There may be no need to book an appointment to get a glimpse inside Malacañang.
Here's a chance to take an inside look of the historic Palace with Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar's mini virtual tour.
Moonlighting as a tour guide of sorts, Andanar shot short video clips of the seat of government power before attending a Cabinet meeting early this month. The mini walking tour of the Palace has been shared on Andanar's Instagram page.
Andanar first took his Instagram viewers around the sprawling garden of Malacañang before taking them ultimately to the the interior of the Palace.
His first video clip showed the enchanting Palace fountain and the more than a century-old balete tree illuminated at night. The massive tree, declared a heritage tree back in 2011, is widely believed to be the residence of supernatural beings as inscribed on its commemorative marker.
"The Malacañan Palace gardeners and fountain technicians have done an excellent job maintaining this historic frontyard. Video taken before the 53rd Cabinet Meeting. #mediaman," Andanar captioned the video posted on March 3.
Next on the Andanar mini tour is the grand staircase leading to the Reception Hall of the Palace. The massive hall is adorned with three huge Czechoslovakian chandeliers with two facing balconies. The official portraits of all the Philippine presidents are also placed on the walls of the majestic hall.
A photo of President Duterte's official portrait is also posted on Andanar's Instagram feed. "Staircase to the Aguinaldo State Dining Hall, Rizal Ceremonial Hall and offices inside Malacañan Palace. Video and Photos taken before the 53rd Cabinet Meeting," the Palace official wrote on Instagram on March 4.
Malacañang was originally built in 1750 as a weekend house before the property was sold to the government around 1825. Officially called Malacañan Palace, the official residence of the country’s president has been rebuilt and expanded by the government over the years.
Like his predecessor, President Duterte does not live inside the Palace. He prefers to reside in Bahay Pagbabago, the rest house located within the compound of Malacañang Park that is located across the back of the main Palace building, on the other side of the Pasig River. He returns to his home city of Davao every weekend to be with his family.