Cover The inviting pool at Bahay Pangulo, where the First Lady swims daily (Photo by Ian Santos)
The inviting pool at Bahay Pangulo, where the First Lady swims daily (Photo by Ian Santos)
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos have unveiled the revitalised interiors of Bahay Pangulo, their official residence
A drive through the lush green of Malacañang Park’s Pangarap Golf Course leads to Bahay Pangulo.
Renovated shortly after President Marcos’s term began, Bahay Pangulo is the new name for the property—as one might be more familiar with Bahay Pangarap, Bahay Malago, or Bahay Pagbabago.
An exciting history lies behind the house that stands today: a sprawling oasis for the first family, masterfully designed by renowned architect Conrad Onglao.
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Let's delve into the rich history of this iconic location and the redesigned living quarters.
Tracing its transformation
Above The dining and living space share the atrium-style space at the heart of Bahay Pangulo (Photo courtesy of the Office of the President)
The dining and living space share the atrium-style space at the heart of Bahay Pangulo (Photo courtesy of the Office of the President)
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The original structure was built in the Thirties, serving as a rest house and a social venue for the president’s guests and family. Such was the case from President Manuel L. Quezon's administration until President Diosdado Macapagal, who first called it Bahay Pangarap, a direct translation of “dream house”.
In the Seventies, National Artist for Architecture Francisco Mañosa refurbished the property with quintessentially Filipino design elements such as a pitched roof, Narra flooring, and Capiz windows. It earned a new name, Bahay Kubo. President Fidel V. Ramos would rename it once more to Bahay Malago, a portmanteau derived from Malacañang Golf, where he spent most of his leisurely days.
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Above The newly renamed Pangarap Golf course within the Malacañang Park (Photo by Ian Santos)
Above The gates of Bahay Pangulo (Photo by Ian Santos)
The newly renamed Pangarap Golf course within the Malacañang Park (Photo by Ian Santos)
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Onglao first visited the place in 2008 when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was forced to demolish the old structure due to a termite infestation. The Commonwealth-era swimming pool and pergola constructed in 1936 were supplanted by a contemporary design, incorporating a lush tropical garden on the grounds.
President Benigno S. Aquino III had been the first to use it as his official residence—a notable compromise as he considered the Palace too big for him. Likewise a natural choice for his sole and interim residence in Manila, it was rechristened as Bahay Pagbabago during the tenure of President Rodrigo Duterte.
A peek inside
Above Master architect Conrad Onglao (Photo by Ian Santos)
Above Much of the furniture from the previous 'Bahay Pangarap' has been retained and re-upholstered for the living room (Photo by Ian Santos)
Master architect Conrad Onglao (Photo by Ian Santos)
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The renovation initially intended to create a tranquil retreat, resembling a resort at the First Lady’s request. She sought a space where the President, as well as his future counterparts and their families, could unwind. Onglao mentioned that his team’s renovation concept was swiftly approved after just one round of revisions, highlighting its suitability for the First Lady’s vision and the needs of the President and their family.
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Above A view of the Malacañang Palace from the gardens (Photo by Ian Santos)
Above Family portraits are endearingly scattered throughout the property (Photo by Ian Santos)
A view of the Malacañang Palace from the gardens (Photo by Ian Santos)
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This conceptualisation brought about the home’s modern tropical feel. Onglao notes that, upon touring the property, it has retained a substantial amount of Bahay Pangarap’s furniture and decorative elements, which have likewise stood the test of time. The art, including tremendous paintings by Fernando Amorsolo, Betsy Westendorp, Juvenal Sanso, Fabián de la Rosa and more, had been carefully chosen from the Malacañang Palace’s existing collection, particularly those stowed away in storage.
One significant change from the house’s predecessor is the “deconstructing” of the main structure—instead of having all areas under one roof, Onglao split them into six separate villa-style buildings surrounding a tranquil lap pool.
Above A view of the pool and smaller villa-style buildings within the grounds (Photo by Ian Santos)
A view of the pool and smaller villa-style buildings within the grounds (Photo by Ian Santos)
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Thus, there is no designated front door but guests will likely find their way into the main house through its free-flowing living and dining space. Three identical chandeliers, crafted with Liza’s personal touch, accentuate the elegant vaulted ceiling in this grand atrium. From here, there are respective doors to the First Lady’s office, a private library and study, two bedrooms, a cosy and well-organised kitchen, and another sitting room that leads out to the lanai.
The First Lady's office (Photo by Ian Santos)
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The five buildings encircle the exquisitely designed gardens: a fitness centre, a pavilion for events, a guest suite, a poolside retreat and staff accommodations. Bahay Pangulo opens its doors to the President’s relatives every Sunday, who come together for a church service followed by a leisurely lunch. Exploring the grounds, one can’t help but sense the deep affection and attention given to this place, evident in its recent construction and the rich history it has carried for almost a century.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
