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Travel Tips

Afternoon visits allow for cooler temperatures. Check for event closures. 1

Check for event schedules as the palace is a popular wedding venue. 2

Check for event schedules that might restrict access. Ideal for afternoon visits. 3

Introduction

History

• 📅 Commissioned: Built in 1978 by First Lady Imelda Marcos.
• 🎉 Purpose: Intended as a guest house for Pope John Paul II's visit in 1981.
• 🚫 Rejection: Pope John Paul II declined to stay due to the opulence amidst poverty.
• 💸 Cost: Construction cost ₱37 million, financed partly by the coconut levy fund.
• 🏛️ Ownership: Owned by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

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Architecture

• 🏗️ Architect: Designed by Francisco Mañosa.
• 🌴 Materials: Made from various parts of the coconut tree, including trunks, shells, and engineered coconut lumber.
• 🏠 Design: Octagonal shape with a roof resembling a traditional Filipino salakot (hat).
• 💡 Features: 101 coconut-shell chandelier, dining table with 40,000 inlaid coconut shells.
• 🛏️ Indigenous Materials: Uses banana fiber (jusi) and pineapple fiber (pina) for sheets and bedspreads.

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Guest Rooms

• 🛏️ Zamboanga Room: George Hamilton's favorite.
• 🗿 Pampanga Room: Features statues made of lahar from Mount Pinatubo.
• 🕌 Marawi Room: Showcases Muslim Mindanao.
• 🌋 Bicol Room: Imelda Marcos' favorite.
• 🏔️ Mountain Province Room: Contains Cordillera tribal artifacts.
• 🏡 Iloilo Room: Represents the Iloilo region.
• 🏖️ Pangasinan Room: Ferdinand Marcos' room.

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Notable Visitors

• 👑 Muammar al-Gaddafi: Libyan strongman.
• 🎬 Brooke Shields: American actress.
• 🎭 George Hamilton: American actor.
• 📺 Featured in TV: Appeared in 'The Amazing Race' and 'Princess Sarah'.
• 🎉 Events: Used for wedding receptions and official functions.

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Current Status

• 🏠 Official Residence: Became the official residence of the Vice President in 2011.
• 🚫 Public Access: Not open to the public as of 2022.
• 📍 Location: Situated in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex.
• 📸 Exterior Viewing: Visitors can still view the exterior of the palace.
• 🌅 Sunset Views: Recommended to visit during late afternoon for sunset views.

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Travel Information
📍   Address: F. Ma Guerrero St, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

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