Imelda Marcos

Imelda Romualdez Marcos (born July 2, 1929 in Tacloban City) is the former First Lady and a political figure in the Philippines. She is known as the "Steel Butterfly" of the Philippines.

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Imelda Romualdez spent her early life as a beauty queen, and in 1950 was voted "Muse of Manila." Her beauty caught the eye of politician Ferdinand Marcos, and the two married in 1954 after a well-publicized 11-day romance.

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In 1965, Ferdinand was elected President of the Philippines. Imelda took an active role in politics, and was appointed Minister of Human Settlements and Governor of Metro Manila.

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She advocated the construction of hospitals, schools and museums. She also instituted many social welfare programs throughout the nation as well as cultural programs, as well as the "Green Revolution" — a government program that significantly increased the production of rice and other agricultural produce. New homes for wayward children and the aged were built as well as housing for the poor. During natural disasters such as fires, typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, people turned to Mrs. Marcos for relief and assistance. This was not only because they believed she had a compassionate heart but also because they were confident she would take action immediately. These actions earned her the title "mother of the nation."

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When the Marcos regime became increasingly unpopular, Imelda's glamourous excesses were a frequent target of criticism. While much of the Philippines remained mired in poverty due to the sinking economy, Imelda was said to possess hundreds of pairs of shoes in an enormous walk-in closet and hordes of jewels. http://www.djl.net/jewels

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In 1986, the Marcos regime was toppled and the couple sought exile in Hawaii. Ferdinand died in 1989 and, three years later, Imelda returned to the Philippines and ran for president. She was badly defeated, but in 1995 she was able to win a seat in the Philippine House of Representatives.

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In 1998, she made another bid for the presidency but was trounced. Imelda Marcos finished 9th among 11 candidates vying for the Philippine government's top post.

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In 2001, after her term had ended, Imelda was arrested on charges of corruption and extortion committed during her husband's presidency. She had previously been found guilty of similar charges in 1995, but was acquitted.

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The controversy centers around approximately $684 million that mysteriously "disappeared" from the Filipino treasury during the Marcos presidency. Most believe the wealth was stolen by the Marcos family and stashed in their Swiss bank account. In 2003, the money was awarded to the Philippine Government. However, the Marcos' have allegedly conspired to swindle at least $5 billion dollars from Philippine revenue.

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Imelda Marcos had a very large collection of shoes and lingerie. She reportedly owned 3,000 pairs of shoes (size 8 1?2), which were found by the opposition forces after the Marcos regime was overthrown in 1986. Most were worn only once or not at all. The collection included a pair of plastic disco sandals with three inch high flashing battery-operated heels, 500 (size 38) brassieres, 200 (size 42) girdles, and a bulletproof bra. The shoes became a symbol of her life of luxury amid the poverty of most Filipinos. As recently as February, 2003, Marcos was seen in Italy buying diamonds.

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In 2003, her life was the subject of a documentary (titled "Imelda") directed by Ramona S. Diaz. Initially, Imelda Marcos opposed the public showing of this film in the Philippines and even got a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) from a local court stopping its public showing. Eventually she allowed the showing of the film on the condition the director dropped the word "Documentary" from the film.

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Imelda Marcos has 3 children---Ferdinand Jr. (aka "Bongbong"), Imee, and Irene.

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July 2: July 2 is the 183rd day of the year (184th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 182 days remaining....

1929: 1929 was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will take you to calendar)....

First Lady: :For the term in Italian opera, see Prima donna...

Imelda Marcos related Images and Photos (experimental)

Basilica Di San Marco's Bell Tower in Piazza San Marco at Sunset

GLEEK SNEAK 3D Movie Tickets: San Marcos Stadium - San Marcos, CA

La Feria De San Marcos