🏛️ Malacañang of the North: Marcos Mansion with a View of Paoay Lake

🏡 A Mansion Built for Power—and Legacy

Tucked away on a five-hectare property with a breathtaking view of Paoay Lake, the Malacañang of the North is a striking reminder of the extravagant lifestyle once lived by the Marcos family. Originally an official residence of President Ferdinand Marcos, the mansion was a lavish birthday gift from Imelda Marcos to her husband on his 60th birthday.

Today, it serves as a Marcos Memorabilia Museum and is one of Ilocos Norte’s most visited historical sites.

---

🪟 Inside the Presidential Mansion

This two-story house is both spacious and majestic—with expansive living areas, seven bedrooms, and an open terrace that offers panoramic views of the lake.

🏛️ Ground Floor

• Grand living room with vintage furniture
• Large dining area set for state-level entertaining
• Artifacts and displays showcasing the family's opulence

What immediately caught my eye was the impressive staircase—whether original or restored, it gives off an old-world grandeur that sets the tone for the rest of the visit.

🛏️ Second Floor

• Another wide living area
• Several bedrooms (not all accessible during busy hours)
• Dress displays, portraits, and personal furnishings

The crowd during our visit was a mix of curious tourists and locals. The popularity of the site reflects the deep public interest in the Marcos legacy—both admired and critiqued.

---

🏺 From Presidential Property to Public Museum

After President Marcos was ousted in 1986, the mansion was seized as part of the family's assets. Years later, it was turned over to the Ilocos Norte provincial government, which restored and reopened it as a museum showcasing the Marcos era’s material splendor.

From elegant dining sets to ceremonial outfits, the museum offers an immersive look into the lifestyle of the country’s most controversial political family.

---

🌅 Imagine Waking Up to This...

With a view like this, it’s no wonder the house was once a symbol of power and prestige. It’s hard not to stop and think: How did one family live in such luxury while many Filipinos had so little?

That contrast is part of what makes a visit here both visually stunning and emotionally complex.

---

💡 Travel Tips for Malacañang of the North

🕰️ Visit early afternoon – It's quieter and the lighting on the lake is gorgeous.
📸 Bring your wide lens – Perfect for capturing the lakeside terrace and interiors.
🌳 Don’t be fooled by the trees – The mansion isn’t visible from the road, but it’s a short walk from the parking area.
💬 Ask the guides – They often share fascinating context about what’s displayed.

📍 Location: Paoay, Ilocos Norte
🕘 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Entrance Fee: ₱20 (Discounts may apply)
🚶‍♀️ Walk Time from Parking: ~5 minutes