Off The Bucket List: Enjoy unique cultural experiences at Palacio de Memoria

The scenic Roxas Boulevard running along the shores of Manila Bay in Metro Manila is packed with stories of the past. Not just for the wonderful sunsets, it’s the same ground holding the 109-year-old Manila Hotel and iconic 58-hectare Luneta Park. A place where the old world meets the new, Roxas Boulevard takes pride in being among notable seaside thoroughfares.

Along its extension is Tambo, Parañaque where one can find a three-hectare property, Palacio de Memoria’s heritage home showcases the old world’s culture and lifestyle. The seven-storey pre-war central home is open to visitors who wish to indulge in their passions or simply want to spend a day of art appreciation, without having to leave the comforts of the city.

A tour through its floors will make one witness and enjoy decades-worth of antique beauty, a surprising place in the middle of urban thrills.

The Palacio

The heritage home known simply as The Palacio is the main highlight of Palacio grounds. Across its seven floors, visitors can take in the beauty of fine art from different eras through paintings, furniture, and trinkets that decorate its halls.

The Palacio houses multiple ballrooms, dining, and function rooms, such as the fancy Los Tamaraos Ballroom attributed to Juan Luna, featuring original neoclassical arches and columns, and art deco terrazzo floor depicting Filipino folk scenes. There’s also the Ambassador’s Dining Hall on the first floor, the Villaroman Function Room on the second, and the Bunker Bar on the sixth, which can be rented out for events like weddings, birthdays, and other intimate, themed gatherings.

Casa de Memoria, Rue Angelique, and Vidro

For art lovers and antique collectors, the third and fourth levels of The Palacio house various treasures and artifacts from the Philippines, Europe, and other parts of the world.

On the third floor, auction house Casa de Memoria showcases a cornucopia of artifacts from Europe that capture the rich heritage of old-world Manila. Meanwhile, the fourth level of The Palacio is also filled with treasures from around the world courtesy of Paranaque-based specialty shops Rue Angelique, as well as handcrafted pieces from local glassware maker Vidro.

Visitors can admire and even own treasured artworks as some of the pieces on display are up for sale or auction.

The Mosphil Lounge Tour

Inspired by swinging ‘60s and ‘70s, experience what it’s like to unwind in funky town Manila inside a converted passenger plane.

The Lounge Mosphil inside the Palacio complex is originally an aircraft owned and operated by Mosphil Aero, a local airline based in Makati. The lounge is curated with vintage mid-century modern furniture and curios tucked in a decommissioned Antonov 24 B Russian aircraft that has been retrofitted for ground display. Palacio goers can take advantage of the Instagram-worthy interiors showcasing a luxurious jazz-lounge-inspired look that feels just as fun and vibrant as the decade it represents.

Palacio de Memoria Museum

Home to restored paintings and age-old artifacts, the Palacio de Memoria Museum is a capsule presentation of historic Catholic paintings, icons, and artifacts. Dive into this well-curated exhibit that shows how one of the most important contributions of Spanish colonization to Philippine culture allowed us to connect with the rest of the world.

Nature visits at El Jardin de la Fuente and El Jardin de Dewey

The Palacio complex holds spacious front and back gardens that are also open for outdoor events use.

The front garden also known as El Jardin de la Fuente is a beautiful tree-lined garden marked by an elegant fountain at the center, statues of the Four Graces, a covered table setting, and a full view of the central home’s glorious facade.

At the rear side of the Palacio is the back garden also known as El Jardin de Dewey, offers an expansive manicured lawn that is perfect for al-fresco dining, cocktails for brand activations, events, or a garden wedding venue. It’s named after the legendary American admiral George Dewey who is best known for his victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish–American War, and for whom Roxas Boulevard was also originally named after.

Palacio de Memoria also houses The Loggia, a fine dining restaurant that specializes in Italian-Filipino cuisine conceptualized by the 2016 Asia’s Best Female Chef Margarita Forés. The Loggia is Palacio de Memoria’s resident food provider for its own events, such as the October European Flea Market and the evening soiree Tertulia de Memoria made in partnership with Smart Infinity.

Interested fair goers and those who wish to make the prime grounds of Palacio a part of their special celebrations, may inquire and book a tour or event by visiting their website and following Palacio de Memoria on Facebook to see the latest updated schedule of activities.