Philippine First Ladies: Portraits of grace and dedication

Never have I seen so many descendants of the Philippines’ First Families gathered under one single roof. It was such a heartwarming sight — various generations related to the nation’s legendary leaders descended upon the Glasshouse just beside the Goldenberg, one of Malacañang’s most cherished and lovingly restored and renovated heritage mansions, to honor and celebrate distinct legacies both intimate and national in scale.

Attended by the First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, organized by the Tantoco–Rustia Foundation and led by publisher Anton T. Huang, the tight-knit families and close friends got together for an evening of remembrance and reflection, respect and admiration.

The simple yet poignant occasion marked the launch of the Philippine First Ladies’ Portraits (Second Edition), a compelling coffee table book written by José Rodriguez, inspired by portraits in pastel by the portraitist Lulu “Coching” Rodriguez. 

Daughter of the late comic book legend Francisco V. Coching, declared a National Artist for Visual Arts, Lulu possesses a keen eye for convincing narratives and heartfelt emotions, with each portrait the quiet dignity and understated pride of womanhood. 

Her husband Pepe’s prose is rich with sincere affection and historical insights. A Spaniard by birth but a Filipino by heart, José Rodriguez has resided in the country for over half a century, chronicling histories which bridge several generations.

The Philippine First Ladies’ Portraits first saw publication in 2003, its debut praised as a cultural milestone. Today’s second edition, two decades later, revisits and updates the original which features the 13 First Ladies who uplift the lives of women and children, and whose influence shape the nation’s social and cultural fabric. 

A reception followed at the Goldenberg Mansion, where guests mingled and exchanged family anecdotes, while photographs were taken against storied walls. 

There was a palpable sense of continuity, as the affair did not only serve as a homage, but as a reaffirmation to the ladies immortalized in the collection, whose values embodied refinement, compassion, and civic devotion. 

It became clear that Philippine First Ladies’ Portraits is more than a chronicle of faces. Through their noble endeavors in social welfare, health, education, culture and tradition, these First Ladies steered the moral compass of a nation.