Imelda Arcilla Papin (born January 26, 1956) is a Filipino singer and politician. She dubbed the "Sentimental Songstress," Papin sang songs such as "Bakit (Kung Liligaya Ka sa Piling ng Iba)" and "Isang Linggong Pag-ibig." She was married to Filipino politician Jose Antonio Carrion.
Early life
Papin was born on January 26, 1956, in Presentacion, Camarines Sur. She started her career in a remote fishing village in the province. Aspiring to become a singer, she participated in several regional singing contests before moving to Manila to pursue her career further. She attended Bitaogan Elementary School, St. Brigette High School, the University of the East, and the University of Hawaii, where she received a BS in Commerce with a major in management.
Music career
Papin recorded her second album, Kutob (1978),[clarification needed] which included the song "Bakit" that gained significant popularity on local radio stations.[citation needed] She continued her success with additional singles that reached the top of the charts.
Papin relocated to Las Vegas, where she successfully revived her career, becoming a regular performer and gaining celebrity status. She was the first Filipino artist to host a three-hour telethon on Channel 18 in Los Angeles, California. Currently, she hosts a television program on LA-18 called Imelda Papin in America. Additionally, she hosts a two-hour radio program called the Imelda Papin Voice of the Heart Radio Show on KLAV 1230 AM in Las Vegas.
In 2013, the Commission on Elections disqualified her from running as congresswoman in the lone district of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan due to lack of residency but reversed its decision on April 25.[2] She went on to lose the election to incumbent Representative Arthur Robes. In 2016, she ran again for congresswoman in Camarines Sur's fourth district but lost to incumbent Representative Arnulfo Fuentebella. In 2019, she made a political comeback when she ran for Vice Governor as running mate of Governor Migz Villafuerte against board member Russel Bañes under PDP–Laban and eventually won. In 2022, she ran for Governor of Camarines Sur for the second time, but lost to Luigi Villafuerte.[citation needed]