After taking a hiatus from showbiz in 2003 to devote herself to building a family, Dimples Romana returned to acting and has been convincingly playing character roles in both TV and movies. She's about to give another convincing portrayal in a special two-part episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya this coming January 23 and 30, playing the role of former Philippine First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos.
"I read... her biography I had at home to be more familiar with how she is as a woman, then watched a clip of her speaking and walking so I can portray the character better," Dimples said, when PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked how she prepared for her role as the woman who inspired the word "Imeldific," which means extravagant, frivolous or excessive.
Dimples said she would still love to talk to the real Imelda, though. There was something in the things she read in the book and saw in the video clip that intrigued her about the former first lady.
The now 25-year-old wife and mother, who charmed TV viewers in shows like Esperanza (1997) and Tabing-Ilog (1999), said she has some interesting questions to ask Madam Imelda. But the very first question she would love to ask Mrs. Marcos would be: "Who will you vote for president this year, and why?"
NINOY, CORY, IMELDA. The MMK special episode will feature the life of Filipino hero Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino. Piolo Pascual will play Ninoy, while Bea Alonzo will essay the role of Ninoy's wife, former President Corazon "Cory" C. Aquino.
Imelda, who became famous worldwide for her massive collection of shoes (which was sequestered by the Aquino government after the EDSA Revolution in 1986 and put on public display in a museum), offered Ninoy, the number one critic of her husband's presidency, a trip to the U.S. for his heart operation in 1980. Ninoy and his family were then taken to the U.S. where he continued his criticisms of the Marcos government in various speaking engagements and Filipino gatherings after his operation.
Ninoy returned to the Philippines in 1983 and was shot to death shortly after descending from the plane that brought him home. His death spawned the movement to oust the Marcoses from power, which led to the EDSA Revolution in 1986.
LIVING IMELDA. For her role, Dimples' hair was fashioned to look like Imelda's famous "bun" hairdo. And just like Imelda, who is said to be in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest shoe collection in the world, Dimples is also into collecting shoes.
"Yes, but my shoe collection is currently a baby collection. Not yet too extensive," Dimples emphasized. But she takes pride in collecting different kinds of still cameras. "From vintage film cameras to digital ones. Nearly 20 na po."
Despite having a demanding job, Dimples ably balances her time and attention between her family and her showbiz career. The secret, she said, is in giving her best to both.
"I have tremedous respect for both aspects of my life. Every time I have a new project po, I do my best in researching for the role and breathing life into it. Kung may trabaho ako for that particular day, I make sure na naibibigay ko whatever is expected of me. Plus I also make sure hindi ko nakakalimutan ang responsibilities ko as a wife and as a mother to Callie [her daughter].
"It's not that difficult for me dahil napaka-understanding ng family ko. Kasi naman po, I also assure them na pag time for my family, sa kanila lang talaga, di ko po hinahaluan ng work."
SUPPORTIVE FAMILY. She also gave credit to her very understanding husband in helping her keep everything in order.
"Boyet has always been a very understanding and patient husband. I'm very blessed to have him as my lifetime partner. He never stopped me from working. And he became somewhat my critic and fan at the same time. He's very much involved in my craft in terms of telling me if I'm doing my role to the best of my ability. Kilalang-kilala na po kasi niya ako," Dimples said.
She added Boyet doesn't even impose hard-to-follow conditions to keep her job as an actress.
"'Wag lang akong aarte sa bahay, ha-ha-ha-ha! Mahihirapan daw siya ma-identify kung totoo ang emotions ko or hindi. He-he-he!"
Dimples also expressed confidence that her family will never ask her to quit showbiz.
"I can confidently say po that Boyet and Callie will never make me leave my craft. My craft is of paramount importance to me and they're not the type to hinder me from doing what I love to do. In fact, nauuna pa silang ma-excite [pag may project] kesa sa akin. Ha-ha-ha!"