Malacanang of the North of Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Malacanang of the North also known as Malacañang ti Amianan, as the locals call it, is a 5-hectare property situated in Brgy. Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. It is considered as one of the important landmark in the province of Ilocos as this has been the official residence/rest house of the late President Ferdinand Marcos and his family whenever they are in Ilocos. It's no acquaintance that the said foremer president is a famous son of Ilocos Norte as he was born and raised in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

The 2-storey mansion was said to be given to former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos by her wife and first lady then, Imelda Marcos, as a gift for his 60th birthday. This has been an extension for the office of the president and alternative venue to welcome local and foreign dignitaries.

How did we get there?
The hotel we stayed-in offers a complete Ilocandia tour (Ilocos Norte and Sur). As for our group of 5, we paid 2,990 pesos/pax (price varies depends on the number of head count) which includes a private aircon van transportation to Laoag-Vigan-Pagudpud, a hotel accommodation for 2 days and 2 nights, a daily set of breakfast, entrance fees, toll fees, driver's meal, and as well as airport transfers. Airfare is not included. Oops, before I forgot, the name of the hotel is UKL Ever Hotel and it is located in Laoag City. It is also 15 minutes away from the airport.

Moving forward, Malacanang of the North has been taken away from the Marcoses and put in the care of the government when the Marcos Regime ended. After 2 decades in the care of the government, the place was then given to the hands of the Provincial Government of Ilocos, Norte. And in January 2011, it has been converted into a museum which is open to view by the public.

It was designed in a Spanish and Old Ilocano architecture. The whole mansion is decorated by antique furniture and interesting art pieces. The grand look of Malacañang ti Amianan only reflects the luxurious life of the Marcos family during that era. The first floor holds the rooms of the Marcos' children. I am really impress how simple yet elegant the rooms and furniture in the mansion. I even imagine having a room like Bong Bong Marcos (the only son of Ferdinand Marcos) had.

The room of Senator Bong Bong Marcos

Another room on the first floor

The biggest room on the first floor has been converted into a museum. They divided it into three parts - the Diplomacy Gallery, the National Building Gallery and the Agriculture Room. The Diplomacy Gallery reflects the office or working area of President Marcos. It also holds some of the books owned by the president as well as books that talks about the life of the late president. The National Building Gallery features all the projects that have built during the Marcos government. I salute Ferdinand Marcos for all the structures he had accomplished during his presidency. He even connected the Major Islands of the Philippines with his projects. Just Wow. The next room is the Agriculture Room. It tells how rich the agriculture were during Pres. Marcos' time. Items used in agriculture are displayed in here with brief descriptions.

The Diplomacy Gallery

Books about the late President Ferdinand Marcos

The National Building Gallery

Zamboanga International Airport - One of the many projects of Pres. Marcos

The Agriculture Room

Let me now tour you on the second floor. Just like the first floor, expect more antique furniture on the second floor. I recommend you to visit the veranda where you can have a full view of the Paoay Lake. It is also where the master's bedroom is located. The size of the room is I believe too big for the couple but again, he's the president. There is also a room which features the life of Mrs. Marcos back then. I never thought that the former first lady was stunningly beautiful. She was a beauty queen during her days. Aside from that, you can also find vintage gadgets on that room.

I don't know if its antique but it looks old yet classy

I love this part of the room

I'm not sure whose collection these are

Another set of furniture on the floor

The Master's bedroom

One of the vintage gadget displayed in the room/gallery

It was a big privileged to see the former house of the Marcoses and have a glimpse on their life during their regime. If you are planning to visit Malacanang of the North, it is open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00am to 4:00pm. There's also a P20 entrance fee.