This is the fourth part of the series that features the Presidential Museum and Library within the Malacañan Palace grounds. This entry highlights the Main Hall.
For related entries, please read Presidential Museum and Library, Part I, Presidential Museum and Library, Part II, Presidential Museum and Library, Part III, and Presidential Museum and Library, Part V.
The Main Hall
The Main Hall at the central part of the second floor of Kalayaan Hall was the site of the guest bedrooms when the building was first constructed in 1920, and was then transformed into offices to accommodate the growing bureaucracy during the early years of the Philippine Commonwealth. In 1968, upon the directives of President and Mrs. Imelda Marcos, the area was cleared and converted into a ceremonial hall named Maharlika Hall, where state dinners and large assemblies were held. In 1972, it was temporarily used as an evacuation center for the victims of a typhoon that damaged a large part of Central Luzon. The hall resumed its former function as the location of various offices when the construction of the larger Ceremonial Hall in the Palace was finished in 1979.
The Main Hall features the memorabilia of the Philippine presidents who mapped the country’s course, led the people in facing and overcoming challenges, and ensured the stability of the nation for succeeding generations.
The answer is no. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ extravagant shoe collection is not in Kalayaan Hall. It is in Marikina Shoe Museum.
This entry does not include photos of Presidents Corazon Aquino and Benigno Aquino III; they will be in the next and last part of this series.
I was not able to take photos of the memorabilia of other presidents because I was pressed for time or I was taking down notes.
This chandelier with Capiz shells was redesigned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos. This chandelier, together with several sister chandeliers, illuminated the main hall of Kalayaan Hall.
Las Nereidas by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, was conserved and restored by the National Museum, Union Fenosa and Cooperación Española.
The East Gallery was filled with presidential memorabilia, which included the busts of Philippine presidents
Memorabilia of President Manuel Quezon
Portrait of President Ramon Magsaysay. His statue stands in the entrance of Kalayaan Hall for he was the first president to open the gates of Malacañan to the masses.
Part of President Ramon Magsaysay’s inaugural address states that, “the office of the President is the highest in the land. It can be the humblest also, if we regard it – as we must – in the light of basic democratic principles. The first of these principles is the declaration of the Constitution that “sovereignty resides in the people and all the government authority emanates from them.” This simply means that all of us in public office are but servants of the people…. I will render – and demand – uncompromising loyalty to the basic tenet of our Constitution; that you, the people are sovereign. The rule of government must be service to you.”
President Ramon Magsaysay on the cover of Time Magazine. Rommel, our tour guide, said that Pres. Magsaysay is the tallest Philippine president at almost 6 feet. I did not verify this, but I believe Rommel.
Part of President Diosdado Macapagal’s inaugural address states that, “it is incorrect to say that we are out to solve all the problems of the nation. No president can do that. Nation-building is an exacting and endless endeavor. No president can build the whole edifice of a nation. All that he is called upon to do is to add a fine stone to that edifice, so that those who shall come after him may add other fine stones that will go for a strong and enduring structure …” It continues, “I, whom the sovereign will in a democracy has chosen as the means for the exhibition of the reality of its virtue of offering equal opportunity to the rich and the poor alike, am now called upon to prove that such a gift of opportunity to our humble citizenry shall not be in vain…”
The balcony in Kalayaan Hall where the Marcos family was last seen by the public before they fled to Hawaii.
The balcony where the Marcos family had their last public appearance in Malacañan grounds and the actual photo of that moment.
The map of Camp Crame and Environs as drawn by General Fabian Ver (okay, not really him, but he dictated it and one of his staff drew it)
During the People Power Revolution of 1986, President Ferdinand Marcos was regularly updated on the size and location of the rebel troops. The blackboard was used by General Fabian Ver, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to show President Marcos the number of personnel and weapons of the Enrile-Ramos forces in Camp Crame.
Portrait of President Fidel Ramos and part of his Inaugural Address. His inauguration happened in Quirino Grandstand, City of Manila on 30 June, 1992.
Part of the inaugural address of President Fidel Ramos states, “can we accomplish all we need to do within six ears? Yes, we can. We can lay the ground for self-sustaining growth and more. But we can win the future only if we are united in purpose and in will. The Filipino State has historically required extraordinarily little of its citizens. As individuals, we Filipinos acknowledge few obligations to the national community. Yet, if we are to develop, citizenship must begin to count more than ties of blood and kinship. Only with civic commitment does development become possible a democratic society.
Some of President Fidel Ramos’ memorabilia. President Ramos is a known tabacco smoker and an avid golfer.
President Ramos also wore a lot of caps when he played golf and during his public appearances (not formal occasions)
President Gloria Arroyo’s Oath of Office. It was signed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr.
The Oath of Office states that, “I, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as President of the Philippines, preserve and defend its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man, and consecrate myself to the service of the Nation. SO HELP ME GOD.”
The Presidential Museum and Library is open to the public.
Nine thing to remember before visiting the Presidential Museum and Library:
Museum Schedule
Monday to Friday, except on public holidays. Tours are at
9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm.
Reservation Form
Accomplish the form at least three (3) working days before the preferred date of tour, but this is subject to the availability of the selected time slot.
For Foreign Nationals
Photocopies of your passports’ signature page and date page must be sent via email to the museum.
Reference Number
If the form is filled out properly, you will receive an email with a reference number.
For Confirmation
Please call the office TWICE: the first time is to set the date of the tour, and the second is to confirm if you will be allowed in the premises.
Guest List
Those not included in the guest list will not be allowed on the Palace grounds. Please bring a valid ID card for verification.
Do not be late!
Groups that are late by more than 30 minutes beyond their schedule tour will not be entertained.
Dress Code
Visitors at the Museum are advised to adhere to a smart casual dress code. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and slippers are not allowed.
Bring a camera!
Photography is allowed inside the museum, but a group may bring only one camera. Do not use flash photography!
For inquiries and reservations, you may reach Presidential Museum and Library at the following
(Malacañang Museum) Presidential Museum and Library Address:
Presidential Museum and Library, Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace, JP Laurel St., San Miguel Manila, 1000
(Malacañang Museum) Presidential Museum and Library Contact Numbers:
(632) 784 – 4286 local 4649 or 4945
(Malacañang Museum) Presidential Museum and Library Email Addresses:
pml@malacanang.gov.ph and malacanangmuseum@gmail.com
(Malacañang Museum) Presidential Museum and Library Website: