President Marcos is quite proud of his administration’s recent accomplishments in refurbishing the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), which will be the venue for the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit next year.
Manila Bulletin
Philippines
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'Back to its old glory': Marcos says of newly-renovated PICC as PH hosts ASEAN
Philippines
National
'Back to its old glory': Marcos says of newly-renovated PICC as PH hosts ASEAN
'Back to its old glory': Marcos says of newly-renovated PICC as PH hosts ASEAN
Published Oct 8, 2025 11:52 am
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Manila Bulletin/PCO/RTVM)
“Thank God that we have the PICC,” he said in an interview with The Manila Bulletin’s “The Sit Down.”
The PICC, built during the time of his father, was reopened last week with the President, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and the President’s mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, in attendance.
In his remarks, the President did not forget to heap praise on his wife, congratulating her for the accomplishments she has done since he assumed office in 2022.
“I hope a lot. I'm going to live off that for as long as I can,” Marcos responded when asked how much his words meant to his wife.
“She just doesn't let go of something. Once she gets hold of something and she decides to do it, she actually gets it done. And she's very effective. She's a smart girl,” he described his wife.
The First Couple leads the reopening of the PICC in Pasay City. Also in the photo is President Marcos' mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos. (Photo from Liza Marcos via Facebook)
Of the PICC, Marcos expressed how “amazed” he was at the progress of the old convention center in the six months that it was under renovation.
“The PICC looked like when we first opened it. It was really shiny and bright, and we were featuring, once again, all of the artwork,” he recalled. “It's back to its old glory. And so, you know, she deserves a (pat on the back.) At the very least.”
In their family, the President is known to find himself in the kitchen every weekend to prepare meals as the First Lady is not very keen on cooking.
Asked what Ilocano dish he likes whipping up for the family, Marcos replied immediately, “Pakbet,” referring to the popular Ilocano dish of mixed vegetables, such as okra, squash, eggplant, and bitter gourd traditionally cooked with shrimp paste.
Even with a brood of three boys, the President shared that he has always treated them as “whole persons” and never once babied them.
“They're very distinct in their personalities. But over the years, we've already developed a way of relating. And each one is very different. But they all crack me up. They all make me laugh a lot,” he said.
Manila Bulletin’s “The Sit Down” is an in-depth interview video podcast that brings audiences closer to the most influential voices in the country and beyond. Episodes can be accessed via The Manila Bulletin's YouTube and Spotify channels.