Old Boston house filled with memories for PNoy

President Benigno Aquino visits his family's old house in Boston where they once lived in exile. Photo by Ariel Fulgado

BOSTON (UPDATED) - President Aquino on Monday completed his trip down memory lane with a visit to his family's old house in the suburbs. Accompanied by three of his best friends since childhood -- Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, PAGCOR chair Cristino Naguiat, and businessman Romy Mercado -- the President was seen showing some areas in the front lawn and the yard. Aquino earlier described himself as the "dog-handler, plumber, carpenter, mechanic, and baggage-handler" during the family's exile in the US. This was his first return to Boston since leaving in 1983, after his father Senator Ninoy Aquino was assassinated The President also paid a private call on the current owners of the old Aquino house, sisters Ione and Patricia Malloy. In yet another coincidence, some former neighbors of the Aquinos were driving by while PNoy was visiting. Jean-Paul and Rebecca Valette lived just behind the former Aquino residence. "We are acquainted with Benigno Aquino and also with Mrs. Aquino who was more homebound," Jean-Paul told newsmen as Rebecca approached the President to shake hands. "Three of the girls were going to school here, including Krissy who is an actress now," he added. "There was also the son who came after -- he did not start with the family -- and now he's your president." But the ones they had most contact with was Ninoy. The Valettes said they remember the Aquinos as "very very close knit, they kept essentially to themselves."

President Benigno Aquino visits his family's old house in Boston where they once lived in exile. Photo by Ariel Fulgado