Imelda

  

   Despite the Marcoses' infamous downfall, many still get interested in the life of Imelda Marcos. The luxurious and instantaneous life she experienced during her glorious days made her famous and one of a kind. She was adored by many men and women because of her demure and loyal wife image. Her beauty (or her intelligence) could sway influential leaders like Muammar el-Qaddafi and Mao Tse Tung. She became an international icon whose fashion statement can call attention worldwide. The term Imeldific was coined after her pompous character. She becomes as inspiration to those women who are independent and ambitious. And a goddess-like figure to those who want to experience the grandiose lifestyle she publicly created. "Though her ultimate goal always remained out of reach, she acquired more power than any other first lady in history, or for that matter, many chiefs of state."

   Imelda: Steel Butterfly of the Philippines is a marvelous introductory book to study the life of Imelda Marcos. The book is about the complex and fascinating life of the former first lady. This 277 page biography is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Katherine Ellison. It has 14 chapters with Prologue and Epilogue detailing her childhood up to the last days of Marcos regime. 

   What's good about this book is that it is simple and comprehensive. Her stories are arranged chronologically to give the readers the mental pictures on Imelda's life. "Filled with revelations and delicious anecdotes, Imelda tells her whole story as it has never been told before." 

   Whenever I got the time, I reread this book not only to know the life of the Marcoses but also to understand the Philippine politics. Many known and influential people were involved in the life of Imelda. It is important to trace these people to be enlightened in current political landscape of our country. The Marcoses, specifically Imelda, made history. Their story serves as reminder that power has its limitation. As the author said:

  "Yet throughout twenty years, Imelda ignored her historic chance - an act of selfishness far uglier than any shopping binge. She made opera out of her opportunity for greatness, and in the end, earned her fate."

note: The book was published in 1989 by McGraw Hill Book Company (reprinted with permission by National Book Store). It was published three years after the overthrow of Marcos regime. 

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