Everyone who reads this blog should know that the Malacañang Palace is the official residence of the President of the Philippines. Officially called the Malacañan Palace, this residence has been used by the Spanish Governor-Generals and the and American Governors before being turned over to President Manuel L. Quezon of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

The Malacañang Palace compound sits on the northern banks of the Pasig River in San Miguel district in Manila and is bounded on the north by Jose P. Laurel St. The palace itself is the large blocky building you can see on the map, while the H-shaped building is the Kalayaan Hall, the old seat of power and which now houses the Malacañang Museum. The museum is the only place the general public can visit (but only by appointment, and with a seven-day prior notice) and it’s well worth it if you want to learn more about the history of the Philippine presidency as well as view artifacts related to Philippine heritage. (See this set of pictures from Señor Enrique.) On the opposite side of the Pasig from the compound is the Malacañang Park.

Back of the 20-peso bill.

I’ve been to the Malacañang Palace twice: once during a grade school field trip and the other when I had a photo op with then President Ramos because I placed in a prestigious national academic competition back in high school.

Other presidential residences we’ve already seen in Vista Pinas are the Balay ti Amianan, also called the Malacañang of the North, and The Mansion in Baguio City.

Download KML file (for Google Earth)