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As the official residence of the President of the Philippines, Malacañan Palace is a symbol of national pride. It serves as the setting of many historic visits, milestones, intimate gatherings and State Dinners. In its dual function as official residence and seat of government, Malacañan Palace has offered visitors a unique insight into Philippine culture for over a century. From intricate displays of art and artistry, delicate interpretations of national cuisine, to Malacañan’s current style of receiving visitors, the Palace continues to reflect Philippine pride and hospitality.
Each eminent leader who has taken up official residence at Malacañan—Spanish and American Governors-General and fourteen Presidents of the Philippines—has wielded the incalculable influence of Malacañan’s hospitality in processing diplomatic causes and forging business or cultural relations. The preparations for each and every event are guided by diplomatic and local traditions. Every State Dinner, luncheon or Vin d’ Honneur is a dynamic exchange of identity, culture and ideas—a path to mutual understanding and goodwill.
Malacañan Palace was a summer home originally built by Spanish aristocrat Don Luis Rocha and later sold to the colonial government of Spain.
In those times, Governors-General resided at the Palacio del Gobernador in the walled city of Intramuros, Manila. It was only after an earthquake in 1863 leveled the Palacio del Gobernador that Malacañan Palace was designated as the residence of the Governor-General.
Following the victory of the US during the Spanish-American war, the American Governors-General continued to use Malacañan Palace as their official residence.
Upon the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines in 1935, the complex reverted to the President of the Philippines, and President Manuel Quezon became the first Filipino resident of Malacañan Palace. It has been the official residence of the President of the Philippines since.
