President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday invited the public to visit the Malacañang heritage structures and catch a glimpse of the country’s history.
The President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, together with their son, Simon, opened the historical structures inside the Palace complex in Manila.
Among those opened by the First Family were the Bahay Ugnayan Museum, the Goldenberg Mansion and the Teus Mansion. It is the first time the three structures are being opened to the public.
“It is now open to the public. I invite everyone to come in there. Puntahan ninyo, lalo na ‘yung ating mga estudyante na nais makita ang lahat ng mga pangulo ng ating Republika ay nandiyan lahat. Nandiyan ‘yung kaunting kuwento ng kanilang buhay at ngayon ay officially open na and that is why I am inviting everyone to come,” the President said as he met his supporters and members of the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC) at the Goldenberg Mansion.
“If you are in this part of the city, come and visit. It’s very educational definitely. It’s free by the way. We don’t charge an entrance fee, so come one and come all and I think that you will find it very, very interesting.”
The President described the Goldenberg Mansion as a “very beautiful old house” bought by his mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos. It was used as a guest house for some formal functions.
The Teus Mansion, on the other hand, was bought after the Goldenberg Mansion, and turned into a Presidential Museum.
“It is a museum of all the presidents of the Philippines, with a short description of the circumstances that brought them to power and some of the achievements that they had during their time as president,” Marcos explained.
Spearheaded by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, the Malacañang Heritage Tours aims to preserve the remarkable contributions of past Philippine presidents to nation building. It is a must-see attraction featuring heritage museums that provide visitors with a greater appreciation for the country’s past and distinguished leaders.
The Bahay Ugnayan Museum offers a glimpse into the life and times of President Marcos where visitors can journey through his formative years, observe the key events that defined his tenure, and marvel at the campaign materials that paved the way for his ascent to the presidency.
Built by the Eugsters, a Spanish merchant family in the last quarter of the 19th century, the Goldenberg Mansion served as the home and headquarters of US Military Governor Arthur Macarthur Jr., father of General Douglas Macarthur.
After the war, it was bought by cosmetics manufacturer Michael Goldenberg and was restored by Filipino architect Leandro Locsin in 1975. The mansion was used as a guest house to receive guests and visiting dignitaries of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
The Teus Mansion, on the other hand, is a stately showcase of the vibrant and diverse history of Philippine presidents, housing a vast collection of priceless memorabilia, including presidential attire, footwear, flags, and busts sculpted in the likeness of the former leaders.
Also on display are portraits of the former First Ladies and First Lady Liza-Araneta Marcos herself.
The Malacañang Heritage Tours are open to the public, free of charge. Guided tours are available to explore this fascinating journey through time, starting 1 June 2023, from 9am to 4pm. For those who would like to avail of a guided tour, reservations can be made by emailing sosec@malacanang.gov.ph or by calling (02) 8735-6080. The tour organizers may also be reached through Facebook. (PND)