The fairest of them all

Every nation has it's greatest and grandest residence and the Philippines is no exception. Palacio de Malacanang, or more popularly known as Palasyo (palace) was originally a private summer residence built by Don Luis Rocha in 1750 then sold to Colonel Jose Miguel Formente and finally purchased by the Spanish Colonial Government to serve as the permanent residence of Spanish Governors General, when the latter's Palace in Intramuros was leveled by a strong earthquake. Then, it became the American Civil Governors residence until Manuel Quezon became the president of the Commonwealth Philippines.

Credit photo from Malacanang facebook page.

The palace has been the residence of eighteen Spanish Governors General, Fourteen American Civil Governors and all the Philippine Presidents with Emilio Aguinaldo as an exception.

The current facade of the Palace. Photo, from Malacanang facebook page

The palace even predates America's White House. The palace complex is close for public viewing since Marcos declared Martial Law but before he became dictator the palace is open to everyone, now it can be considered as one of the most isolated and secured complex in the world. Security check points starts half a kilometer from the Palace Gate.

 

Since Pnoy came to power the palace security has loosen up a little bit allowing boats to pass by and take pictures of the interiors.





                       All pictures are from Malacanang Palace facebook page.