Martin Nievera hosted the brief program that paid tribute to the late President Corazon "Cory" Aquino. The huge watch was unveiled at exactly 5 pm outside the Museum Cafe.

In an interview, Martin Nievera told PEP that he wrote the song "Impossible Dreams" with the Aquinos in mind. He wanted to capture the sense of responsibility that it entails to be a Filipino citizen.

Lea Salonga asked the guests to stand up in honor of the late President Cory Aquino, who would have celebrated her 77th birthday the following day, January 25. A slideshow of important milestones of Cory's career was shown while Lea sang "Bayan Ko." The one in the background shows Cory on the cover of Time Magazine when she was hailed as Woman of the Year in 1987.

Before she performed a song for the program, Lea Salonga asked the guests to remember the time "when Filipinos stood as the proudest people in the world" for conducting a bloodless revolution now known as People Power.

According to Don Jaime Zobel, he was in Europe when Virgie Ramos contacted him to design the commemorative watch in honor of Cory Aquino. He was initially overwhelmed by the task. In fact, he asked himself the question: "How does one put a heroic life into a watch?"

Virgie Ramos's dress actually bears a painting of flowers created by the late Cory Aquino in 1998. During the latter part of her life, the former President became an avid painter of flowers and blooms.

(From left) Albert Martinez, his wife Liezl and daughter Alyssa were all wearing white when they entered the venue. But Martin persuaded Albert to wear this yellow shirt with the map of the Philippines as its design. 

PEP asked Noynoy Aquino how he felt regarding this tribute and he pointed out: "As a son, I'm glad that my mother is being honored in such a manner and by the same people who were there...30 years na pala ang relationship. Sino ba naman ang hindi mata-touch dun?"  

The 24-foot long watch was hidden behind this structure before it was unveiled amidst a shower of yellow confetti.

(From left) Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Viel Aquino-Dee and Pinky Aquino-Abellana were present that day but their youngest sister Kris Aquino was unable to attend because she was hosting The Buzz that day.

Ballsy Aquino-Cruz graciously accepted the set offered by Don Jaime Zobel. The former CEO of Ayala Corporation pointed out in his speech: "Today, in a small but important Swatch watch, Cory becomes alive again. We must all remember not to forget."

In her speech, Ballsy Aquino-Cruz (holding mic) told the crowd: "Yellow has turned into the color of courage...This makes sunshine a fitting image to remember those glorious years by. It is an apt metaphor for mom since she was equally radiant not just as a mother but also as a Filipino and as a human being. She has always the shining light of our life even when it seemed that everything was bleak for our dad and our family."

Those who want to avail of the set (inclusive of two watches and a hardbound book) can reserve at any Swatch store or kiosk nationwide. The proceeds will go to the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation's scholarship fund.

Rowell Santiago (rightmost) directed the program that day. In this photo, he is joined by (from left) Jaime Zobel, Virgie Ramos, Martin Nievera and Mikee Cojuangco.

Mikee Cojuangco, a niece of Cory Aquino, was present at the event along with her husband Robert Jaworksi Jr. 

(From left) Virgie Ramos, Don Jaime Zobel and Noynoy Aquino posed in front of the historical watch. The last commemorative watch designed by Swatch was unveiled in 1998 for the Philippine Centennial celebrations.

Tessa Prieto Valdes (left) was wearing a Oliver Tolentino creation that day.

Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala autographed copies of the book A Woman Dressed in Sunshine that day. The hardbound book contains photos and stories of Cory's public and personal life.

All 150 sets sold at the venue that day were soldout while many more people already filled up reservation forms.

Teddy Boy Locsin Jr. was the press secretary during the Aquino administration. He recently underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery.

Franklin Drilon used to serve as Executive Secretary during the administration of Cory Aquino.

For P8100, the public can buy the complete set containing two limited edition watches and a copy of the book A Woman Dressed in Sunsine. Only 801 sets are being sold to the public. The number 801 refers to the date that Cory died, which was on August 1.  

The faces of Cory Aquino and Ninoy Aquino are visible on the strap of the brightly colored watch. According to Virgie Ramos, this watch will be displayed in front of the Ayala Museum for a month before it is tranferred to Greenbelt 5.

Small fresh lumpia bites were served as appetizers using native sungka boards. Ice cream carts were also scattered around the venue as part of the fiesta theme implemented that day. There were even other carts for cotton candy and popcorn at the lobby.

Before Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala designed the watch, he wrote this note in August 2009 that reads: "Dear Cory, With your sincerity, you gave us strength. With your humility, we found our soul. Your years of tenure were called the Golden Years. Some even called them 'Camelot.' May this humble tribute be my way to honor you. It's such a very small thing but do know that my heart and gratitude is in it."  

The yellow banners around Ayala Museum contributed to the fiesta atmosphere that day. A marching band outside the venue even welcomed the guests, most of whom were members of high society.