Imelda Marcos Threw a Party. It Did Not Go Well

The 90th birthday celebration for former Philippines first lady Imelda Marcos wasn't much of a party for more than 260 people hospitalized with suspected food poisoning. Rice, boiled eggs, and chicken Adobo was prepared for 2,500 well-wishers at a sports complex in Manila on Wednesday before dozens reported vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness, reports Reuters. CNN reports some fell ill after drinking bottled water distributed at the event. Some 261 people in all were rushed to nine hospitals. Marcos—the wife of late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos who is appealing corruption convictions stemming from illegal bank transfers in the 1970s—wasn't affected.

"The food may have been spoiled, but we remain solid," Marcos' daughter, Imee Marcos, told partygoers following the mayhem, per Reuters. The Washington Post reports the party continued with a concert that media were unable to attend. Marcos' son, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., later apologized in a statement. "We have reached out to those affected and are taking care of them," he said. The acting head of the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the Food and Drug Administration would test the meal served, with results expected in a few days, per CNN. (More Philippines stories.)