Coconut Palace
Coconut Palace
Coconut Palace (Roxas Blvd., Cultural Center Complex, Pasay City, Manila) – overlooking Manila Bay is the Coconut Palace — a unique work of architecture that is built of 100% Philippines materials, of which 70% are derived from the coconut palm tree. Also known as Tahanang Pilipino (Tagalog for “Filipino Home”), the Palace is part of the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.
This palace was built over a 14 month period 1978-81 by the First Lady Imelda Marcos for Pope John Paul’s visit in 1981. The Pope was reportedly appalled at the cost (a rumored PHP 37 million) and extravagance of the building (when there was such poverty in the Philippines), and he refused to stay there and stayed at the Papal Nuncio’s residence instead.
After the end of the Marcos era, the outdoor grassed area between the Coconut Palace’s swimming pool and Manila Bay and the downstairs living area were rented out for wedding receptions and parties. The venue was particularly popular due to its spectacular views of sunsets across Manila Bay. Over the years a number of heads of state (such as President Gaddafi of Libya) and celebrities (such as Brooke Shields and George Hamilton) have stayed in the Palace. In 2009 the Palace became the official office and residence of the Vice-President of the Philippines. Almost all of the Palace is able to be visited by individuals and groups (but for security reasons weddings and parties are no longer permitted).
Admission: free. Tour Hours: 9:00 am, 10:30 am, and 2:00 pm (from Tuesdays to Thursdays). For group tours, please contact Ms. Donna Comia at 832-6791 to 99 local 125 or send her an email at drcomia@ovp.gov.ph