Scheduled for commercial showing in the first quarter of 2024 is "Loyalista: The Untold Story of Imelda Papin" -  a very interesting film about the legendary Sentimental Songstress of the Philippines. She was most recently known for her foray into politics (being an ex-vice governor of Camarines Sur). Still, the Gen-Xers would also remember her glory days as a Jukebox Queen during the 70s and 80s when she ruled the airwaves with such hits as " Bakit? (Kung Liligaya Ka sa Piling ng Iba)" and "Isang Linggong Pag-ibig." 

Not every singer deserves to have a biopic unless they have a life that's more than ordinary. The songstress deserves the honor because she lived in scenic Hawaii with Imelda and the late President Marcos for several years. Regardless of anyone's political beliefs, the part about the deposed family's life in exile is rare stuff that's not even chronicled in history books and should be an immense topic of curiosity for the modern-day Marites. 

The truth is that what happened in Hawaii stayed with Imelda "Mel" Papin and can now be seen in "Loyalista." What was life there like? According to the documentary, there were no lavish parties, but the Marcoses had constant meetings with people in their Honolulu home. Imelda was shown as always puttering in the kitchen and living a very ordinary life, a far cry from her Imeldific days. Mel and her sister made a livelihood by selling cookware to their neighbors to support themselves.

Indie film director Gabby Ramos wrote and helmed "Loyalista," which also boasts a star-studded cast. Sporting the former First Lady's iconic bouffant hairstyle, Alice Dixson shines as Imelda Marcos. No one else could have played the role more perfectly, and they're almost look-alikes too. Jeorge "ER" Ejercito Estregan delivers an outstanding performance as Ferdinand Marcos - from his speech to his mannerisms. Claudine Barretto shows her versatility as an award-winning actress by portraying the lead character. As Imelda Papin, Claudine conveys the range of emotions that depicts La Papin's roller-coaster life - from the pain of being prosecuted as a Marcos loyalist after the EDSA Revolution to the struggle of adjusting to life in Hawaii and even dealing with the breakdown of her marriage to the late politician, Bong Carrion (played by Gary Estrada). 

Mel and Bong's daughter, Maffi Papin Carrion, is introduced in the movie as herself.  She shows that she has the acting chops and is a revelation in the acting department. In " Loyalista," Maffi capably draws from her well of experience as the confused child who had to shuttle between two continents and two estranged parents; Maffi is a revelation in the acting department and may as well be the next dramatic actress to watch out for if she focuses on it.

Other actors featured in the film are Zac Papin (Mel's real-life grandson), Angelica Jones   Aileen Papin, Blumark Roces, Kanisha Santos, Amay Bisaya, Mayor  Marcos Mamay, Julian Roxas, Allysa Dela Peña, Ruby Flores, Pantene Palanca, and Angelo Santiago."

"Loyalista" has no definite date for its commercial release yet. Still, successful block screenings have already been held, and more are being planned in different parts of the country and internationally in 2024.

Mel Papin was present during the December screening in Newport World Resorts. Her fans surrounded her, and she looked like she hadn't aged a day since the 80s. She told the crowd it's about time she shared her part of the story that the public doesn't know about how the Marcoses lived when out of power, the old man FM's last days, and other important things.

"Ang Loyalista po ay inspirational, educational, it’s all about love for your God, family, and friends. ‘Yung kaibigan na napunta sa hindi masyadong maayos na lugar. Pero naroon ka para damayan sila. And siyempre pagmamahal po sa bayan,” she declared.