It all began as rice fields on the south bank of the Pasig River, across the official residence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines.
In the late 1930s under the orders of President Manuel Quezon, the rice fields on the south bank of the Pasig River were acquired and transformed into Malacañang Park–and thus began the legacy of the Presidential Rest House and what is known today as Bahay Pangulo or the Presidential Residence.
What Bahay Pangulo looks like today designed by Architect Conrad Onglao / Image by Gian Escamillas
The beginnings of the Presidential Rest House under President Manuel L. Quezon
From the 1930s to the 1940s, beginning from President Manuel Quezon’s term, 19 hectares on the south bank of the Pasig River was acquired and converted into the Malacañang Park. The complex featured a recreation hall, assembly hall, and rest house for the President and his family. The rest house was built in 1937, opposite the river facade of the Malacañan Palace. Architects Juan M. Arellano and Antonio M. Toledo designed the rest house’s original structures, using native materials like nipa and bamboo, characterized by a Zen-like feel. The First Lady, Aurora A. Quezon often made use of the house as a retreat for personal moments as well as a venue for social gatherings.
The majestic dining area in Bahay Pangulo; on the right wall hangs “Harvest,” Fernando Amorsolo, 1931. Image courtesy of Malacañan Palace
President Quezon’s grandson, Enrique Avancena shared, “The swimming pool in the Malacañan Palace was located right beside the former Executive Building [now Kalayaan Hall]. One day, my grandfather, President Manuel L. Quezon, looked out the window and noticed that his daughters, Baby and Nini, were frolicking in the pool. There they were in their swimsuits–with their Baler relatives and amigas from school–in full view of the offices of the Executive Building. My grandfather realized that this was not appropriate and so he built what is now known as Malacañang Park across the river, and relocated the swimming pool.”
Another perspective of Bahay Pangulo, overlooking the pool, with the Pavilion on the right side. The photo was taken during a recent media tour / Image by Gian Escamillas
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He added, “As First Lady, my grandmother also developed a love for the tea ceremony so she had a small Japanese tea house built in that area. The house was surrounded by a Zen garden and tended by a Japanese gardener. These were the beginnings of Malacañang Park, the nostalgic foundations from which the present is firmly anchored.”
President Manuel L. Quezon served as the second president of the Republic of the Philippines from 1935 to 1944.
President Elpidio R. Quirino’s term
Miraculously, Malacañang Park did not suffer any damage during the second World War. Therefore, the First Ladies continued to use it as a space for social activities. One example would be the fashion show held by the Girl Scouts of the Philippines in 1949, spearheaded by the President’s daughter, First Lady Victoria S. Quirino.
The President himself would swim at the pool at least once a week, with a doctor from Malacañan Palace that accompanied him. President Elpidio R. Quirino was the sixth President of the Republic of the Philippines from 1948-1953.
Inside the study at Bahay Pangulo and a calming view of the pool and Malacañang Palace / Images by Gian Escamillas
Socorro R. Quirino, granddaughter of the president, said that her grandfather shared a funny story with her. It goes like this, “He said that one day, while on his morning stroll in the palace grounds, a man had bypassed the Presidential Security Guards [PSG] and scaled the wall. The man fell in front of him and quickly rose to his feet. When the man extended his hand, my grandfather said, ‘Oh! Congressman Marcos, how did you get through all the security?” It turned out that then Congressman Marcos needed to speak with my grandfather on an urgent matter. I guess it’s safe to say that they had a successful meeting.”
Bahay Pangarap under President Diosdado P. Macapagal
President Diosdado P. Macapagal served as the ninth President of the Republic of the Philippines from 1961 to 1965. Through First Lady Evangelina M. Macapagal’s efforts, the Malacañang Park grounds underwent refurbishing work. The reason for the renovations was for visiting dignitaries to have a place to stay. It was during this time in the early 1960s that the guest house was constructed showcasing a contemporary design.
Featured in the dining area are two paintings, both oil on canvas, titled “Harvest,” Fernando Amorsolo, 1931. The first symbolizes the Visayan Island, the second symbolizes the Island of Mindanao. The works of art were exhibited at the Paris Colonial Exposition in 1931. Image by Gian Escamillas
According to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the daughter of the President, her mother, former First Lady Eva M. Macapagal built the guest house because “at that time, there were no decent hotels for visiting delegations to stay in.” She continued, “The heads of state would usually stay in Malacañan Palace, but there was no space for the rest of their entourage. The guest house was called Bahay Pangarap, but is now known as Bahay Pangulo. I didn’t spend too much time in Bahay Pangarap because I was studying in Georgetown. I do recall having a costume party there though during my teenage years.”
Bahay Kubo during President Ferdinand E. Marcos’ term
The 10th President of the Republic of the Philippines, President Ferdinand E. Marcos stayed in power for 21 years, from 1965 to 1986.
After National Artist for Architecture Francisco T. Mañosa updated the guest house in the 1970s with Filipino details like a pitched roof, Narra flooring, and Capiz windows, Bahay Pangarap became Bahay Kubo, directly translated as Nipa Hut. The space was used as a gathering place for golfers following golf games in Malacañang Park. In addition, the First Family would have swimming lessons there as well. President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in Bahay Kubo, while the guest house was also where President Marcos’ mother Doña Josefa Marcos resided.
The living area in Bahay Pangulo; on the left wall hangs a painting titled “Nipa Hut by the Beach” by an unknown Cebuano artist. Image courtesy of Malacañan Palace
Vittorio M. Barba, President Marcos’ nephew revealed, “I spent most of my childhood in Bahay Pangarap. We lived there with my grandmother, Doña Josefa Edralin Marcos, who was a school teacher by profession. It was there where I learned how to swim, to bike, to skate, and most especially, to ride horses.” Barba adds that it was his mother that first taught him how to ride, elaborating that, “We had a white pony called Little Kitten. We practically lived in the stables and spent hours on end there, so much so, that when it was time to study or eat, our Lola knew exactly where to have us fetched.”
Bahay Malago under President Fidel V. Ramos
President Fidel V. Ramos was President of the Republic of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. Being an avid golfer, the President had converted Bahay Pangarap into the clubhouse of the Malacañang Golf Club. After which, he transformed the name of the guest house as Bahay Malago as wordplay for “Malacañang Golf.”
During this time in the 1990s, First Lady Amelita M. Ramos restored the old recreation hall known as Bahay Kubo. This was done under the watchful eyes of Architect Francisco T. Mañosa. The renovated recreation hall was inaugurated on March 15, 1996 as Bahay Pangarap once again, which became a space for official events.
President Ramos’ grandson, Christopher Jerome R. Sembrano shares, “Everyone knew FVR as a former president and statesman, but I knew him as a Lolo.”
The newly renovated nine-hole golf course within Malacañang Park. President Fidel V. Ramos was known as an avid golfer who kept the Malacañang Golf Club, also referred to as Malago, close to his heart. Image by Gian Escamillas
Sharing some of his grandfather’s personal routines, Sembrano adds, “Lolo loved to read and even had a habit of waking up at 4 to 5 a.m. just to read different newspaper clippings. He was also very athletic and regularly did push-ups until the age of 90. He loved golf and kept the Malacañang Golf Club (Malago) close to his heart until his final days.”
According to Sembrano, while he does not recall many memories of Bahay Pangarap, he does remember the golf course and the Malago clubhouse that was right outside it. He adds, “One motto of my Lolo that I will always remember is ‘caring, sharing, and daring.’” He elaborates that this means: “Care more for others, share more with others, and most importantly, dare to do more for others.”
Sembrano shares that this was one of the President’s many mottos in life that he tries to keep in mind every day.
Bahay Pangarap under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
By 2008, Bahay Pangarap unfortunately was not in good condition due to termite infestation. Because of this, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered its demolition. A new structure was built under Architect Conrad T. Onglao’s charge, featuring a modern Asian style. A contemporary pool and a tropical garden took the place of the old Commonwealth-era pool and pergola during President Manuel Quezon’s time. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is the 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010.
The serene garden at Bahay Pangulo features playful animal furnishings with a partial view of Malacañan Palace / Image by Gian Escamillas
The newly constructed structure, Bahay Pangarap, was inaugurated by President Arroyo on December 19, 2008, during a Christmas party for the President’s cabinet members. President Arroyo used the space for diplomatic meetings because at this time, five star hotels had emerged where foreign dignitaries visiting the country could now be accommodated.
President Arroyo’s son, Hon. Juan Miguel M. Arroyo shared, “Bahay Pangarap (now Bahay Pangulo) was not a stomping ground the way that people may think. Maybe because my parents didn’t live there. Most of my memories were in Malacañan Palace.” He continues, “I do remember though attending a few social gatherings there. What stood out the most was the unparalleled view of the palace across the Pasig River. It was, and still is, a very special sight to any Filipino.”
Bahay Pangarap as official residence of President S. Benigno Aquino III
The 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines, President S. Benigno Aquino III, served the country for six years from 2010 to 2016. He was the first President of the Philippines however to use Bahay Pangarap as an official residence. The reason for this is, being a bachelor, Malacañan Palace was too big. Bahay Pangarap became the alternative and compromise so that the presidential guards could keep him safe.
Juxtaposed against the swimming pool is the Pavilion amidst a tranquil nature setting / Image by Gian Escamillas
Originally the structure was a single-bedroom house, however, when President Aquino took residence here, three other rooms were built. These additional spaces included a guest room, staff room, and another room for his security detail.
Memories to be grateful for
Kristina [Kris] Bernadette C. Aquino, the sister of the President, shares some of her memories, “My sons [Bimby and Josh] and I stayed with Noy during the last months of his term. I’m very grateful because the time my sons and I spent with my brother gave my two boys the chance to witness their Tito Noy hard at work. His day would start with a morning briefing in the residence and it would end with him reviewing what like a tower of files that he would meticulously check.”
The Guest Villa opens up to a peaceful deck surrounded by lush greenery offering the luxury of privacy and fresh air / Images by Gian Escamillas
Kris says that her sons saw how simply their Tito Noy lived. She narrates, “Bimb asked if the President still had a bigger boss to report to and his answer and actions instilled in them that winning the people’s trust meant that you’re answerable to the people. To quote my late brother, ‘…dahil ang taong bayan ang aking BOSS.’”
On another note, Kris recalls their special memories of Noche Buena with the President and her sisters. She says, “With our Mom gone, we did our best to recreate the Christmas Eve spirit by celebrating Mass before dinner and replicating our Mom’s traditional menu. The COVID-19 lockdown prevented us from being together during the last Christmas that my brother was alive. He was no longer with us during Christmas of 2021.”
Bahay Pagbabago under President Rodrigo R. Duterte
President Rodrigo R. Duterte, was the country’s head of state from 2016 to 2022 as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines. Originally from Davao who had no residence in Metro Manila, he lived in Bahay Pangarap and renamed it as Bahay Pagbabago. During this time, the house did not need repairs so repainting and thorough cleaning were enough. Furthermore, The President wished to maintain the history and heritage of the house.
Atty. Salvador C. Medialdea, the President’s Executive Secretary, recalls, “President Duterte’s family visited him regularly and Bahay Pagbabago was used primarily as President Duterte’s residence, not much social events took place there. All of his meetings were held in the Palace or at Malago, the golf clubhouse. For him, it was his place for rest and solace.”
After various renovations through the decades, today’s newly restored Bahay Pangulo is envisioned to last for generations / Image by Gian Escamillas
Medialdea adds that President Duterte was happy and proud of Bahay Pagbabago. “On the occasions that he would have guests and they would comment on how nice the residence was, he would say ‘This is the house of the people. I am just a temporary occupant,’” Medialdea narrates.
Medialdea believes that Bahay Pagbabago was most suitable for the President, specially during the pandemic. Because of the restrictions on social interaction, the President would say that he was living in a big house without nobody to speak with, unfortunately. In addition, Medialdea shares, “Before his term ended, I remember President Duterte telling me that Bahay Pagbabago was kind to him and htat he was happy and grateful for the privilege to have resided there during his term of office.”
Bahay Pangulo as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official residence
Bahay Pagbabago was completely destroyed when an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 hit Metro Manila and surrounding areas. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Republic of the Philippines’ 17th President who took office in 2022, invited Architect Conrad T. Onglao to head the project, a major restoration and renovation. The restored house would be the President’s official residence.
The entrance to the barge; an official signage of Bahay Pangulo; the walkway to the barge / Images by Gian Escamillas
According to Onglao, “This was designed so even the next administration can fully appreciate it.” He elaborated by saying, “The initial intention was really to save the old structure,” referring to Bahay Pangarap from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s time. However, upon closer scrutiny, termites were found and it was a collective decision to demolish the old structure, while keeping the old footprint when making the new structure. Furthermore Onglao shared, “This structure will last for generations because the structure is made of steel.”
Architect Conrad Onglao shared that Bahay Pangulo was “designed so that even the next administration can fully appreciate it.” / Image by Gian Escamillas
Despite the extensive construction ahead, the President and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos believed they could start the New Year on the right note by residing in the house starting December 29, 2022. It was at this time that the President changed the name of Bahay Pagbabago to Bahay Pangulo translated as Presidential Residence.
Appreciation and respect
William Vincent A. Marcos, son of President Ferdinand and First Lady Liza Marcos narrates, “Soon after the May 2022 elections, my brothers and I moved out of our parents’ house. It was time to live on our own.” He shares that while they do not reside in Bahay Pangulo, the place holds fond memories for him.
A late afternoon view of the Pasig River and Malacañan Palace from the barge in Bahay Pangulo / Image by Gian Escamillas
He elaborates, “This is where my Lola and my cousins [from both the Romualdez-Marcos and the Cacho-Araneta sides] get together to have mass and family lunch every Sunday. This is also where we celebrate New Year’s Eve. Whenever I invite my friends over, they are amazed at the beautiful view of Malacañan Palace overlooking Pasig River.” He reflects, “I realize that this beautiful residence is a privilege extended to us until my father’s term ends. Until the next President comes along, we will give it the respect it deserves.”
Read more about Bahay Pangulo here.
Photos by Gian Escamilla and Malacañan Palace.
