Imeldific may be often used when describing shoes, since the word came from the names of a woman who's lavishness for her shoes is so remarkable - Mrs. Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, but when I paid a visit to the Malacanang of the North, or locally known as Malacanang Ti Amianan once again, I can't help but to fell in love with everything that spells nothing but Imeldific!
In visiting the top most part of our country, one most not miss to see the elegantly looking Presidential Palace of the North located at the very heart of Ilocos Norte the Malacanang Ti Amianan. Currently under the management of the local government of Ilocos Norte, this palace that served as home to President Ferdinand Marcos and his family during their reign is now considered one of the prized tourist destinations in the region offering bits of glam and power of once a powerful family in the land, the Marcoses.
Upon entering this elegant piece of property, you will be welcome by this beautiful red circular staircase that I find really, really attractive. Though the main door to the palace isn't that grand, it is made of very fine wood material that weighs so heavy. A five-peso entrance fee will be asked from every visitor of this Spanish-inspired mansion.
The receiving area will tell you how big this place is. With a simple round table at the middle of the house over a blue carpet, the first level of the mansion holds some of the important room for the family.
On the first level are the rooms of the young Marcoses as well as some of the art pieces that share some story about the family. I personally like these two painting that show the younger Ferdinand and Imelda. It gives me that idea how great the Philippines back then and how people really pay respect to our national costume.
But if you think that the house is full nothing but old stuff, you are wrong, a few more walks inside the first level brought me to this collection of Steve Tirona. A commissioned series of photographs of the former first lady, these art pieces were showcased at the New York Art Fairs back in 2009 by photographer Steve Tirona at Silverlens Gallery.
A few flight of steps, you will be welcome by the biggest, I mean BIGGEST living room ever in your life! With more than a dozen of coffee tables and dining tables all over the place, the second level of the Malacanang Ti Amianan gives me the impression of how busy the house back then. I'm just so glad that everything looks so perfect up to this date - a nice example on how the region gives love to the things of the past.
We were lucky that when we got there, we were the only guests of the palace that's why we had a great time going around and checking every corner without any other person than us. There also some Ferdinand Marcos mannequin in the house, so don't be shock when you get inside a room with him standing there. Hehe.
After some minutes of staying on the second floor, since the weather was so hot then, we decided to go down and appreciate the beauty of the Paoay Lake there. If Malacanang Palace in Manila has Pasig River, Malacanang Ti Amianan has the mysterious Paoay Lake, which glistened so beautifully that day.
I would want to stay longer because it was really peaceful here. The fresh air, plus the perfectly mowed lush lawn and the glistening of the clean and quiet lake - it was a real heaven to me. Unfortunately, the staff who are waiting for us to exit have to go for lunch too, so after a few more clicks of our cameras, we bid goodbye to this imeldific place.
I honestly wouldn't mind living in this place, minus the Marcos mannequin, because everything seemed so perfect about this place. And I don't have anything in mind to suggest to make this place as beautiful as it is - a true gem we should all be proud of - the Imeldific way!
Happy Rammmpa!
.. the mansion is very elegant, I can't imagine myself living there !! ;)
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