Situated along the Pasig River, the Malacañang Palace, where the seat of executive power lies, has taken a special place in the nation’s history and heritage. Originally built in 1750 as the private summerhouse of a Spanish aristocrat, Don Luis Rocha, the palace became the official residence of the Filipino presidents after the country gained full independence in the 1940s, according to Britannica.com. Today, the landmark still stands and continues to witness the unfolding of current events that shape our country’s development.

Connected to the heritage and glory of the palace, there are five Malacañang heritage mansions worth rediscovering their rich history and cultural significance during this National Heritage Month.

Within the historic grounds of Malacañang Palace lies Bahay Ugnayan, a fully-restored heritage mansion that chronicles the life and journey of the nation’s 17th president, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The museum features the historical timeline of key events in President Marcos' life, beginning with his birth, his education, and his early foray into politics.

From accounts of his personal experiences and political milestones, the exhibit offers a unique window to his life culminating in his historic victory as the country’s 17th president.

On April 30, 1929, Doña Sabina Sioco y Rodriguez Viuda de Escaler transferred the property at 1570 Arlegui Street to her son-in-law, Rafael Fernandez y Santos, and thereafter, the construction of the house began. Later in the same year, the mansion won an award for the most beautiful house.

On November 6, 1929, Rafael Fernandez mortgaged the property to Roberto Laperal and his wife Victorina Guison de Laperal, in return for a loan and lost. Later, the property was acquired by the Laperals after it was sold to them by the sheriff in a public auction.

In February 1945, during the Japanese withdrawal to Baguio, the home was used as the Consulate of the United States. A year later, the mansion becomes the office of the newly established Department of Foreign Affairs post-Philippine independence. In the 50s, the property was occupied by the National Library, while in the 60s, the Program Implementation Agency of the Office of the President held office at the mansion.

The mansion served as the official residence of President Corazon C. Aquino from 1986-1992, and President Fidel V. Ramos from 1992-1998.

Located at Arlegui Street in Manila, the historic Laperal Mansion now stands as a 19th-century mansion that serves as a Presidential Guest House for hosting foreign dignitaries. The residence is an architectural gem that also symbolizes diplomatic hospitality.

Meticulously restored by the Philippine government, the mansion is a showcase of classic European architecture and tropical-infused Philippine touches. Its grand columns and intricate wrought ironwork are reminiscent of 19th-century opulence, while the expansive verandas, large windows, and swimming pool seamlessly integrate the country’s tropical nature.

The Goldenberg Mansion was built by a Spanish merchant, the Eugsters, and was later acquired by Jose Moreno Lacalle, a lawyer and writer from Granada, Spain.

Between 1897 and 1898, the mansion was leased to the Spanish navy, as the residence of its commanding officer, Admiral Patricio Montojo.

Following the Spanish surrender, the mansion became the residence of Battalion Commander Arthur McArthur. When McArthur became Governor-General in 1900, he moved to Malacañang Palace.

In 1903, the mansion was repurposed as the Philippine Exposition's office for the St. Louis International Exposition in Missouri.

In 1915, the property was sold to Ricardo Esteban Baretto, whose family founded the San Miguel Brewery. And in 1950, the mansion was acquired by Michael Goldberg, a French-Jewish businessman.

After his passing, the mansion was sold three years later to First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, who converted the property into a guest house. Since then, the Goldberg Mansion has hosted several dignitaries.

The Teus Mansion, named after Valentine Teus Yrissari, a native of Navarra, Spain, who arrived in the Philippines in 1847, stands as a symbol of his success in the sugar and shipping industries. He also founded Tanduay Distilleries, Inc.

In 1871, he became Alcalde Primero of the Ayuntamiento de Manila. He remarried Dolores Menendez Valdes de Cornella and, in a grand gesture, gifted his wife a new residence in Manila at the corner of General Solano Street, later known as the Teus Mansion.

Don Valentine passed away in 1909, and Concepcion, his eldest daughter, inherited the mansion. In 1974, Concepcion sold the mansion to the First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos.

Restored by British designer Ronnie Laing and antique dealer Viring de Asis in 1975, the mansion served as a guest house for visiting dignitaries of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr.

Originally built as the summer headquarters for American Governors-General, the Baguio Mansion House became the official summer residence of the Presidents of the Philippines during the Commonwealth period.

Located on the eastern side of Baguio City, the mansion then served as a venue for significant events, such as the special sessions of the Second Philippine Legislature, as a temporary residence for the first American High Commissioner, Frank Murphy, and as a refuge for President Jose P. Laurel during the liberation.

Damaged during World War II, the mansion was renovated and then hosted events for the United Nations and the Baguio Conference of 1950.

Since then, presidents have stayed at the mansion as a summer retreat. On January 16, 2009, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines recognized the Baguio Mansion House as a National Historical Landmark.

On September 8, 2024, the Baguio Mansion House reopened as a Presidential Museum.