Imelda on GMA

MANILA, Philippines - Few contemporary political figures of this century have been as controversial and outspoken — or as misunderstood — as Imelda Marcos, former First Lady and widow of the late Ferdinand Marcos, who was the President of the Philippines for 18 years.

US-based Filipina filmmaker Ramona Diaz captures the essence of Imelda in an award-winning documentary to be shown on GMA News TV this weekend.

The documentary details Mrs. Marcos’ rise from humble provincial origins with a combination of guile, ambition and beauty to become one of the richest and most powerful women in contemporary history and one of the few known by her first name.

Imelda tells her story through rare interviews and archival footage as well as scenes from her daily life in which she is both vivacious and intriguing.

Catch the documentary Imelda by acclaimed documentarist Diaz on Sept. 27 at 9:45 p.m. with reruns on Sept. 29, 6 a.m. and Oct. 5, 10 p.m.