Imelda only has kind words for ‘strong men’

Former First Lady Imelda Marcos has nothing but kind words for fallen dictators, including ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein who, she said, helped the Philippines during the Marcos regime.

At the launching of her line of fashion accessories dubbed "The Imelda Collection" at the Westin Philippine Plaza Hotel yesterday, she said it was her "Imeldific" attitude that won the trust and respect of powerful world leaders who were ready to offer help to the Filipino people.

Mrs. Marcos recalled the kind gestures of Hussein and Cuban President Fidel Castro who offered aid to the Philippines during the Marcos era.

"My grandson, Borgy, said ‘Mama Meldy I remember when you went to Saddam Hussein and you were invited there and told them that we needed jobs for Filipinos in the Middle East.’ Sadly today, Hussein is facing the gallows but he was the first one who generously welcomed thousands of Filipinos, Muslims and Christians to the Middle East," Marcos said.

She also recalled how Fidel Castro explained to her Cuba’s reasons for isolation from the free world.

"Fidel Castro was telling us that they were really trying to fight for justice, sovereignty, dignity and self-respect," she said.

Mrs. Marcos said she also felt abandoned during the theft court trial in New York but did not feel bitter from the ordeal. She won the case.

"When we got the verdict of not guilty for the trial of the century and when the press asked me, ‘Are you bitter and angry with America?’ my answer was I have no bitterness in my heart nor anger in my soul. God bless America," she said.

The former first lady said it was her daughter Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos who convinced her to go public with her interest in creating accessories because she had always been an "accessories maven (of) the first order."

The Imelda Collection is a line of fashion accessories composed of pieces from Mrs. Marcos’ personal collection discovered in the old trunks in Leyte and baubles which may not be of real value but remain treasured and of value to her due to each piece’s unique history.

The components include Swarovski crystals, Malachite beads from her trips to Russia, charms from the first visits to China, and leftover buttons from her suits worn at important events. — Pia Lee-Brago