In Ramona Diaz's award-winning film Imelda, the former: first lady, Governor of Metro Manila, and Director of  Human Settlements--to name just a few of the titles Mrs. Marcos once held--is asked what she would say when she finally meets her Maker. Her response, quite in keeping with her character, was that she would tell God she did the best she could with what He had given her. And God of course would smile and welcome her into Heaven.

Throughout this fascinating and well-researched documentary, Imelda Marcos sees herself as the selfless slave of the Filipino people, misunderstood and unappreciated in spite of all her sacrifices. There is neither a tinge of remorse nor hint of self-doubt regarding the tyrannical rule of her late husband, Ferdinand Marcos. The Looting of the Philippine Treasury, the rampant cronyism, the egregious waste and extravagance, and the wanton disregard for human rights, resonate not with Imelda Marcos. In her simplistic view of the world, Ferdinand and Imelda were simply destined for greatness and deserved it all. They were Si Malakas at Si Maganda (Filipino folklore tale: The Strong and the Beautiful) personified.

It is therefore incumbent upon those who lived through the nightmarish Martial Law years to be clear about what Ferdinand and Imelda along with their cronies and supporters did to the country; they destroyed the social fabric of Philippine Society to the point where we now no longer trust or believe in one another. Now, it is  every person for himself or herself. Now, millions of Filipinos wake up each morning hoping they will be lucky enough catch the next flight out of the country.

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