Bahay Pangulo—Philippine president's residence—shown for first time

The newly renovated presidential residence or “Bahay Pangulo” inside Malacañang Park has been presented to the media for the first time. 

According to Jonathan Andal’s report in “Unang Balita” on Wednesday, the refurbished residence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was transformed into a resort-like design to give a relaxing feeling after work. 

“Ang gusto lang ni First Lady, ‘I want you to make it feel like a resort.’ Sabi ko, ‘Anong architectural style?’ Sabi niya, ‘Kahit parang Asian modern,’” said architect Conrad Onglao. 

(The First Lady told me, “I want you to make it feel like a resort.” I said to her, “What architectural style do you want?” She just replied, “I want an Asian modern one.”) 

The “Bahay ng Pangulo” has a personal touch of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos as she handpicked the furniture mostly made in Pampanga. 

Some paintings of national artist Fernando Amorsolo were also transferred from Malacanang to the presidential house. 

The house also features a swimming pool mostly used by the First Lady for her exercise. It also has a gym room, with a cardio machine and weights, where the President works out. 

There are also billiard tables, board games, an arcade machine, and a racing simulator often played by presidential son Vincent Marcos. 

It’s only the President and his wife who stay at the presidential residence, but the rest of their family go there on Sundays to attend mass and bond together. 

Formerly called “Bahay Pangarap,” the residence was renovated upon Marcos’ assumption of presidency in 2022 due to termites and flooding. 

“Tinaas namin yung elevation. So kahit tumaas yung Pasig River, hindi na papasok yung tubig. Saka naglagay kami ng sand pump,” said Onglao. 

(We raised its elevation. So even if the water level in the Pasig River rises, the water will not get inside anymore. We also established a sand pump.) 

The newly renovated presidential residence can now withstand the next 20 to 50 years. —Vince Ferreras/NB, GMA Integrated News