In the tropical winds, the Manila sun shines brightly on the Maracaña Palace. Once a symbol of power and a bastion of wealth, the palace has witnessed one of the most contradictory chapters in Philippine history. In the political turmoil that shocked the world 38 years ago, the owners of the palace, Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imide, had to flee the country in a hurry and go into exile under the anger of the masses and the persecution of the military. Imede, a woman who was once controversial for her extravagant lifestyle, left behind a legendary 3,000 pairs of shoes that became a global media sensation.
Imida: From the beautiful Miss Manila to the First Lady of the Philippines
1953 was an important year for Imide Marcos. She stood out for her outstanding performance in this year's Miss Manila pageant. During the competition, Emeda showcased her versatility, including dancing and singing, skills she has developed since she was a child. Her confidence and talent made her stand out among the many contestants, while her elegance and affability earned her the affection of the audience and the judges.
During the competition, Imida appeared in elaborate evening gowns that both showcased her fashion sense and accentuated the beauty of her figure. Her hair and makeup are created by top makeup artists and hairstylists, ensuring that she is flawless in front of every shot in the competition. It's not just about her appearance, it's about her pursuit of perfection and respect for the game.
After winning the title of Miss Manila, Emeda not only received honors and bonuses, but more importantly, she gained a lot of media attention and public awareness. She began to be invited to various public events and charity events, and gradually became a public figure. In these activities, Imida always groomed and elegant, and her actions and words also reflect a kind of nurturing and wisdom.
Imida met many politicians at social events. These contacts gave her a first understanding and exposure to politics, and planted the seeds for her later political career. Through her interactions with these politicians, Emeda gradually built her own social network and influence. Her social skills and influence have also improved significantly in the process.
Imide and Marcos' lightning marriage and political career
In the process of helping her cousin run for parliament, Emeda's public image and social skills have been significantly improved, and her influence has gradually expanded into the political realm. At a fundraising dinner for a campaign event, Imide first met Ferdinand Marcos, then a member of the House of Representatives. The dinner was held in a high-end hotel in Manila and was attended by a large number of political figures and business elites.
Marcos' arrival that night was not accidental. As a rising politician, he places great importance on expanding his political influence and building a wider network of alliances. His first impression of Imide was her confidence and poise, and she behaved at the dinner party more than just a host, but more like a natural leader. With her unique charm and wit, Emede was able to speak with Marcos with ease, and she was impressed by her insights on political issues.
In the days that followed, the relationship between Imide and Marcos grew rapidly. Marcos often invited him to political gatherings and public events, and she used her social circle to help Marcos expand his network and influence. Their common goals and similar political philosophies have led them to work together more and more closely. Just 11 days later, they decided to get married, and this marriage was not only a union of personal feelings, but also a union of two political forces.
After his marriage, Marcos' political career rose rapidly. He soon rose from the position of a member of the House of Representatives to Speaker, and Imide played an integral role in his political journey. In addition to being a supporter and partner of Marcos, Emeda is often involved in politics independently, using her influence and social skills to secure support and resources for Marcos.
Marcos' performance as Speaker strengthened his political capital, and he was eventually elected President of the Philippines and moved into the Malacañan Palace. During Marcos's 20 years in power, Imede's role was much more than that of a traditional first lady. She is actively involved in the country's political and social activities, and even plays a key role in the formulation and implementation of some policies.
A symbol of luxury: Imede's consumption and collection
Imide Marcos' lifestyle and the sourcing of luxury goods occupy a prominent place in her public life. Whenever she has an international visit or a formal diplomatic trip, she always has a carefully selected selection of designer clothes and accessories in her luggage. These were not just personal preferences, but also part of her diplomacy, and in this way, Emeda managed to establish herself as a symbol of international style.
When visiting several countries in Europe, the United States and Asia, Imeda often takes advantage of these opportunities to visit the local high-end shopping areas. In Paris, she frequented the Champs-Élysées, where top luxury brands such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton were her regulars, and in New York, she was also a frequent visitor to the boutiques of Fifth Avenue. These shopping events not only satisfy her pursuit of high fashion, but are also widely reported by the media, enhancing her international profile.
In addition to clothing and bags, Imida also has an almost discerning request for jewelry and watches. Her bespoke watches at her watch shop in Switzerland, each piece representing the ultimate in craftsmanship and unique design, became her signature accessory in public appearances. She is equally particular about her choice of jewelry, often visiting jewelry stores in London, Amsterdam and New York to buy rare gemstones and custom necklaces.
Antiques and works of art are another aspect of Imede's interests. She has been a frequent spot at major European auction houses such as Sotheby's and Christie's, bidding on everything from ancient Greek sculptures to Renaissance paintings. These works of art and antiques not only adorn the Malacañan Palace, but also become a unique display of her culture.
Although Imeda's lifestyle has been criticized by some people as an excessive consumption and unnecessary display, many people are attracted by her attitude to life and pursuit of beauty. In the eyes of the public, this lifestyle of hers reflects a symbol of success and the ultimate pursuit of quality of life.
The international media's coverage of Imida is full of colors. On the one hand, her luxurious life and expensive shopping habits have become the talk of the town, and on the other hand, her high-profile display has also sparked discussions about luxury and consumerism. However, it is undeniable that this lifestyle has made Emeda a globally famous figure, and she is able to catch people's attention with every appearance.
The Edge of Politics and Luxury: The Marcos Family's Power and Wealth
During the 20 years that Ferdinand and Imedi-Marcos were in power, the Philippines witnessed an astonishing increase in their family wealth. During this time, the Marcos family's fortune soared from tens of thousands of dollars to an estimated $5 billion to $10 billion, a buildup of wealth closely tied to their political power.
In 1986, the political situation in the Philippines changed dramatically, and the long-standing public discontent and political turmoil reached a climax. President Marcos was stripped of his powers, and he and Imide were forced to leave the Philippines and go into exile in Hawaii. This turn of events marked the end of their long reign and exposed their extravagant lifestyles.
When the crowd and the new government troops stormed the Malacañang Palace, they were first struck by the lavish décor and mountains of luxury in the palace. The interior of the Presidential Palace is lavishly decorated and beautifully furnished, with expensive art and furniture on display everywhere. Not only that, but the large number of personal belongings is also staggering. According to reports, hundreds of expensive clothes from Europe are stored in the palace, each of which is tailor-made by the world's top designers, showing their ultimate pursuit of high-end fashion.
In addition, there are 2,000 pairs of gloves and more than 1,700 handbags from high-end brands, ranging from leather to silk. The stock of clothes in Fuchu is also staggering, with 5,000 pairs of shorts and 3,000 pairs of shoes, each from a different brand, such as Prada, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, etc., covering a variety of styles from formal to casual.
These findings quickly became the focus of international news and attracted worldwide attention. The details of this luxurious life have been widely reported in the media, and many people have found it incredible. This extravagant lifestyle was largely in stark contrast to the economic situation in the Philippines at the time, where many Filipinos lived in poverty while the head of state indulged in such luxury.
The Marcos' exile not only marked the end of their political careers, but also exposed their excessive corruption and personal greed in power. The discovery further exacerbated Filipinos' perception of the Marcos family, which many see as direct evidence of their long-term exploitation of the country's resources.
Imede's later life and political influences
In the Philippine political arena, Imide Marcos has shown great influence even in her later years. Although her life is extremely luxurious, she is also good at political games, and has long used various means to win the hearts and minds of the people. It is well known that her political activities are not limited to high-level operations, she also interacts directly with the population, especially the poor. Emeda often handes out cash to the poor in public, such as in front of markets, churches or community centers, and while partly a PR ploy, it has also been effective in winning the goodwill and support of some of the population.
This direct cash giving to the poor is seen as an act of generosity in parts of the Philippines, although it may be a blatant political manipulation in the eyes of political scientists and critics. However, such actions did alleviate some of the family's financial hardship to some extent, allowing a section of the population to continue to support her even after a major setback in her political career.
Fast forward to 2022, and at the age of 93, Imida has not completely withdrawn from the political arena. That year, Philippine politics underwent another major transformation, and Imida's son, Ferdinand Marcos Marcos Jr., known as "Bangbang", won the presidential election with her strong support, succeeding Duterte as the new president of the Philippines. The victory not only marked the return of the Marcos family's political power, but also symbolized their strong alliance with the Duterte family.
In this election, Duterte's eldest daughter won the vice presidency, which further cemented the partnership between the two political families. The outcome of the election is seen as a concentrated display of the political influence of the two families, and a harbinger of the possible future direction of Philippine politics. Despite her advanced age, Imede's role in this election proves that she is still a force to be reckoned with in Philippine politics.
Although Imide did not give a public speech at Marcos Jr.'s inauguration after the election victory, her very existence was a strong political statement. During her inauguration and interactions with other politicians and foreign representatives, her every interaction was closely watched by the media and seen as a staunch support for the new presidential regime.
Later in her political career, Emeda was no longer as frequent in the public and media as she had been in her youth, but her influence on Philippine politics remained profound.
Nostalgic populism and Marcos's family political inheritance: Based on the 2022 Philippine presidential election[J].Southeast Asian Studies,2023(3):92-110156