The Malacañang Museum

When I was in grade school, one of the itinerary of our field trip was the Malacañang Palace but it was cancelled at the last minute. I thought it was forbidden to visit the palace without any official purpose. But did you know that you could visit the historical Malacañang Palace on your own? Yes you can and but you have to schedule your visit at least 7 days before the intended date of visit.
However, it would depend if the President would have some visitors that will use the museum. The museum can still be used as a conference area for special events. So if ever the President have some visitors, you will be notified that your visit will be rescheduled on a later day or probably week.

When you arrived there, the checkpoint guards will ask your purpose to the vicinity of Malacañang, leave an I.D. and proceed to the museum gates. You could park your car at the designated parking area which is far from the museum.

The palace guards will check the names listed and on who are scheduled for the day. So be sure to include the names of every person that will accompany you. In the event that the person that was supposed to be with you cannot come on that day, you can substitute other people that you know or related to you who is present on that day. Just tell them that they are the substitute person for a certain person.

After that you will be checked for your belongings at the holding area including your cameras. Stickers will be placed on your camera straps. I think video cameras are not allowed and you couldn't take a picture of the palace gates for security purposes. You could also buy souvenir items like wall clocks, caps and t-shirts with an Office of the President logo. The t-shirt costs PHP 150.

There's a tour guide assigned for every group who visits the place. They will educate you about the history of the room and even the details of the wood carvings and furnitures inside. The tour will last at least 2 hours or less depending on the groups pace. When you reach the library at the second floor, you'll be ask to pay PHP 50 for each person and PHP 30 for students and senior citizens. This serves as the museum entrance fee.

The Malacañang Museum do have a very interesting past, culture, history and artifacts. Even the clothes and things of the past to the present presidents could be found here. Gifts, photographs, paintings, statues, sculptures and memorabilias that was a proof of the Philippines rich history are also displayed there.

To schedule a visit, you may write or fax:
The Director
Malacañang Museum
Kalayaan Hall
Malacañang, Manila
Tel: 63-2 7844286 Loc. 4662, 4671
Fax: 63-2 7844286 Loc. 4722

*Include the full names and nationalities (for foreign nationals, passport details must be included) of all people included in the visit, as well as the desired date and time of the visit and contact information. c",)