A friend of mine sent me a great column by Rina Jimenez-David on Madame Imelda (Marcos) and Tita Cory (Aquino).
There is no greater contrast than how these two public women lived their lives. Interestingly enough, both women held my attention at one point or another.
I remember reading biographies on Imelda at my high school library. I don’t remember what biographies I specifically read. I’d have to do a more exhaustive search some other time. But I remember reading about the poor little rich girl who did not have what her richer relatives did growing up but who tried to make up for it when she had the means to.
Imelda’s is a fascinating story that has not dropped its interest value even until now. This woman has changed history, for the better or worse, depending on whose side you’re on. And until now, well into her old age, she still continues to spout flighty whimsy and continues to make waves.
Tita Cory, on the other hand, I read about her in the newspapers growing up. I read all about the Edsa Revolution, how her presidency progressed, in the just-starting to be free media that happened when I was in grade school.
I had said to myself, I admire this woman and would want to meet her someday. Alas, I haven’t had the chance. My mom has a photo with Cory, taken during one of the events that she attended as a member of an international civic organization. We were talking about the photo recently and she told me that it was taken in Hong Kong during a convention.
She walked up to Cory after her speech despite the tight security and angled her way so she could have a photo taken. The body guards were about to swoop in on her but Tita Cory was just calm and composed and very gracious, saying something to the effect of it’s alright, she just wants a photo. I’ll scan the photo the next chance I get when I’m home.
I do not admire Imelda in any way. I detest what she stands for and the fact that she has managed to not be held accountable for her actions. I especially am amazed at her self-denial of not owning up to anything that she may have done and declaring her innocence consistently.
I dislike her penchant for the overly dramatic and excess.
I remember going to a tour of Malacanang when I was in high school, the first proper museum of sorts tour that I would ever have, the start of many thereafter in different places, and just staring in awe at the canopied beds fit for a queen, the endless row of perfume bottles, the heaps of luxurious clothes, and the shoes. Oh, the rows and rows of Size 8 1/2 shoes. All that while people were starting to be skin and bones in the country where she governed.
Up to now, Imelda’s statements in the press and her actions elicit wonder, not in a good way. Why did she say that? How can she say that? And then, you just shake your head in amazement at the bubble she has wrapped herself in.
Tita Cory is obviously not perfect. She has her flaws too and it also brings to mind the idea that some things she could have done better. But if Imelda is consistent in her excess and lavishness, Tita Cory is consistent in her zeal and her ideals, no matter what these might be. She said she wouldn’t seek a second term and she didn’t. And she pledged that and fulfilled her pledge during the time when word of honor from a politician mattered in a new democracy.
Even the showbiz-ness of Kris Aquino has not, in my opinion, gotten to Tita Cory. Although, I must admit, I have cringed quite a few times when I’ve seen her interviews on The Buzz or her hobnobbing with the denizens of the glitzy world.
I’m sad that she’s sick now. Truly. I wish she weren’t. I wish she’d get well.
Going back to Jimenez’s column. she sums it up pretty well:
In the news recently were twin stories on Imelda and Cory. The former President had taken a turn for the worse, but her family assured that she had begun to eat though her condition remained “delicate.” It also happened to be Imelda’s birthday, and a still sharp-looking Meldy paused long enough from her “party” with the urban poor to say she was praying for Cory.
It’s enough to give you pause, to reflect on the vagaries of fate and destiny, image and character, and the still-unresolved dispute of what makes for better iconic status: terno or callado.
In public life, one can go for dazzling the masses, blinding them with glamour, bling and boyfriends. Or one can take the opposite route, underwhelming with simplicity, yet winning with sincerity and courage.
Madame Imelda can still walk into a room and silence it by her mere presence. But Tita Cory can move a nation.
