LAPERAL, NOT THE HAUNTED BAGUIO MANSION

Laperal Mansion is a National Historic Monument located at Arlegui Street inside the Malacañang complex. This residence served as the US Consulate in 1945. In 1946, it was the office of the Department of Foreign Affairs. In 1955, it was the home of the National Library, and by 1966, it was named the Office of the President’s Program Implementation Agency. 

In 1986, when Corazon C. Aquino assumed the presidency, it became the official residence of the president. Instead of Malacañan Palace, Aquino opted to live there to distance herself from the opulence of the ousted Marcos family. And she thought of herself as a “transient,” preferring the more “modest” home. Her practice was continued by President Fidel V. Ramos, who succeeded her in 1992.

Today, the renovated Laperal Mansion functions as the official Presidential Guest House, where foreign government officials and heads of state who come to visit are received. The historic building is situated on a 4,925-square-meter expanse of land and is a blend of neoclassical design with colonial and tropical touches. The neoclassical influence is evident in the clean white facade, balanced by grand pillars, balconies with wrought ironwork detailing, expansive windows and traditional adornments. Inside, there are two sunrooms and three grand state rooms named after Magellan, MacArthur and Rizal. These rooms have high ceilings and polished hardwood flooring.

Pictures of Rizal adorn the walls of the Rizal chamber. Chairs from different periods, around a mahogany table with a chandelier above, a fusion of European and local styles. The Magellan stateroom is painted in earthy, warm tones and the MacArthur dining room features a long wooden table under a crystal chandelier.

The 14 presidential bedrooms were conceived in tribute to former Philippine presidents. Each bedroom is adorned with a portrait of a past president and has its own distinct furnishings, local crafts and elaborate décor created by leading Filipino artists and artisans.

Note that Rodrigo Duterte’s room features plain abaca wallpaper with leather accents that show his toughness and strength. The Ramon Magsaysay room is decorated with cowboy pictures. In the Carlos Garcia room the main element is a chessboard. Chinoiserie is visible on the mirror and headboard in the Cory Aquino room. The walls are draped with hand-woven, piña fabrics. The blue color of the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo chamber is reflective of the waters surrounding the Philippines, since President Arroyo is a diver. The room’s furniture was artisan-made in Pampanga.