Mama Meldy at 96

The First Couple paid tribute to family matriarch and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who turned 96 on Wednesday.

In a social media post, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shared a photo collage featuring moments with his mother and their family.

“Dear Mum, Happy 96th Birthday! Your strength, grace, and unwavering love continue to guide and inspire us every day,” he said.

“We are so grateful for you — now more than ever. With all my love, Bongbong,” he added.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also honored her “Mama Meldy” on her special day.

“Happy 96th birthday Mama Meldy! Your strength and elegance have touched so many lives — especially ours,” the First Lady wrote.

“Thank you for all the love and the quiet courage you continue to share with all of us. Wishing you endless joy and good health,” she added.

The former first lady and the current First Lady were regularly seen enjoying performances in the Goldenberg Concert series.

Both known for their love of the arts, former first lady Imelda Marcos’s passion for music, the visual arts, textiles, sculpture, and cinema now finds a renewed and modern expression through current First Lady Liza Marcos.

Apart from being first lady to the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., Imelda is also a politician who represented the Second District of Ilocos Norte and the First District of Leyte. She also held various government positions during her husband’s rule.

She also played a key role in the development of several iconic structures known for their brutalist architecture, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Philippine International Convention Center, and the CCP Complex.