First Lady, 1

This comes in the heels of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ 40th anniversary tribute to former First Lady Imelda Marcos, where, as a small group (there were 12 of them, it was reported) protested outside, artists who flourished under Imelda’s support performed and a terno fashion show was held in her honor.

Among the show’s guest performers were pianist Cecile Licad, ballet dancer Lisa Macuja, violinist Coke Bolipata, soprano Rachelle Gerodias, concert pianist Dean Raul Sunico, and the groups Ballet Philippines, Bayanihan Philippine Folk Dance Company, Philippine Madrigal Singers, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Among the fashion designers featured were Pitoy Moreno, Inno Sotto, Paul Cabral, and the late Joe Salazar.

Without forgetting the abuses of the Marcos administration and the many people who suffered and died because of the Marcoses’ “edifice complex,” I’ve always seen some logic in her promotion of “the true, the good, and the beautiful.” I’ve heard her say that the Filipino needs somebody to look up to, somebody who can show them what is true, good, and beautiful. Up to that extent, I agree. And for that alone, I can appreciate Imelda’s efforts to promote the Philippines and all the beauty it has to offer.

This also comes in the heels of Mar Roxas’ leaving the presidential race in support of partymate Noynoy Aquino. That, after the buzz—both negative and positive—he garnered after two controversial steps tantamount to early campaigning: the trisikad ad and the very public marriage proposal to broadcaster Korina Sanchez on Wowowee.

After Mar’s announcement, Korina has been getting some flak for her being the ex-future First Lady. It didn’t help that she had gone on leave from many of her ABS-CBN commitments, save for Rated K, supposedly to help in Mar’s presidential bid. It didn’t help either that she wept openly as Mar made his announcement. And, it doesn’t help at all that she used to date Noynoy, who’s now the strongest contender for the presidency. For various reasons, many have expressed relief at the idea that Korina’s chances of being First Lady have been dashed.

This also comes in the heels of presidential contender Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay saying that Noynoy should get married because, in his words, “Not getting married is the sign of an irresponsible person.”

Apparently, in Binay’s world everyone can get married at the snap of a finger. Is it that way in Makati too? Excuse me while I pack my bags and move.

That aside, there is a strong likelihood that, should Noynoy win, we won’t have a First Lady—at least initially. Still, he reportedly has a girlfriend—young, beautiful, and discreet Valenzuela City councilor Shalani Soledad (you can look her up in the Valenzuela City website, www.valenzuela.gov.ph) so a presidential wedding isn’t far-fetched.

Whereas Korina is high-profile, impression has it that Shalani is a strong and silent worker who does not seek more than what she needs of the public’s eye. She hasn’t granted an interview; the couple has yet to be seen in very public photos. She was present during the much-documented wake for former President Cory Aquino, but she successfully kept her distance.

Among these three women who’ve all been associated with the tag “First Lady,” in one way or another, I can see the traits of the First Lady I think would be good for the country. What about you? What do you think would make the perfect First Lady for the Philippines?

Let me know what you think by text or email by Wednesday. The best answer (from the Philippines) gets a DVD of one of my favorite movies, which features a bachelor president.

To be continued.