One of the most visited in Ilocos Norte is the renowned Malacañang of the North or Malacañang ti Amianan as the locals refer to it). Today, it is grand mansion with beautiful grounds and an overlooking a lake maintained by the local government of the province.
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About Malacañang of the North
The Malacañang of the North and is a presidential museum in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. It was the residence of the family of Ferdinand Marcos when he was the President of the Philippines.
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| Inside Malacañang of the North in 2013 |
This was a birthday gift from first lady, Imelda Marcos, to her husband on the occasion of his 60th birthday. (It is named after the official residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines in Manila - the Malacañang Palace.)
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| Imelda Marcos was a first lady in the Philippines |
It is among a number of properties belonging to the Marcos family which were sequestered by the Philippine Government when President Marcos was removed from power.
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| Malacañang of the North tour in 2012 |
After 20 years of ownership by the government, the property was eventually given back to the jurisdiction of Ilocos Norte.
Restorations and renovations were commenced by the region's Governor, and in 2011 the property and grounds were opened up to the public as a museum.
THE MANSION
With its sprawling expanse, this imposing mansion is intricately designed and has a mix of Spanish and Ilocano architecture. The result is quite majestic, and one of its finest features is the magnificent view, with the house looking out over well tended gardens and the beautiful Paoay Lake.
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| The windows Malacañang of the North, classic design in the Philippines |
A visit to the Malacañang of the North is a rare opportunity to take a look and experience the life and grandeur of one of the most influential families the Philippines has ever known.
The Marcos family was considered the "royal family" of the Marcos Era and they built many houses and retreats around the country.
THE MARCOSES
Malacañang of the North became their official residence in Ilocos Norte, and indeed, Ferdinand Marcos is probably the region's most famous son. He was the Philippines President between 1965 and 1986. Despite his infamous reputation and government, he was instrumental in helping to shape what the Philippines is today.
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| Tourists inside Malacañang of the North |
Imelda Marcos was a local singer and model in Manila before meeting her husband. She is famously remembered for her collection of more than a thousand pairs of shoes, which came to symbolize her families alleged excesses during their twenty year rule.
While in power, the Marcos administration was accused of large scale authoritarian corruption, political repression, nepotism, and human rights violations, and after the assassination of a primary political opponent, Benigno Aquino, Jr., in 1983, public outrage led to the famous People Power Revolution in February 1986. Marcos was forced from power and he fled, seeking exile in Hawaii.
In my opinion, this place is really good for history junkie. The whole mansion has the Marcos Family memorials - from paintings to its furniture.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN ILOCOS NORTE
Klook.comPAOAY LAKE
Outside the mansion/museum, you will be welcomed by the wide area of Paoay Lake (technically at the back of the house).
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| Paoay Lake as seen from Malacañang of the North |
Historically known as Lago de Nanguyudan, the lake supposedly was the site of a prosperous barangay called San Juan de Sahagún (Saint John of Sahagún) that sank after an earthquake.
This 470-hectare, horseshoe-shaped lake, the largest in the province, was declared as a National Park on June 21, 1969 by virtue of Republic Act No. 5631.
When I visited here last 2012 and 2013 there was an entrance fee of 20 Pesos for the maintenance of the whole place. Souvenirs are for sale here.
ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA
WHERE TO FIND IT ON THE MAP
HOW TO GET TO MALACAÑANG OF THE NORTH
Malacañang of the North is located along the bay area of Paoay Lake in the Municipality of Paoay. There are tricycles you can rent from Laoag for a day tour around Paoay. Or you can book a hassle-free day tour via Klook.
LAOAG CITY can be accessed by the following:
- By Land: Partas, GV Florida Transport, Dominion Bus Lines, Philippine Rabbit and Fariñas Transit have daily trips that will take you directly to Laoag City.
Travel Time: From Manila to Laoag City, 10-12 hours. So, I advise you to have a night trip for this. - By Plane: Take a direct flight from Manila to Laoag via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines.
Travel Time: From Manila to Laoag City is about an hour. Flights are usually at night, so better make the necessary adjustments on your itinerary.
For complete details, visit - LAOAG TRANSPORTATION GUIDE
For airfare and transportation, you may check PISO FARE promos or you can directly compare air, sea and land travel fare and prices here:
- TOP 10 Must-See Sights in Ilocos Norte (Best Tourist Spots!)
- The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City
- Bangui Wind Turbines, the First Wind Farm in the Philippines
- Malacañang of the North and the Marcoses
- Patapat Viaduct - Connecting Ilocos and Cagayan Valley
- 4x4 Adventure at Paoay Sand Dunes
- Saint Augustine Church AKA Paoay Church
- La Virgen Milagrosa Chapel of Badoc
- Blue Lagoon, The Boracay of the North
- Kapurpurawan Rock Formation of Burgos
- Cape Bojeador Lighthouse of Burgos
- Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac
- 10 Ilocano Food That Will Make You Crave For
Have fun, Juan!
WHERE TO GO IN ILOCOS?
IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.
WHERE TO STAY IN ILOCOS NORTE:
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