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| The Malacañang Palace balcony. |
It was my co-blogger Rona Betran who
pinches the idea that we visit Malacañang Palace, she never had a chance to set
foot to the most powerful house in the Philippines. I got a chance to tour this Palace once in my
College days in 1999 for familiarization tour, and in 2011 where I cover the
Presidential pronouncement of Puerto Princesa Underground River, as one of the
winner of natural wonders of nature in the world.
Through a friend Deo De Guzman of
RMN-DZXL, I humbly ask to arrange the said tour for our group and that was
granted last January 28, 2015 at 1 in the afternoon.
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| His Excellency Pres. Benigno Aquino III, immortalized thru wax. |
Upon entering the Palace Ground, the
first question I asked is where is the actual site that Pope Francis walked
during his courtesy call to the Palace, they point to me his entrance up to the
Palace in gate 6. I was watching the Pope’s visit in Malacañang that time in TV
and I really wish I was there, because they were able to see Pope in a very
close and very personal situation.
We are directed to go directly to the
Kalayaan Hall entrance of the Museum, but of course we pass certain security
checking and we’re told that we are only allowed to use one camera for our
group, there are limitations also in taking pictures like the entrances or
gates to the Palace should not be photographed either.
The first room we enter is the old
waiting room, it showcases the start of every President’s career. This room
provides the materials use for election, campaign paraphernalia, and the result
of every election that this Country has done historically.
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| Pres.Marcos campaign polo. |
Through that room, we enter another
adjacent room wherein the Museum re-creates the scene of President Ferdinand
Marcos in his declaration of Martial Law, it’s not the original room but the
tables and furniture’s use are all the same.
And from that we move to different part
of the Palace, a meeting place was introduce to us using century old tables
that was used that time, and impressive collections art varies from statues, to
painting to religious statue.
One thing I’m amazed, is the Quezon
room, majority of his important memorabilia is there, and his portrait painting
where I grow up seeing only in postcard, is actually there hanging in the
section name after him. Mostly of his contributions are art collections
including imported Chandelier.
There is another room dedicated to First
Lady, oil painting of all the wife of the President by Lulu Coching is being
presented here, a bust and some memorabilia. It’s in this room where we see the
table set for any state dinner, where in golden plate, spoon and glass is used.
But the highlight and major portion of
the museum is the ballroom part, where in personal memorabilia, and personal
stuff of past president are being exhibits such as their books, dresses, shoes
and personal notes and letters as well. This ballroom used to be the dance
floor of first Lady Imelda Marcos during their time in the Palace.
There is also Cory’s room since she is
the mother of the current President of the Republic, and an exact wax replica
of Pres. Pnoy is also the main attraction of the ballroom. The last stop
over is the old Press room of the Palace
at the ground floor.
There are many changes already in the
museum compare to the last visit of mine, I miss the part wherein they show the
looks of each bedroom of past Presidents, and the vast collections of gifts
from foreign dignitaries that visit the Palace. Well I guess they are changing
it depends on the time needs, and whoever sit in the highest position in this
Country upon his vision and command.
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| The Vice President's office in the Palace. |
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| Madame Imelda bust and painting. |
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| Gen.Douglas MacArthur hat during Leyte landing. |
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| Pres.ERAP memorabilia |
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| Pres. Cory's Doll. |
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| Pres. Ramos Memorabilia |
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| Pres.PNoy's Corner. |
For those who are planning to tour the
Malacañang Palace museum, schedules are Monday to Friday only from 9am to
3pm. Admission price as of this posting
is P50 for adults and P30 for kids.
There is a reservation form that you have to accomplish and submit to
the Palace at least seven working days before your desired date of visit. Walks
ins are not allowed per see. Dress code is also implemented such as Maong pants, slippers, sandals,
sando, rubber shoes are not allowed to enter the Palace.
For more inquiries and reservation,
contact
PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY.
KALAYAAN HALL, MALACAÑAN PALACE
J.P LAUREL ST, SAN MIGUEL , MANILA 1000
Tel Nos. (632)784-4286 loc.4649 or 4945
FB- facebook.com/malacanang
Twitter- @PCSDPO
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