The Malacanang Palace - White House of the Philippines

That landmark etched at the back of your 20-peso bill is no other than the Malacañang Palace or the presidential palace, the seat of the government and the official home of the Philippine president. Originally the summer house of the Spanish governor general, the Malacañang (Spanish for “there’s a nobleman”) is a 150-year-old, 18th century complex built in neocolonialist style, resembling the White House of America. If you want to trace the history of the leadership that shaped the Filipinos, this place could be a good start.

White House of the Philippines

 

In spite the palace’s grandeur by the banks of Pasig River, history has not always been kind to Malacañang. It went through the hands of American generals William Howard Taft and Francis Harrison during the Spanish-American War. As the residence of the country’s longest-serving leaders, Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, the palace became an icon of hatred as it was where Ferdinand declared martial law and where Imelda hid her infamous 3,000 pairs of shoes. Legend has it that Ferdinand looted Japanese general Tomoyuki Yamashita’s golden Buddha and melted it to be made as his presidential toilet bowl.
Although the palace today continues to become a magnet for protests along Mendiola Street, it continues to be an icon, well-visited by locals and tourists alike for its grand ballrooms, historic collections, and opulent rooms that every now and then have become the place for entertaining dignitaries like former US President George W. Bush.

Features

Today, the complex is divided into the main palace, the Bonifacio Hall (the former offices of former presidents Ferdinand Marcos, Corazon Aquino and Joseph Estrada), Kalayaan Hall (the former American-period executive building), Mabini Hall (administrative building), the New Executive Building (built by President Aquino), the grand staircase, and the Presidential Study, similar to that of US’ Oval Office at the White House. Across the river is the Malacañang Park, with its own garden, golf course, a recreation hall, and an American-era guesthouse.
Inside Kalayaan Hall is Malacañang Museum, the heart of the complex. Built in 1920, it features exhibits and galleries showcasing the legacies of the country’s presidents. The museum’s collections are chronologically arranged, from the Spanish era (1750s-1898), to the first Philippine Republic (1860s-1901), American era (1898–1935), Commonwealth of the Philippines (1935–1946), Republic of the Philippines (1946-the present), EDSA People Power Revolution (February 1986), and several rooms used by former presidents and cabinet members.
Among the presidents’ personal collections on display are religious images, campaign posters, gifts of foreign VIPs, photographs, President Ramon Magsaysay’s riding boots, President Carlos P. Garcia’s chess set, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s necklaces, people power paraphernalia of Corazon Aquino, and mementos from Fidel V. Ramos.

PHILIPPINES…

The Philippines is an exquisite archipelago comprising of more than 7,100 islands and islets. There are historic places, signature foods, dances and costumes in almost every region. This is primarily due to its strategic location and land style, rich history and culture. Filipinos are also known for their trademark hospitality. Visitors everywhere were overwhelmed and marvel at the way they are treated in each place they visit. For further knowledge on the places to visit just view all the photos below…

CEBU

One of the most famous place to go in Visayan region is Cebu City. It is a thin and long island with a few smaller island off-shore. Its considered as the Queen City of the South because it centers commerce, trade and industry in both Visayas and Mindanao.

 

There are many places of interest for local and foreign tourists here in Cebu. One of these is the famous MAGELLAN'S CROSS which named after Ferdinand Magellan- a Portugese explorer who went to Cebu in the early 1500's.

TAOIST TEMPLE is another place to drop by. You can see the entire city on top of the hill,or just simply ren a cab to the top while having a drink. At night you will see the glowing light of the city from buliding and houses.

The province also held its annual Sinulog Festival ofr the Feast of Sto. Nino during January where everyone from all walks of life celebrate. There were also, beautiful beaches, hotels and restaurants Cebu offers. Surely an exciting island everyone must see and enjoy.

PUERTO GALERA

Another exciting place to see in the Philippines is a small town on the northeast coast of the island of Mindoro-Puerto Galera. It is one of the popular summer destination in the country aside from Boracay. Everybody will surely be captivated for its wonderful beaches where you can have fun water activities like diving, windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and jet skiing. Some people come here for its nearby forests and waterfalls.

This simple and small municipality is a haven for both local and foreigntourists. Its a piece of heaven at a very affordable price. You dont have to worry on acomodations because they give you packed of low cost lodgings, food and drinks within your means.

Puerto Galera has certainly a lot to offer, its natural beauty which offers a sense of fulfillment, peace and tranquility is simply unforgettable.

Hundred Islands

Hundred Islands is one of the best known attraction in the Province of Pangasinan nd located near the city of Alaminos. It is considered by many to be on of the seven natural wonders of the world. Because of its uniqueness and special charcteristics, it is declared as the National goelogical monument last September 2001 by the Commitee on Geograpgical Sciences.

Although some of the islands were still undeveloped, there are 3 island that will surely captivate every tourist namely- Quezon Island, Governors island and Children island. In this island you can find the bountifl habitat of coral deposits, flora, fauna and other marine life.

You can swin all day to its cyrstalline water, go boating and island hoping, or even hiking on its beautiful rock formations. Go and picnic with family and friends and relax while seeing its breathtaking island beauty from afar.

Bohol

Another tourist destination here in the Phillipnes is Bohol, it is one of the few places on earth where natural and man made stuctures combined.

Everyone can spend a day hiking throug the jungle by observing the nature's oldest primates like the very famous tarsier where only in Bohol you can find. Some may spent the day relaxing into an island where you can find shaped caves and giant rock formations.

One thing Bohol made into history is these unusual geographical hill formation popularly known as Chocolate Hills. It is perhaps the most sought after attraction of the province. It consists more than 1,700 hills spead over an area of more than 50 sq. Kms.

Their name come from the grass which covers the hills that turns brown during dry season. Truly, whatever your preference in attractions, Bohol will surely charm and will not fail to seduce every tourist that will come to visit its beauty.

Boracay Island

The number one beach destination in the Philippines and Boracay Island is about 300kms south of the Philippines Capitol of Manila. Travelers from all over the globe come to see the world's most beautiful beach-"White Sands Beach".

Boracay is shaped like a dumb-bell or a small bone shaped tropical island, it is 7 km. long and the narrowest spot is nearly 1 km. wide. Land area is approximately 1, 083 hectares with about 6,000 locals. There are two means of transportation on the island- one is by tricycles along its main road or by walking along the beaches. Other includes pedicabs, mountain bikes and motorbikes which can be rented.

This island is widly known for its - white, talcum-fine beach, balmy weather and warm, crystalline waters - is like a hypnotic magnet that lures many to an amazing experience. In this tiny, butterfly-shaped island days can be spent by simply lazing on the beach, exploring this can be done by renting motorizesd bancas,sailing paraws and jetski. 

 

The nights are for indulging in the tropical party lifestyle with lots of bars to choose from. Boracay is an anchor tourist destination and one of the 7,000 times more islands that make up the Philippine archipelago.