Looking Through the Imeldific Imelda

                We all got to know Imelda Marcos as the “First Lady” of former President Ferdinand Marcos. We all got to know her as the lady with thousands of shoes. We all got to know her as the woman behind the dictator. But do we really know the Imelda Marcos?

                The documentary film Imelda was directed by Ramona S. Diaz and was released in 2003. Before its public screening, Imelda attempted to prevent its showing for she thought that it did not make her look pleasant. I think it really did not show off her kindness because that was the real her.

                The film showed three different point of views about Imelda – from herself, from the people close to her and from the people who got involved in her life because of politics. For her, she was nothing but the good one. She have won convincing herself that everything she had and have been doing is for others and the betterment of the country. She have created this universe of her own and tries to relive it. She was also quite narcissistic, got drowned by the idea of acquiring such level of beauty. For the people who got close to her, they were either on her side or doubting the things she can potentially do. Like for example, her former teacher actually confronted her if they really did kill Benigno Aquino. While on the other hand, her niece, if I’m not mistaken, defended her with the thousands of shoes she had, saying that everyone should understand the love of Filipinas for shoes. However, the people affiliated to her because of politics have a strong belief about her that is contrary to what she thinks about herself.

                Imelda was the one behind most of the large and impressive buildings in the city. People tend to gag that she has edifice complex especially for hospitals. But I think these buildings were once useful for us. They served as the leading hospitals with the best physicians in the country. Even centers like Cultural Center of the Philippines was built by Imelda. Up to now, we use it as a venue for most of the special ceremonies and events.

                I believe each and every one of us has something good inside. Even the known Marcos family had done something good for our country. But having done something noble and worthy won’t wipe out the ruthless acts that have been done. 

De Jesus, Carmela Gabrielle D.

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