The Woman Behind President Marcos

by Maricella D. Valdivia (2013-55498)

        I firmly believe the statement, "Behind every successful man, there is a strong, wise, and hardworking woman". It may be a mother, grandmother, or a sister, but in President Marcos' case, it's his wife, Imelda Romualdez. We are all aware of what Marcos did, and maybe what we can remember is the Martial Law. But if we really look back on the things he had done, it had a large impact on our economy. And now it's not Mr. Ferdinand E. Marcos who we would talk about, but it's his wife, the former Muse of Manila, Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos and what she had done as the mother of the Philippines.
        When we say Imelda, the first thing that comes to your head is shoes. But what really did she contributed in Marcos' term? Was she really a help for him? I've already heard stories about the huge buildings she built in Manila, and I wondered before "WHY IMELDA? SHE'S JUST THE FIRST LADY", and now I understand that President Marcos stands as the father of the republic whilst Imelda is the mother for the nation, the light that will guide the people. With the buildings she built, art and beauty was her focus. That the arts and folklore of the Philippines be cultivated. Maybe I didn't reach the time during the Marcoses, but I've heard of the great things during that period. The time when Manila seems to be like Singapore now.
        Imelda made a huge contribution especially in the arts. She also had her own book, yes, she has a point, but it's not the greatest. One said that Imelda needs a friend, I think that that person is right. In fact, based on Imelda's interview, I can feel that she's only into the fame and glory, and the praises other gives her. She's old now, and I bet she feels like the most beautiful person in the Philippines. Although I believe that life is full of beauty, I know for a fact that it is not all beauty. I think that Imelda is an optimistic person, and that she really loves to serve the people. But then, I do not know the whole thing that's on her mind, so I won't judge. But this is all my opinion.