Portions of Malacanang get new look with renovations

Some portions of the Malacañang Palace have received a new look following renovations more than six months since President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. took his oath as the country's chief executive.

According to Ivan Mayrina's report on "24 Oras" on Monday, these include the Ceremonial Hall and the Reception Hall where the country's guests are usually welcomed.

"President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ay dumaan na dito. Pope Francis [and] Pope John Paul II ang ilan lamang sa mga pinaka-importanteng bisita ng Malacañang through the years," said Louie Esquivel, Presidential Museum and Library tour guide.

"Good impression, of course, is very important because we're inviting them here which is the most prestigious institution of our country which is in Malacañang Palace," Esquivel added.

Other areas that have been renovated include the Internal House Affairs Office, Office of the Social Secretary, Protocol Office, and Malacañang's central kitchen.

There's also work currently being done at Bahay Pangarap, the President's official residence.

First Lady Lisa Araneta Marcos personally looked after all the improvements done in the Palace.

It was back in 1979, during the term of Marcos' father Ferdinand Marcos Sr., that Malacañang last underwent renovations.

GMA Integrated News asked about the cost of the renovation, but Malacañang has yet to reply. —Vince Lopez, GMA Integrated News