MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos (in blue), the mother of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., blows her birthday candles with a little help from her great-grandson, at her house in San Juan City on Wednesday (July 3, 2024). The intimate get-together was organized by her eldest child, Senator Imee Marcos (right), a day after the Marcos matriarch turned 95. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. dedicated his latest vlog to his mother, Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, whom he described as a people person and a "promdi" (colloquial for from the province).
In his “BBM Vlog 261: Mama Meldy” shared on social media Sunday, the President expressed appreciation on the impact that she had, not only on their family but on the entire nation.
The President recounted how his mother “nurtured the soul of our country” by promoting Philippine arts and culture and strengthening public health through the establishment of specialty hospitals during the administration of his late father and namesake.
Marcos said among his mother’s qualities, it’s her being a people person and ways in connecting with other people regardless of their stature in life, that he admires the most in her public service career.
“Iyong makatao. Nakita ko sa mother ko kahit sinong kausap niya, kahit iyong mangingisda, kahit iyong Queen of England, kahit iyong mayaman, ‘yung kapitbahay niya noong nasa Tolosa pa siya, ‘yung classmates niya noong nasa eskwelahan pa siya, kahit sino ang kaharap niya, may koneksyon kaagad (Being a people person. I saw in my mother no matter who she talks with, the fishermen, the Queen of England, the rich, her neighbors when she was still in Tolosa [in Leyte], her classmates in school, no matter who she’s dealing with, she instantly builds a connection),” the President said.
“Ang nanay ko talaga dapat maintindihan ninyo, probinsyana talaga ‘yan (You should understand that my mom really is a countrywoman). She’s really promdi. And I’m proud of it. Iyan ang charm nya, hindi nawala sa kanya iyong pagkasimple niya na tao (That’s her charm, she did not lose her simplicity),” he added.
That quality, according to the President, is something that he has yet to master even after years in public service.
“And she becomes friends with them. They fall for her. Hindi ko pa rin na-master iyon. Sya pa rin ang master (I haven’t mastered that yet, she’s still the master),” he said.
The former First Lady turned 95 on July 2.
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