Imelda Marcos’ 90th birthday celebration ends in tears when former Philippine first lady’s guests suffer food poisoning

It began as a jubilant affair – right up until the country’s national dish, adobo with egg, landed more than 200 guests in various hospitals

As first lady, Marcos was renowned for her extravagance. She amassed a vast collection of art, jewellery, property and at least 1,000 pairs of shoes

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Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos. Photo: Reuters

Published: 3:43pm, 3 Jul 2019Updated: 12:23pm, 4 Jul 2019

An event celebrating the 90th birthday of the Philippines’ former first lady Imelda Marcos began as a jubilant affair – until the country’s national dish, adobo with egg, landed more than 200 of her guests in various hospitals on Wednesday with suspected food poisoning.

Local media reports said more than 200 guests – out of 2,000 who ate the dish – suffered vomiting and dizziness. Guests and Marcos family supporters were assisted into ambulances at the Ynares Sports Complex in Pasig.

As people moved out of the hall, Senator Imee Marcos, flanked by her mother Imelda, apologised and insisted ill guests would receive the best care.

“We will take care of those who were hospitalised and hopefully we will visit them one by one,” she said. “I am hoping also we can reach the age of 90 still beautiful, kind and helpful like my mother.”

Later in a statement, Imelda’s son, Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, said organisers were trying to determine what had gone wrong.