We visited Malacanang of the North which served as the vacation house of the Marcos family before. It’s a huge residence and appears frozen in time, since our guide, Kuya Bernard says that everything (e.g. the bed covers, the curtains) were left as they were before.
We went to see the different rooms, from the guest rooms to the individual rooms. President Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos had their own separate rooms. What struck me most as we went around was how big the bathroom of Mrs. Marcos was. It was so big, it’s probably more spacious than a studio in residential condo buildings that developers sell these days.
The house has a view overlooking Paoay Lake and it was relaxing to stay at the terrace. Kuya Bernard told us the story of Paoay Lake being a cursed lake though as it takes the life of someone every year. He also shared with us the old tale/legend that there used to be two baranggays (communities) where Paoay Lake is now. The families who lived in the area were rich but were not kind. As punishment, the baranggays were covered in water, the families drowned, and from there, Paoay Lake appeared.
When in Ilocos Norte, do visit Malacanang of the North for a piece of Philippine history and to hear stuff that legends are made of.
Malacanang of the North or Malacanan Ti-Amianan, is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9am to 4:30pm. It is located in Barrio Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Entrance fee is at P20.00 for adults and P10.00 for kids.
Coming soon: Ilocos Norte Tour – Museo Ilocos Norte, Marcos Museum, St. Monica Parish in Sarrat