was interviewed by Arnold Clavio & Vikki Morales for GMA News detailing about how the song came to be. When requested by the news anchors to sing parts of the song, Chan obliged but turned emotional midway. Below is a clip of that 9-minute interview:
A remake by Christian Bautista is due to be released soon and will be included in his new album containing 19 Jose Mari Chan classics. Below is the full lyrics of the song and a YouTube clip as Bautista sang it live for the first time in yesterday’s tribute for Cory in ABS-CBN’s Sunday noontime show, ASAP.
I Have Fallen in Love (with the Same Woman Three Times)
words by Benigno Aquino, Jr.
music by Jose Mari Chan
I have fallen in love
With the same woman three times
In a day spanning 19 years
Of tearful joys and joyful tears
I loved her first when she was young
Enchanting and vibrant, eternally new
She was brilliant, fragrant
And cool as the morning dew
I fell in love with her the second time
When first she bore her child and mine
Always by my side, the source of my strength
Helping to turn the tide
But there were candles to burn
The world was my concern
While our home was her domain
And the people were mine
While the children were hers to maintain
So it was in those eighteen years and a day
‘Til I was detained; forced in prison to stay
Suddenly she’s our sole support
Source of comfort
Our wellspring of hope
On her shoulders felt the burden of life
I fell in love again
With the same woman the third time
Looming from the battle
Her courage will never fade
Amidst the hardships she has remained
Undaunted and unafraid.
She is calm and composed
She is God’s lovely maid
- - - - - - - - - -
Full text of the original poem is posted here.
August 3rd, 2009 at 9:56 am
oh wow, thanks john and benz for featuring cory and ninoy as a wife and husband. we’ve always thought of them as statesmen that we’ve forgotten that their greatness also lay in the fact that they were just normal people in a relationship that was tested by their love for their country. they are both so inspiring.
August 3rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
nakakaiyak.. nakakalungkot. but i’m glad that she has finally rested after a painful battle. it’s a great loss for the country that a strong woman who inspired a lot of us is now gone…
August 3rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Thank you Benz & John for your time to write this in your blog. Filipinos all over the world is reunited once again the same thing goes with Ninoy and Cory being united again with our Lord. This brings back memories when I was in EDSA 23 yrs ago, supporting for her to become the next President. She is an International Icon for Democracy and the only Honest President we had so far. Her memories will remain in our Hearts forever, May she rest in Peace and Us Filipino people to continue what she fought for!
August 3rd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
cory was such an inspiration to every one not just to the filipinos..she will always be loved..and never be forgotten..no one will ever replace her in our hearts..thank you tita cory..and may you rest in peace..we love you so much…
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
PRES. cory is the best ur such a good mother to us we really love you…thanks for being w us..rip..
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:58 pm
[…] I Have Fallen in Love with the Same Woman Thrice […]
August 4th, 2009 at 9:20 am
[…] Weird & Amusing ado“I Have Fallen in Love with the Same Woman Thrice” - the poem Ninoy wrote for Cory on their 19th… […]
August 5th, 2009 at 11:41 am
I love the message. R.I.P. President Cory!!!
Filipino people loves you so much. ^^
August 5th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
I’m so touched! Ninoy was so lucky to have a very loving wife and mother to their siblings. The couple portrayed as a great example, worthy of emulation.
August 6th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
tita cory is an inspiration to every filipino.. espicially to all mother on how to raised their chilldren by knowing god.. thank you pres. cory..
August 7th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Thank you so much President Cory Aquino
August 8th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
[…] I Have Fallen in Love with the Same Woman Thrice by Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aguino, Jr. (1973) […]