The Tantoco-Rustia Foundation proudly launched the second edition of Philippine First Ladies’ Portraits, a landmark coffee-table book written by Jose Rodriguez featuring artworks by Lulu “Cocing” Rodriguez on Thursday, 6 November 2025. The event began at 4:30 p.m. with guided tours at the historic Teus Mansion, followed by cocktails at the majestic Goldenberg Mansion.

The Philippine First Ladies’ Portraits are artworks exhibited in the permanent collection of the Presidential Museum, at Teus Mansion. The estate is named after Valentin Teus, a Basque immigrant who arrived in the Philippines in 1847 and later founded Tanduay Distillers. The mansion now serves as a repository of presidential memorabilia and rare portraits, showcasing the private and public lives of the country’s seventeen presidents.

First launched in 2003 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel by the Tantoco-Rustia Foundation, the Philippine First Ladies’ Portraits coffee-table book’s second edition arrives with new material and updated provenance—celebrating the legacies of our nation’s First Ladies—women who have shaped our country’s social and cultural fabric through their grace, compassion, and service. The volume is a beautiful continuation of the inspiring series of portraits painted by renowned artist Lulu “Cocing” Rodriguez. The artistic portrayals are accompanied by essays that provide a historical background of each First Lady’s significant contributions to the Philippines.

To further honor the nation’s First Ladies, their descendants were invited for cocktails at the historic Goldenberg Mansion. Built in the 1800s by the Eugster family, it was eponymously acquired in 1950 by cosmetics magnate Michael Goldenberg. Today, it serves as an integral part of the Malacañang Heritage Mansions, having undergone meticulous and extensive renovations. Its addition of a contemporary glass house has made it a premier venue for cultural events, artistic showcases, and exclusive private functions—such as this evening’s festivities.

The rarity in hosting multiple descendants from our nation’s First Families under one roof only increased the significance of this momentous occasion— offering a poignant reminder of the personal and familial legacies intertwined in our history as a republic. Their invaluable presence underscored the book’s mission to preserve not only the public or political image of the First Ladies, but the intimate human connections behind each portrait—illuminating their everlasting dedication to leadership, service, and tradition across generations.

In attendance were Anton T. Huang of the Tantoco-Rustia Foundation, author Jose Rodriguez and portraitist Lulu “Cocing” Rodriguez. They were joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, former First Ladies and notable descendants of past First Families. Everyone joyfully exchanged private anecdotes and enthusiastically engaged in photo opportunities with the evening’s special guests—in commemoration of this special cultural milestone in Philippine history.