Livin’ La Vida Imelda is the story of the rise and fall of Imelda Marcos, as illustrated by the rise and fall of the buildings in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex.
It is Carlos Celdran’s Walking Imelda tour of the Cultural Center of the Philippines set in a fixed gallery with line drawings of the CCP buildings and a complete supporting ensemble to provide drama and comedy to Imelda’s story.
This is the untold tale of Manila as shared through tsismis and told via an entertaining Carlos Celdran monologue.
It all starts with the history of the rise to power of the young Imelda…
…and the romanticized love story of Ferdinand and Imelda.
The actors are effective and funny most of the time in mimicking the powerful couple. 🙂
Understanding Manila’s history during the Marcos era is very important in comprehending why Manila is the way it is now and, more importantly, how we can move forward.
The untold story of Imelda and Macoy’s mistress gives some insight into the former First Lady’s character.
The line drawings of the CCP buildings serve as a backdrop for this unfolding history.
The show runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission.
There is a cash bar selling Red Wine (P150), Coke (P50), Beer (P50), Chips (P50) and Cookies (P30).
You can also buy the official Livin’ La Vida Imelda shirts for P600 during the break.
The show resumes with a performance of classic OPM dance tunes…
…reminiscent of the the disco era of the ’70s.
Ferdinand and Imelda depicted in the old Filipino folklore of “Si Malakas at si Maganda”.
The dance numbers are hilarious — there’s no boring moment with the ensemble around.
I like the part where Carlos shares his insights on CIA conspiracy stories, on what really happened in the collapse of the Manila Film Center, and who really won in the People Power period.
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of this awesome show!
Director Dude: Erwin Flores
Technical Guy: GA Fallarme
Props Maestro: Otto Hernandez
Players: Andrea Fe Padilla, Andrew Cruz, Anthony P. Falcon, Daniel Darwin, Irene Delarmente, JV Ibesate, Kiki Baento, Kuya Manzano, Star Orjaliza
THE Terno by: Franko Bo
THE Hair: Stagen Si
Environment/Set: Eric Quebral
Video Masters: Pepe and the Polygons
Stage Management Queen: Wowie Bonto
I was impressed that the show was very perceptive and, at the same time, entertaining.
Well done, Carlos!
Since 2004, performance artist and cultural activist Carlos Celdran has been performing his multi-media 1970’s Philippine history and disco-themed “Livin’ La Vida Imelda” tour/ performance at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex. His performance explores issues of Cold-War geopolitics, the global influence of Hollywood, Philippine Post-colonial cultural identity and its constructs, the ideals of democracy in developing nations, and the creation of what Mr. Celdran likes to call: “State sanctioned arts & culture”.
This gossipy performance is framed by the biography of the Philippines’ flamboyant former first lady Imelda Marcos and set to disco music.
In lieu of the setting provided by Mrs. Imelda Marcos’ commissioned architecture, Mr. Celdran will be using handmade visual guides, multi-media and selected artworks among the Silverlens/SLab collection as a jumping point for the “Livin’ La Vida Imelda” narrative. This is the second time Mr. Celdran has transposed the performance to a gallery setting. “Livin’ La Vida Imelda – The Performance” premiered in 2011 at Twist Gallery in Toronto, Canada.
Date: February 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, March 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10
Time: All shows start promptly at 8 pm
The shows are sold out, and they opened a 2pm show on March 10. I do hope they extend or do a rerun of Livin’ La Vida Imelda…
Venue: Silverlens SLab gallery
2/F YMC Building II, 2320
Don Chino Roces Extension
(formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Makati City
Tickets: Regular tickets sell for P800 while student tickets sell for P400.
SILVERLENS
2320 PASONG TAMO EXT., MAKATI CITY
Contact: Kat Luciano
Telephone: +632 816-0044 (Office hours)
Mobile: +63 917-587-4011
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Contact me: anton@diaz.ph 
Full Disclosure: I got a complimentary media pass from my friend Carlos Celdran.
P.S. It’s no secret that the Marcoses are attempting to get back into political power by marketing Imelda as a pop culture icon. A lot of people who see Imelda are still amazed at her presence and beauty at her age. Her story continues to unfold…
” It’s no secret that the Marcoses are attempting to get back into political power by marketing Imelda as a pop culture icon.”
Im sure Carlos Celdran handled this with the correct perspective, without revising history. This is not a political blog, so I wont go far except to say that efforts to revise history and make the Marcoses palatable once more should be resisted.
Remember martial law!
Oh, so this is finished already! 🙁