Imelda Marcos

Date of Birth: July 2, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Imelda Marcos, born Imelda Remedios Visitacion Romualdez on July 2, 1929, in Manila, Philippines, is a prominent Filipino politician and former First Lady of the Philippines. She is best known for her extravagant lifestyle and extensive collection of shoes, which became a symbol of her and her husband Ferdinand Marcos’s controversial rule. Imelda grew up in a politically active family and quickly rose to prominence after marrying Ferdinand Marcos in 1954. When Ferdinand became President of the Philippines in 1965, Imelda served as the First Lady until the couple was ousted from power in 1986 during the People Power Revolution. During her time as First Lady, Imelda played a significant role in Philippine politics, often acting as a de facto diplomat and cultural ambassador. She initiated numerous infrastructure projects, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines. However, her tenure was also marked by allegations of corruption and human rights abuses. After the fall of the Marcos regime, Imelda and her family fled to Hawaii, where Ferdinand died in 1989. Imelda returned to the Philippines in 1991 and successfully reentered politics, serving as a member of the House of Representatives.

5 Interesting Facts about Imelda Marcos

1. Imelda Marcos owned an extensive collection of more than 1,000 pairs of shoes, which were discovered when the Marcos family fled the Philippines.

2. She was dubbed the “Steel Butterfly” for her combination of charm and ruthless political acumen.

3. Imelda Marcos was instrumental in the construction of many cultural and public buildings, including the San Juanico Bridge and the Philippine International Convention Center.

4. She holds the record for the most number of beauty pageant titles won in the Philippines before entering politics.

5. Imelda returned to the Philippines in 1991 and has run for various political positions, winning a seat in the House of Representatives multiple times.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Imelda Marcos

1. “Filipinos want beauty. I have to look beautiful so that the poor Filipinos will have a star to look at from their slums.”

2. “I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes, I had one thousand and sixty.”

3. “Perception is real, and the truth is not.”

4. “I am First Lady by accident. I was not elected by the people but here I am.”

5. “Win or lose, we go shopping after the election.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Imelda Marcos and her family were reported to have amassed a fortune estimated to be worth between $5 billion to $10 billion at the height of their power.

Children

Imelda Marcos has three children: 1. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. – Born September 13, 1957, he has served in various political roles, including as a senator. 2. Imee Marcos – Born November 12, 1955, she has also pursued a political career and currently serves as a senator. 3. Irene Marcos-Araneta – Born September 16, 1960, she has mostly stayed out of the political limelight compared to her siblings.