By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

PHOTO: Cecille Cobarrubias


Senator Imee Marcos claimed the 93rd birthday celebration of her mother Imelda at the Malacañang on Saturday, July 2, was not a party but a "simple" feast among families and close friends.

"Well, nag-merienda lang. Siyempre 'yung nanay ko 93 na. Matanda na, pag sinabing party na parang yugyugan, hindi ganun, kasi they’re also ancient. But yes, we had a get-together, very simple merienda with a small recital of old friends and scholars," Imee explained in an ambush interview.

Imee also maintained no public funds were used on the occasion, adding that guests brought their food to the event. 

"I don’t think that’s the case. I’m sure everyone brought food as a matter of fact. It was quite funny. At saka libre naman lahat ng produkto. Bawal ba yun? Di ko alam. Kasi nagbi-birthday party rin ako nung bata ako doon eh. Bawal ba yun?" she said.




Lawyer Michael Manotoc, Imelda's grandson and son of Sen. Marcos, shared on Instagram photos of the Marcos matriarch's ‘imeldific’ birthday celebration, which received criticisms as it supposedly reenacted the late ousted dictator’s lavish lifestyle in Malacañang decades ago. 

The Marcoses had previously lived in Malacañang when Ferdinand Sr. served as president in 1965, but was overthrown in 1986 through a bloodless EDSA People Power Revolution. 

Now that their family is back in power after the historic victory of his son, the former first lady quipped that she is the “happiest person in the world”. 

“I am the happiest person in the world. Ako lang yung naging nanay at tapos yung, naging nanay ng isang presidente na dating asawa ng isang presidente, at buhay pa ako,” she said as shared by Imee.