Imelda and Herself: A Reaction Paper

by CALIMLIM, Noli R.

2013-11406

The lady of the controversial thousands pair of shoes. The “First Lady” of former President Ferdinand Marcos (and its dictatorship). But how do we actually know the “Iron Butterfly” except from these overrated traits and idioms?

Directed by Ramona S. Diaz and was released first in 2003, the documentary film Imelda was attempted not to be publicized by the protagonist herself  for she thought it will not make her image pleasant. This kind scenario just shows off not her kindness but vanity, the real Imelda Marcos.

The film showed three points of views about Imelda, namely – from herself, from the people close to her, and from the people who got affiliated with her politics.

For her, she was no other than the kind one, convincing herself that she actually does everything for the good of the people and for the betterment of the country. She tries to relive her own created world full of narcissistic idea for she believed she acquires such level of beauty. The view of people close to her was kind of directed into two sides, either doubting the things she can potentially do or continued to defend and support her about different issues thrown to her. However, the people who got involved in her life because of politics strongly disagree from what she actually thinks of herself.

The film also showed off most of the notable works of Imelda, the establishment of impressive buildings around the city. People tend to insult her having edifice complex especially for hospitals leaving the idea that these buildings was truly useful for us up to present. As one of the leading hospitals, it has served patients continually with the best physician available in the country. A center like the Cultural Center of the Philippines was also put together by her a still functional for holding events and ceremonies up to now.

It may be unnoticeable at first glance, I do believe that the Marcos regime has did a great part in making our country a great one, but then, this noble might be easily neglected upon making such ruthless acts.