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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Imeldific at 96

Imeldific at 96

Published Jul 5, 2025 12:01 am  |  Updated Jul 4, 2025 04:26 pm
MEDIUM RARE
It was the beer-guzzling novelist, dramatist, magazine editor and wordsmith Nick Joaquin who invented the word “Imeldific” to describe the first lady who was also governor of Metro Manila, the former beauty queen (‘Rose of Tacloban’) who would capture the heart of the congressman from Ilocos Norte, she who would go on to become a force of culture and inspire monumental projects that have then and now stood the test of time.
Turning 96 last July 2, Imelda Marcos told a group of relatives on the Romualdez side that she has “enjoyed the memories” — and what memories! In the 1970’s when oil was scarce, she was her husband the President’s ambassador to China, Libya, and the US to negotiate for “black gold” at the best prices. A suddenly affectionate Chairman Mao Zedong bussed her on both cheeks. US President Johnson couldn’t take his eyes off her during a formal dinner. Libyan leader Muammar Khadafy was willing to give her the moon.
Closer to earth, Mrs. Marcos inspired the creation of ultra grand projects such as Heart Center, Cultural Center, Kidney Institute, Lung Center, Children’s Hospital, National Arts Center, BLISS housing. Through scholarships and grants, the careers of musicians — including Raul Sunico, Cecile Licad, Rowena Arrieta — took off in a blaze of light. She supported painters by opening their exhibits and, as in the case of one of them, a schoolmate of mine, she bought all her works on opening day.
One story that I have not shared with Mrs. Marcos is set in Rome sometime in 1974, when she attended the mass that would make a cardinal out of Julio Rosales. I was in the church with my father-in-law when a small commotion caused heads to turn. A beautiful lady had just made her entrance. The Italian woman beside me asked, “Is she the empress of Japan?”
Then it hit me that in the chilly spring weather, Mrs. Marcos was wearing a terno without a shawl or sweater on — how do you wear a terno with a cardigan? But there she was, the First Lady of the Philippines doing her best to do justice to the national costume.
Her best accomplishment is, in her words, “I have two presidents.”

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MEDIUM RARE JULLIE Y. DAZA
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