Palace opens free heritage tours

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday opened to the public the Malacañang Heritage Tour, which showcases the lives of Philippine presidents and the country’s diverse culture, inside the Palace grounds.

An initiative of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, the Malacañang Heritage Tour offers free guided tours revolving around two distinguished museums, the Bahay Ugnayan Museum and Teus Mansion.

The Malacañang Heritage Tour “provides a unique opportunity for individuals seeking a deeper appreciation of the remarkable past and distinguished leaders of the Philippines,” according to the Presidential Communications Office.

The Bahay Ugnayan Museum features Marcos’ “Road to Malacañang.”

Displayed inside the museum are photos and souvenirs of his presidential campaign for last year’s national elections as well as documents used in his electoral protest against former vice president Leni Robredo.

Meanwhile, the Teus Mansion was turned into a presidential museum.

Within its walls, visitors can view presidential attires, footwear, flags and exquisitely sculpted busts of the country’s leaders.

The museum also dedicates a corner to the portraits of the country’s first ladies, who played pivotal roles in shaping both the presidencies and the nation as a whole.

Aside from the Malacañang Heritage Tours, the Palace also offers the Goldenberg Series, where the public can witness performances by emerging artists, enlightening exhibitions and educational programs.

The Goldenberg Series showcases the richness and vibrancy of Filipino culture.

The President was accompanied by the First Lady and their son Simon during the launch of the tour.

In his speech, Marcos gave a brief history of the Goldenberg Mansion which, he said, was purchased by his mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, as a guest house.

The President said it was refurbished and renovated with the help of the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin.

The Teus Mansion features brief descriptions of the circumstances that brought the presidents to power and some achievements during their times as leaders, according to Marcos.

“I’m inviting everyone, if you are in this part of the city, to come and visit. It is very educational definitely, free, you’ll find it very, very interesting,” the Chief Executive said.

Starting June 1, tours will be available from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Those who prefer a guided tour, reservations may be sent through a message to [email protected] or call (02) 8735-6080.