The Malacañang of the North - Ilocos Norte

Another place you shouldn't miss visiting in Paoay, Ilocos Norte is the Malacañang of the North. It is a National Park and a presidential museum built in 1977 by the Philippine Tourism authority. The mansion was a gift of Former First Lady Imelda Marcos to her late husband Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. The property measures 5 hectares with overlooking Paoay Lake.

There were many trees and plants surrounding the mansion. It feels refreshing and peaceful. This was the first time I visited and toured inside a mansion. At that time, the only thing I knew of Marcos was he declared Martial Law. It was interesting to see one of their houses which may have a lot of stories to tell. 

At the entrance, you will be asked to pay a minimal fee to help the caretakers maintain the place. The interior is minimalist. It's old but classy.

They have a wide wooden staircase going to the 2nd floor. The floors were made of hardwood, and there were a lot of chairs and tables upstairs. 

Most of the furniture was antiques. The windows are made of capiz. There are 9 big bedrooms that I've never seen before. You will see some of the belongings of the former first lady in some of the rooms. I remember a black and green Filipiniana dress displayed in one of the rooms.

My favourite part of the mansion was the veranda at the back where you can see the peaceful Paoay Lake. 

This is a perfect place to hold any event. 

The Malacañang of the North is located in Brgy. Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. You should definitely include this in your destination. The palace is open all year round every Tuesdays to Sundays between 9 AM and 4:30 PM.