Malacanang memories may be beautiful and yet...

The much-anticipated and eagerly-awaited latest obra maestra of National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, Palacio de Malacañang: 200 Years of a Ruling House, was recently launched in an all too brief yet elegant affair at the stately Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace during a late-afternoon, strictly-Filipiniana gala event with top officials in government, principals of academe, champions of the arts and culture and the captains of business and industry in attendance.

The impressive book, the primer and the only comprehensive historia oficial del palacio to date, was unveiled by the current resident of Malacañang Palace, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with erstwhile President Fidel V. Ramos together with former President Corazon C. Aquino, the inspiration and the guiding light who pioneered the establishment of the Museo ng Malacañang Foundation Inc. (MMF) which is now known as the Society for the Preservation of Philippine Culture (SPPC).

After many years of meticulous research and undertaking the monumental task of gathering and setting together data and information, prints and photographs, archival engravings and architectural designs, pen and ink illustrations of noted artists Phyllis Zaballero and Manuel Baldemor, the acclaimed author Nick Joaquin and painter-writer, editor and designer of the book Alfredo Roces present an absorbing and compelling narration of incomparable and fascinating saga of Philippine history including tales of intrigue and private affairs of the importantes personajes –the Spanish and american governors and the Philippine Presidents and their families – who consciously or unconsciously made history while in residence – whether at work or at play – at the grand house by the river Pasig.

During the launch, which served a never-seen-before Filipino buffet, another triumph of Glenda Barretto of Via Mare, while the Pasamba Ensemble provided strings-only music of love songs and ballads, the prime movers of the SPPC – Regina Coseteng, Narzalina Lim and Phyllis Zaballero – shared a copy of the unique book, together with beautifully framed pictures lifted from among its many vintage photographs, to the descendants of past presidents of the country.

Relatives who received their copies were Manuel Quezon Avenceña, grandson of Manuel L. Quezon; Sotero Laurel, son of Jose P. Laurel; Rosie Osmeña-Valencia, daughter of Sergio Osmeña; Manuel Roxas, grandson of Manuel A. Roxas; Vicky Quirino-Delgado, daughter of Elpidio R. Quirino; Mila Magsaysay-Valenzuela, daughter of Ramon Magsaysay; Jose Carlos Garcia Campos, grandson of Carlo P. Garcia; Elizabeth Macapagal Mercado, granddaughter of Diosdado P. Macapagal; Imee Marcos, daughter of Ferdinand E. Marcos, former President Corazon C. Aquino, former President Fidel V. Ramos and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

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Palacio de Malacañang: 200 years of a Ruling House, a one-of-a-kind collector’s item and a testimony of our heritage, may be purchased through IdeaZ for only P 5,000 per copy. Call 400-2387 or 522-5268.