Imelda Marcos facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Imelda Marcos
Marcos in 1973
Member of the Philippine House of Representatives
In office June 30, 2010 – June 30, 2019
Preceded by	Bongbong Marcos
Succeeded by	Eugenio Angelo Barba
Constituency	2nd District of Ilocos Norte
In office June 30, 1995 – June 30, 1998
Preceded by	Cirilo Roy Montejo
Succeeded by	Alfred Romualdez
Constituency	1st District of Leyte
Member of Parliament for Region IV (Metro Manila)
In office June 12, 1978 – June 5, 1984
Governor of Metro Manila
In office February 27, 1975 – February 25, 1986
Appointed by	Ferdinand Marcos
Vice Governor	Mel Mathay (1979–1986)
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Joey Lina (OIC)
Minister of Human Settlements
In office June 12, 1978 – February 25, 1986
President	Ferdinand Marcos
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Office abolished
First Lady of the Philippines
In role December 30, 1965 – February 25, 1986
President	Ferdinand Marcos
Preceded by	Eva Macapagal
Succeeded by	Amelita Ramos (1992)
Personal details
Born	Imelda Remedios Visitación Trinidad Romuáldez (1929-07-02) July 2, 1929 (age 95) San Miguel, Manila, Philippines
Political party	Nacionalista (1965–1978; 2009–present)
Other political affiliations	Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (1978–2015)
Spouses	Ferdinand Marcos ​ ​ (m. 1954; died 1989)​
Children	Imee Marcos Bongbong Marcos Irene Marcos Aimee Marcos (adopted)
Criminal status	Released on bail pending appeal
Residences	Makati, Metro Manila

Imelda Romuáldez Marcos (born July 2, 1929) is a Filipino politician. She was the First Lady of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. Her husband, Ferdinand Marcos, was the president during this time. Imelda Marcos became very powerful, especially after her husband declared martial law in 1972. She is also the mother of the current president, Bongbong Marcos.

During her husband's 21 years in power, Imelda Marcos oversaw the building of many large projects. These projects were often built very quickly using public money. This practice became known as her "edifice complex". She and her husband were accused of misusing public funds. They were said to have gathered a large personal fortune.

Imelda Marcos and her family became known for living a very fancy lifestyle. This happened during a time when many people in the country faced economic problems. She often traveled abroad for state visits, big parties, and shopping. She spent a lot of money on art, jewelry, and shoes, reportedly owning thousands of pairs. She faced many court cases around the world regarding her activities.

In February 1986, the People Power Revolution forced the Marcos family to leave the Philippines and go to Hawaii. In 1991, President Corazon Aquino allowed the family to return. Imelda Marcos was elected to the House of Representatives of the Philippines four times. She also ran for president twice but did not win.

Early Life and Family Background

Imelda Remedios Visitación Romuáldez was born in San Miguel, Manila, on July 2, 1929. Her parents were Vicente Orestes Romuáldez, a lawyer, and Remedios Trinidad. Imelda was the sixth of Vicente's eleven children and Remedios's first child.

She came from the powerful Romuáldez political family in Leyte province. Imelda grew up in a wealthy family of strong Catholic faith. She was baptized the day after she was born.

Important members of her family included her uncle, Norberto Romualdez, who was a Supreme Court Justice. Her younger brother, Benjamin "Kokoy" Romuáldez, became Governor of Leyte and later an ambassador.

Around 1932, her family's financial situation became difficult. Imelda's parents separated for a while. Her mother, Remedios, worked for nuns during this time. Later, her parents got back together, but Remedios and her children moved to the house's garage to avoid arguments. Remedios passed away in 1938 from pneumonia. She had six children in her ten years of marriage.

In 1938, Imelda's father left Manila because his law practice was not doing well. He moved back to Tacloban for a simpler life. Imelda grew up speaking the Waray language. She later learned Tagalog language and English.

Education and Learning

Early Schooling

Imelda finished first grade at the College of the Holy Spirit Manila. Her older half-sisters also studied there.

She continued her early education at Holy Infant Academy. This was a convent school run by the Order of Saint Benedict. At school, Imelda often felt embarrassed by her family's financial struggles. She frequently had to apologize for late payments.

High School Years

In 1942, the Romualdez family moved back to Tacloban. Around this time, Imelda's father did not want her to go back to school. When the Americans returned in 1944, she was eager to continue her studies. She finished her first year at Leyte Progressive High School. Then she moved back to Holy Infant Academy and graduated from high school in 1948.

Her school records show she had a good average grade throughout her primary and high school years.

College Studies

In 1951, Imelda ran for President of the student council at St. Paul's College. This school is now called Divine Word University. She was studying Education and was about to graduate. She was the clear favorite to win the election.

While in college, Imelda taught at a local Chinese high school. She graduated in 1952. She also won a scholarship to study music at the Philippine Women's University. She briefly worked at a music store before getting a better job at the Central Bank.

Early Career and Public Appearances

Imelda Marcos in 1953

Imelda returned to Manila in 1952. She stayed with her relative, House of Representatives of the Philippines Speaker Pro tempore Daniel Z. Romualdez. She found work as a salesgirl, which upset her father.

To help her, her relatives used their influence to find her a job at the Central Bank. She worked in the Intelligence Division there.

During this time, her cousin introduced her to Adoración Reyes. She was a music teacher who gave Imelda vocal lessons. Imelda also got a scholarship from Philippine Women's University (PWU). She later sang at a performance with her cousin.

Imelda also joined the 1953 Miss Manila beauty pageant. The results were controversial. Both Imelda and Miss Norma Jiménez were chosen to represent Manila in the larger Miss Philippines pageant. However, both lost to Miss Cristina Galang.

Courtship and Marriage to Ferdinand Marcos

Imelda met Ferdinand Marcos on April 6, 1954. This happened during a budget meeting at the Philippine Congress. Ferdinand was a politician who already knew of Imelda. Imelda knew little about him.

Ferdinand was immediately interested in Imelda. He asked a journalist friend, Jose Guevara, to introduce them. Their courtship was very quick, lasting only eleven days.

During Holy Week that year, Ferdinand visited Imelda. He offered her a ride to Baguio, where she planned to spend the holidays. For the rest of the week, Ferdinand gave Imelda flowers and gifts. He visited her daily, asking her to marry him.

On April 16, 1954, Imelda finally agreed to sign the marriage license. They were secretly married the next day by a judge. Their church wedding took place on May 1, 1954. This was after Ferdinand received her father's blessing. The wedding was held at the San Miguel Pro-Cathedral in Manila.

1965 Presidential Campaign

Imelda Romualdez-Marcos with former President Ferdinand Marcos and family during the 1965 inauguration

Imelda became a very important political figure during the 1965 presidential campaign. She helped her husband's campaign with her charm and youth. Many people, especially working-class Filipinos, came to Marcos's rallies to see his "beautiful wife."

Campaign planners used Imelda's popularity. They asked her to always look her best in public. She often wore her famous ternos, which became part of their public image.

Ferdinand Marcos relied heavily on Imelda. He even told the press that she helped him win by a million votes. During this time, Imelda described herself as "a butterfly breaking out of its cocoon." This led a journalist to call her "the iron butterfly."

Imelda took on a managing role in her husband's campaign early on. She worked hard to befriend the delegates of the Nacionalista Party Convention. Ferdinand Marcos won the party's presidential nomination in November 1964.

She also helped convince Fernando Lopez to become Marcos's running mate for vice president. She appealed to him by sharing the struggles she and Ferdinand faced. Lopez agreed after Imelda cried in front of him.

During the election, she helped gather votes from Leyte and Manila. She was especially popular among poorer communities. Imelda also used her singing talent to appeal to voters during campaigns. She often sang local folk songs.

First Term as First Lady (1965–1969)

When Ferdinand Marcos began his first term, Imelda took on the usual duties of a First Lady. These included social events and public appearances. Soon, she became a powerful figure. Cabinet members and business leaders sought meetings at her offices in the Malacañang Palace "Music Room." They believed she had a strong influence on Ferdinand.

In March 1966, Marcos created the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Imelda was made chairman of its board. This was done to change the idea that she was just a "politician's wife."

Inauguration Day

Imelda Marcos at the Bataan Death March Memorial

Ferdinand Marcos was elected the 10th president of the Philippines in November 1965. Imelda officially became the First Lady on December 30, 1965, when he was inaugurated.

The Romualdez family had been divided by the election. To heal this, Imelda invited family members, even those who supported other parties, to their house.

Ferdinand and Imelda held a mass at their house before going to Luneta Park for the inauguration. That night, a state dinner for 60 guests was held at the Malacañang Palace.

Early Projects and Initiatives

In her first three years as First Lady, Imelda spent money on improving public spaces. She spent PHP 1 million to beautify Paco Park. She also spent PHP 24 million on Fort Santiago.

In May 1966, Imelda launched a twelve-million-peso plan. This plan aimed to combine the efforts of many social welfare groups. It included building welfare villages and training staff for them. The first village, the Reception and Study Center in Quezon City, began construction in 1966. Several more were built by 1968.

In mid-1967, Imelda started the "Share for Progress" Seed Dispersal Program. This project encouraged people to grow vegetable gardens in empty lots. By 1968, over 300,000 seed kits were given out in more than 1,500 towns.

The "Blue Ladies" Group

The "Blue Ladies" were a group of wives of politicians from the Nacionalista Party. They played a key role in Marcos's 1965 campaign. They helped raise money and spread awareness. They visited factories and farms, shaking hands and talking to voters. They also campaigned door-to-door in poor areas. They were among the first to buy radio and TV time for political speeches. This was possible because the Blue Ladies were wealthy women.

As First Lady, Imelda often asked members of the Blue Ladies to join her on trips abroad. One of her well-known socialite friends was Cristina Ford.

Some "Blue Ladies" also helped with Imelda's fashion spending. For example, Maria Luisa, a wealthy friend, traveled with Imelda in 1968. During this trip, Imelda and her daughter Imee spent a lot of money.

The Beatles Incident

On July 4, 1966, Imelda Marcos invited the Beatles to perform at a private event. The band declined the invitation. As a result, an order was given to close the Manila International Airport. This led to angry crowds trying to stop the band from leaving the country. There were also reports that their manager faced a large tax bill.

After 1968, Imelda's political power grew. She had freedom to work on her projects while her husband prepared for the Ferdinand Marcos presidential campaign, 1969. As Marcos's health declined, she took on more powerful roles. These included Minister of Human Settlements and Governor of Metro Manila.

Second Term and Increased Influence (1969–1972)

In July 1974, the annual Ms. Universe pageant was held in Manila. First Lady Imelda Marcos reportedly spent a lot of money to renovate public and private buildings in Manila. This was done for the pageant participants' tours.

Role in Foreign Relations

Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos with Lyndon B. and Lady Bird Johnson at the White House, 1966

Richard and Pat Nixon with the Marcos family in Manila, 1969

President Ferdinand Marcos often sent his wife on official visits to other countries. She acted as a de facto vice president because he rarely left the Malacañang Palace.

In September 1966, the Marcoses visited the United States. President Lyndon B. Johnson offered Imelda US$28 million for Philippine war damage claims. President Johnson agreed that US$3.5 million could be used for the Cultural Center, one of Imelda's projects.

For the opening of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in September 1969, a grand event was held. US President Richard Nixon was invited, but California Governor (and future President) Ronald Reagan and his wife attended instead. They flew on Air Force One. There were stories that Imelda tried to bring other celebrities on Air Force One, but President Nixon refused. This trip reportedly led to a close friendship between the Reagans and the Marcoses.

In 1971, Imelda attended Iran's 2,500-year celebration of the founding of the Persian Empire. This trip reportedly introduced her to some of the world's wealthiest people.

Martial Law Period (1972–1981)

The Marcoses at a ceremony in 1979

During this period, Imelda organized many public events. She used national funds to improve her and her husband's image. She brought the Miss Universe 1974 pageant to Manila. This required building the Folk Arts Theater in less than three months. She also organized the Kasaysayan ng Lahi, a festival about Philippine history.

She started social programs like the Green Revolution. This program aimed to fight hunger by encouraging people to plant gardens. She also created a national family-planning program. In 1972, she took control of distributing a bread ration called Nutribun. This bread actually came from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

An attempt to harm Imelda Marcos happened on December 7, 1972. The reason seemed to be her role in her husband's presidency.

Foreign Relations During Martial Law

In 1972, Imelda Marcos began several trips to the Soviet Union. These were called "cultural missions." They eventually led to the Philippines and the Soviet Union establishing official diplomatic relations.

In 1975, after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia was assassinated, Marcos wanted to offer official condolences. Women were not usually allowed in the Saudi court. However, Imelda used her connections to become the first woman guest to be honored.

In 1978, she was also appointed as an Ambassador. This allowed her to travel to the United States, the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, and Cuba. During her travels, she became friends with leaders like Richard Nixon, Muammar Gaddafi, Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, and Joseph Tito. She traveled to Iraq to get oil and to Libya for a peace treaty with the Moro National Liberation Front.

Governor of Metro Manila

In 1975, Ferdinand Marcos created the Metro Manila Commission (MMC). This was the central government for Metro Manila. He appointed Imelda to lead it. She served as Governor of Metro Manila until the Marcoses were removed from power in 1986.

Minister of Human Settlements

Ferdinand Marcos appointed Imelda as Minister of Human Settlements in 1976. She held this position until the EDSA Revolution in February 1986. This role allowed her to oversee the construction of many important buildings. These included the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Philippine Heart Center, the Lung Center of the Philippines, the Philippine International Convention Center, the Coconut Palace, the Manila Film Center, and the Calauit Safari Park.

Batasan Pambansa Member

In 1978, Imelda ran for election under the administration's Kilusang Bagong Lipunan party. Most opposition candidates were in jail or had limited movement due to Martial Law. Imelda Marcos easily won a seat as a member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa (National Congress). She represented Region IV (Metro Manila).

Downfall and Exile

The Marcoses with President Reagan, 1982

On February 7, 1986, a special election was held. It was between Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino, the widow of Benigno Aquino Jr. Ferdinand Marcos claimed he won the election. However, there were accusations of cheating. This led to large protests, which became known as the People Power Revolution.

On February 25, Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda held an inauguration at Malacañang Palace. They appeared on the Palace balcony in front of their supporters. Imelda sang a song for the crowd.

Later that day, Ferdinand Marcos agreed to step down. He and his family were given safe passage to leave the country. They went to Hawaii, United States.

Life in Hawaii (1986–1991)

At midnight on February 26, 1986, the Marcos family left the Philippines. About 80 people, including extended family and close friends, went with them to Hawaii. Their arrival caused controversy, and some Hawaii residents wanted them to leave.

The U.S. Government first hosted them at Hickam Air Force Base. A month later, Ferdinand and Imelda moved into homes in Makiki Heights, Honolulu.

Ferdinand Marcos passed away in Hawaii in September 1989. His son, Bongbong Marcos, was the only family member with him when he died.

After Imelda left Malacañang Palace, news reports worldwide highlighted her large collection of clothes. This included many gowns, handbags, and thousands of pairs of shoes. The U.S. government reported that the Marcos family entered the United States with millions of dollars in cash, stocks, jewelry, and gold.

Return to the Philippines (1991–Present)

Official portrait of Marcos during the 16th Congress

Imelda Marcos (6th from left) and her family during the inauguration of her son Bongbong in 2022

On November 4, 1991, President Corazon Aquino allowed Imelda and her children to return to the Philippines. This was so they could face charges related to tax fraud and corruption. This was part of the government's effort to get money back from the Marcos' Swiss bank accounts.

After returning from exile, Imelda went back into politics.

In 1992, Imelda ran for president in the 1992 Philippine presidential election. She finished 5th out of 7 candidates.

She was elected as a congresswoman for Leyte in the 1995 Philippine general election. She represented the first district. She faced a lawsuit to prevent her from serving, but the Supreme Court ruled in her favor.

She decided not to run for re-election in Congress. Instead, she sought the presidency again in the 1998 Philippine presidential election. However, she later withdrew to support Joseph Estrada, who eventually won. She finished 9th among 11 candidates. She thought about running for mayor of Manila in 2001 but did not.

In November 2006, Marcos started her own business. It was a fashion label called "Imelda Collection." It included jewelry, clothing, and shoes. Her daughter Imee helped her.

Imelda ran for the second district of Ilocos Norte in 2010. She replaced her son, Ferdinand Jr. (Bongbong), who ran for senator. During her term, she chaired the Millennium Development Goals committee in the Lower House.

She was re-elected in May 2013 and May 2016. These were for her second and third terms.

In October 2018, Marcos filed her papers to run for governor of Ilocos Norte in the 2019 Philippine general election. She planned to replace her daughter, Imee, who could not run again. However, she withdrew from the race a month later. Her grandson Matthew Manotoc took her place and won the gubernatorial race.

Marcos had a successful heart procedure (angioplasty) in May 2023. She was hospitalized in March 2024 for suspected pneumonia.

Cultural Influence

Imelda Marcos features prominently in protest art displayed in the lobby of the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Museum, which documents the events of the Marcos Dictatorship and "honors the heroes and martyrs that fought the regime".

The Term "Imeldific"

In the late 1980s, it became known that Imelda Marcos had collected a huge amount of art, jewelry, property, and famously, thousands of pairs of shoes. This made her a well-known name. People often compared her to Marie Antoinette of France, but "with shoes."

The word "Imeldific" came to describe people who are very extravagant and like to show it off. It also refers to a lifestyle of "flashy luxury."

This term is now used in International English. Dictionary writers describe it as meaning "showy extravagance." In popular media, it simply means "to be... well, like Imelda."

Fashion and Style

Marcos influenced fashion in the Philippines. Her role as a supporter of the arts and fashion is still debated. For example, she actively promoted the terno, a traditional Filipino dress. This dress became her signature style. She promoted it through projects like "Bagong Anyo" and exhibitions abroad.

Imelda made an effort to present herself as a patron of the arts. This included supporting Filipino haute couture designers like Pitoy Moreno and Inno Sotto.

In the 2003 film Imelda, she states that she kept her extravagant clothing because it "inspired the poor to dress better."

Portrayals in Media and Art

In August 2019, director Lauren Greenfield released her documentary film The Kingmaker. It premiered at several film festivals. The film focuses on Imelda Marcos's political career and her family's efforts to improve their image and regain political power. This included her plans for her son Bongbong to become Vice President. The documentary received positive reviews.

In the late 1990s, Imelda Marcos agreed to be the subject of a TV documentary called Imelda by Ramona S. Diaz. Released in 2003, the film covers her marriage to Ferdinand Marcos, her time during the dictatorship, her exile, and her return. The film won an award at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Imelda Marcos tried to stop the film from being shown in the Philippines for a short time. When it was released, it was very popular.

The villain character "Madame" in the Filipino comic book series Trese looks like Imelda Marcos. She has similar hair, butterfly sleeves, and strong connections to powerful figures.

Mark Knopfler's 1996 album Golden Heart includes a song about her. In 2010, British producer Fatboy Slim and musician David Byrne released a concept album about her life called Here Lies Love. This later became a rock musical of the same name.

In Manila, performance artist Carlos Celdran was known for his "Living La Vida Imelda" walking tour. Filipino-American drag artist Manila Luzon impersonated Mrs. Marcos on RuPaul's Drag Race. Hawaiian comedian Frank De Lima has also impersonated her.

She has been portrayed by actresses in TV shows and films. These include Nora Dunn on Saturday Night Live and Dimples Romana on Maalaala Mo Kaya. Actresses Ruffa Gutierrez and Cindy Miranda also portrayed her in the films Maid in Malacañang and Martyr or Murderer.

Imelda Marcos is also mentioned in Netflix shows like Russian Doll, The Crown, and Dynasty.

An original musical, Here Lies Love, by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, tells her life story. It uses disco music and immersive staging. The title comes from a phrase Imelda said she wanted on her tombstone. The musical premiered Off-Broadway and later moved to Broadway.

Images for kids

• 

  A pair of shoes from Marcos's infamous collection

Honors

•  Japan: Grand Cordon (Paulownia) of the Order of the Precious Crown

See also

In Spanish: Imelda Marcos para niños