Palacio Malacanang: “Where the Filipino Leaders Are”

Sino bang Pinoy ang di nakaka-alam kung saan nakatira ang mga presidente ng Pilipinas? Forgive my harshness but really, who are from the Filipinos doesn’t know that the term Malakanyang (Malacanang) is synonymous to power governing the islands?

Since the Palacio del Governador in Intramuros (ang original ha, hindi yung high rise na opisina ng COMELEC ngayon) was toppled down by a tremblor in the late 19th Century, the power shifted to the summer palace a few kilometers by then serene Pasig River. From then on, it has been synonymous to being “the leader’s palace.” Maybe it was just Aguinaldo who didn’t considered it as his presidential palace, but the Commander in Chief of this country makes this his or her own address and a fortress against marauding mob. The Palace is located in the once upscale district of San Miguel in Manila. It sits just at the north coast of Pasig River. Yung nakikita nyo sa beinte pesos, yun yung main building ng palasyo but the only area where the Palace is accessible to the public is the Kalayaan Hall or the old Executive building which was built during the American Colonial period. Kalayaan Hall: Malacanang Museum & Library

Aside from this is the only accessible area to the public, this is also the museum and the library of the Palacio. Each room has its own periodic category. The establishment itself is a mix of European styles, perhaps art noveauish and perhaps more (sorry, I’m no art historian or archi) and has two floors. It is also where Radio and TV Malacanang is based.

Anyway, the ground floor is composed of an AV Hall, room dedicated to the Spanish colonial era and the American colonial era. The room reeks of antiquities! Although majority of the walls and ceilings are already renovated but it still exudes the elegance. Some materials here have been kept since time immemorial. To the second floor would be where “Apo Macoy” or former President Marcos’ office where he declared Proclamation 1087 in 1972 (or that infamous Martial Law declaration). And upon approaching, plans and souvenirs from the past presidents linger everywhere. The Grand Ballroom of Kalayaan Hall (now part of Malacanang Library) where everything Imeldific parties were made, is now a library with presidential mementos and busts. Chandeliers and antiques and statues are everywhere…There is a sense of elegance in this palacio, no wonder presidents don’t want to get impeached! I couldn’t say more, baka madiscourage kayong pumunta dun kasi binigay ko na ang lahat ng information. So, I’ll just leave you hanging with these descriptions. Its up to you to explore this place of bastion of power, so visit Malacanang Museum and feel how it is to become the chief executive of this nation.

Important Tips!

I couldn’t be more emphasizing than this important reminders if you are planning to visit Malacanang:

1. Right now, some portions of the museum are undergoing renovation. I don’t know when will they finish up the works.
2. If you are planning to go to the Museum, have a written letter of request be sent to Malacanang Palace Museum and address it to the director. Please send it seven (7) days prior to your visit and indicate your full name. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter the premises. (Well, just follow the SOP…alam nyo naman sa Pilipinas medyo paranoid din sa “mga ulol ng lipunan.”)
3. They are open on weekdays only from 8AM to 5PM.
4. Don’t expect to have your cameras (especially high-powered dSLR photographers) to enter the premises of the museum. Like every museum in the world, no picture taking is allowed…and given that this is Malacanang Palace (like what the PSG do to the Pasig Ferry passengers while passing by the landmark riverfront of the palacio…”Sir, bawal pong kuhanan ng piktyur yan!”) there could be no picture taking…but that’s what you think! There are only a few areas where picture taking is allowed by the curator or the docent. And a tip: just bring a compact camera…baka makalusot sa PSG like what I did! Oh look at the security lapses! Hahahaha!!!!
5. The rest are “museum ethics” like maintain silence, don’t touch, etc.

Pasensya na at medyo limited ang pictures…lam nyo na…

More photos of the Malacanang Palace Museum, click here.