Best of Ilocos Norte: Malacanang of the North

Overlooking Paoay Lake, its facade truly mimics the image of Malacanang Palace - the President's official home in Manila. After it was built in 1977, it has been  the late President Marcos' home away from Malacanang whenever he's in Ilocos for a visit. This place has been known for the elite parties & exclusive gatherings thrown by the Marcoses for their cronies. 

Malacanang of the North, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Once inside, it definitely made an impression that its sole purpose now is to become a shrine for the Marcos family. There are galleries with photos of the late President Ferdinand Marcos playing golf, a painted portrait of the First Lady Imelda Marcos wearing her signature Baro't Saya, candid family photos and pictures of their children scattered throughout the house. I felt that I entered their family home and they have invited me in this beautiful ancestral house. It didn't even cross my mind when I was visiting the place that once upon a time in our history, this whole family was once sent to exile and hated by many.

Marcos family photos, Malacanang of the North, Ilocos, Philippines

No one can tell whether the Filipinos have fully forgiven the late President. It is still too early to say so. It has only been 26 years when the 1st People Power Revolution happened. I was only 5 at the time so I will be a hypocrite if I tell you that I understand everything that has happened back then. But, no one can deny that the Marcos family remained to be one of the most influential and powerful political voice up to this day. The late President Ferdinand Marcos' son, Bong Bong Marcos is now a Senator, his daughter Imee Marcos is seated as the Governor of Ilocos while the former First Lady and his widow Imelda Marcos is now a Congresswoman.

Speaking of Imelda, she was really a head turner back then as she is now. An epitome of a traditional Filipina woman. Her signature look and promotion of our National Costume, the Baro't Saya, made her a fashion icon in the world of politics in the 70's. 

meeting Imelda Marcos, Malacanang of the North, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Of course, the house highlights Marcos' positive contribution to our country. His infrastructure projects among others. The blueprint for his dream to connect the whole archipelago can be seen plastered in a wall inside the museum together with other memorabilia. I hope that this project will be a reality someday. There are efforts being done now but let's face it, progress has really been very slow. I just hope that I can still travel when that time comes. ^_^ 

Malacanang of the North, Blueprint of Pan-Philippine Highway

I consider this as one of the best places to visit if you're ever in Ilocos Norte. Aside from the having a beautiful view of Paoay lake. It's a chance to learn a thing or two about our former President and how he lived. And perhaps, understand some of the reasons why many Ilocanos still love him.