What can visitors expect from the Presidential Museum?
A glimpse into what lies within Bahay Ugnayan
By Poch Eulalia
Published May 22, 2026 10:18 pm
At A Glance
- Among the sea of Uniteam memorabilia and pro-Marcos displays, one unassuming piece of history stands out among the rest.
STEP INTO HISTORY Bahay Ugnayan was originally built in the 1880s and was recently restored to serve as the Presidential Museum (Photos: Poch Eulalia | Manila Bulletin Lifestyle)
History is best viewed through museums, and this one museum certainly paints an interesting picture, given recent political events.
Bahay Ugnayan acts as our first stop for our tour of the Malacañang Heritage Museums. Within it lies the Presidential Museum. Here you’ll find a collection of campaign materials and Martial Law-era memorabilia on display. Upon entry, you’ll find two portraits of the Marcos family ascending the Malacañan Grand Staircase. One of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and his family, showing a young Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Imee Marcos to his side. Next to it, the photo of the current First Family is seen at the very same stairs.
ROAD TO PRESIDENCY Much of the memorabilia on display show key moments from President Marcos Jr.'s path to the presidency
WHAT ONCE WAS Campaign materials from the 2022 presidential election are prominently on display
STAMP ME UP A museum passport helps keep track of the heritage museums you've visited
FIRST FAMILIES Photographs of the Marcos families show them ascending the Malacañan Grand Staircase
Once we made our way upstairs, we found entire collections of materials from the 2022 election campaign period. According to our guide, the Presidential Museum acts as an archive for our President’s formative years and key moments, showcasing the path that led to his presidency. Some date as far back as the Martial Law era, giving a glimpse of keepsakes from his father’s days in power. There are detailed entries regarding how his Uniteam tandem with Vice President Sara Duterte came to be, as well as his electoral protest against former Vice President Leni Robredo after losing to her during the 2016 presidential elections.
PEOPLE POWER A yellow ribbon tied to a barbed wire acts as a reminder of the peaceful EDSA Revolution
HISTORY ON PRINT A 'Bulletin Today' clipping shows visitors a glimpse of what the country was like once Martial Law came to an end
Among the sea of Uniteam memorabilia and pro-Marcos displays, one unassuming piece of history stands out among the rest. A barbed wire, tied with a yellow ribbon, meant to symbolize the very movement that led to the ousting of the President’s father. It’s one of the few major displays that remind visitors of the peaceful EDSA Revolution. Another interesting piece on display is the “Bulletin Today” clipping, providing a glimpse of what the country was like as Marcos Sr. fled to the US and President Corazon Aquino took over. For those unaware, “Bulletin Today” was the name “The Manila Bulletin” took once Martial Law led to the closure of all independent press at the time. These two displays are possibly the most important parts of the Presidential Museum, as it serves as a reminder that a government’s purpose is to serve its people. Not the other way around.
Bahay Ugnayan is part of the Malacañang Heritage Museum tour and operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can sign up for guided tours via their website.