Laperal Mansion, the official presidential guest house for diplomats

Laperal Mansion facade.

As part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s commitment to treasuring and preserving the country’s history while strengthening the diplomatic ties, a guided tour of the nation’s most historic homes was recently organized for ambassadors assigned to the Philippines. The tour was a showcase of Filipino culture and is a part of the ongoing efforts of the President to restore and preserve Philippine heritage sites.   

FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos exchanging pleasantries with H.E. Charles John Brown III (Holy See).

Diplomats were welcomed at the Goldenberg Mansion, a former presidential guest house and led next door to the Teus Mansion, a 19th-century home that currently houses the Presidential Museum. Ambassadors walked through exhibits that charted the evolution of Philippine leadership — including their triumphs and pitfalls. Teus, a home with a past as colorful as its facade, now serves as a treasure trove of priceless pieces of Philippine history.

(Top row, from left) Ambassador Juha Markus Pyykkoe (Finland) and Ambassador Marat Pavlov (Russia). (Third row, from left) Ambassador Marie Fontanel (France) and Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol (Türkiye). (Second row, from left) Ambassador Huang Xilian (China) and Ambassador Alvaro Domingo Jara Bucarey (Chile). (Bottom row, from left) Social Secretary Bianca Cristina Zobel, Elizabeth Eder Zobel de Ayala, Ambassador Saleh As’ad Saleh Mohammad (Palestine), Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez and Undersecretary Reichel Quiñones.

The tour continued to Bahay Ugnayan, a home that holds the current president’s “Road to Malacañang,” a fascinating insight into his milestones leading up to his return to the palace.

All three historic homes have been restored as museums, and are open to the public, free of charge.

The highlight of the tour was a surprise visit to the newly restored Laperal Mansion, the crown jewel of the group of residences.

(FROM left): Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu (Australia), Ambassador RadutaţDana Matache (Romania), Ambassador Chanaka Harsha Talpahewa (Sri Lanka), Ambassador Laure Nicole Stephanie Beaufils (UK), Undersecretary. Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Ambassador MaryKay Carlson (USA), Ambassador Miguel Utray Delgado (Spain), Ambassador Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al-Homidi (Qatar), Ambassador Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi (UAE) and Deputy Social Secretary Bernardina Lourdes Tantoco.

Located in Arlegui Street adjacent to Malacañang Palace, the elegant European mansion is infused with tropical touches and features 14 meticulously designed bedrooms and two sun rooms named in honor of past presidents, all of which were done by the country’s very best artisans and designers.

(Top, from left): Atty. Junalyn Gift So, Karen Santos, H.E. Charles John Brown III (Holy See) and Bettina Araneta-Aboitiz. (Bottom, from left): Ambassador Sonexay Vannaxay (Lao PDR), Ambassador Marco Clemente (Italy), Ambassador Peter Francis Tavita Kell (New Zealand), Ambassador Marciano Octavio Garcia da Silva (Timor-Leste) and Ambassador Phan Peuv (Cambodia).

The home also has three state rooms, named as homage to three figures who are cornerstones of Philippine history: Magellan, MacArthur and Rizal. This collaborative effort has resulted in a revival of heritage, a showcase of local talent, and a celebration of foreign diplomacy.

‘rizal.’
‘MAGELLAN.’
‘AGUINALDO.’

The Laperal Mansion is set to serve as the official Presidential Guest House for foreign heads of state or government. This establishment embodies the Filipino’s brand of hospitality and the President’s intent to strengthen and expand the Philippines’ relations with its partners in the international community.