Filipinos want beauty. I have to look beautiful so that the poor Filipinos will have a star to look at from their slums.

The problems with First Ladies is that you have to set the standard. My role is to be both star and slave.

They need a role model. They need a star!

I am my little people's star and slave. When I go out into the barrios, I get dressed because I know my little people want to see a star. Other presidents' wives have gone to the barrios wearing house dresses and slippers. That's not what people want to see. People want someone they can love, someone to set an example.