Benigno Aquino.

Benigno Simeon Aquino Jr. was born on November 27, 1932, in Tarlac Province, Luzon, Philippines, to Aurora Aquino. His father’s identity is not recorded in available sources. He attended the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, San Beda University, and Saint Joseph’s College of Quezon City, where he developed his writing skills. His politically active family exposed him to public service from childhood.

Benigno Aquino wrote the 1952 film Korea and the 2010 video series West Wing Week. He continued writing in the decades between these works. His education at the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, San Beda University, and Saint Joseph’s College of Quezon City laid the foundation for his literary output. His assassination on August 21, 1983, made him a national martyr.

Benigno Aquino married Corazon Aquino in 1954; they remained married until his death in 1983. Together they had five children: Maria Elena Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Aurora Corazon Pinky Aquino-Abellada, Benigno Simeon Noynoy Aquino III, Victoria Elisa Viel Aquino-Dee, and actress Kristina Bernadette Kris Aquino. His son Noynoy later served as the 15th president of the Philippines. He had siblings Agapito Aquino and Teresa Aquino Oreta.

Benigno Aquino’s assassination on August 21, 1983, at the Manila International Airport made him a national martyr. The airport was renamed Benigno Aquino International Airport in 1986. His portrait appears on the 500 Philippine peso bill. Ninoy Aquino Day, a national holiday, commemorates his death. The Philippine Legion of Honor, Quezon Service Cross, and Bantayog ng mga Bayani honor him posthumously. His son continued his political legacy by becoming president.