Laperal Mansion to be used as guest house for visiting heads of state

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FIRST Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos yesterday formally opened the Laperal Mansion in Manila (formerly the Arlegui House), which the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said will now serve as the official Presidential Guest House for foreign heads of state or government who will visit the country.

“The Laperal Mansion is set to serve as the official Presidential Guest House for foreign heads of state or government. This establishment embodies the Filipino’s brand of hospitality and His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s intent to strengthen and expand the Philippines’ relations with its partners in the international community,” the PCO said.

The Laperal Mansion is a European-designed mansion located in Arlegui street adjacent to Malacañan Palace both in Manila. It was formerly used as residence of the late presidents Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos during their respective presidencies. It later became known as the Arlegui Guest House.

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It was said to be previously owned by the Laperal family of Baguio until its owner, Tarcila Laperal-Mendoza, was reportedly evicted from the house at the height of martial law due to “security reasons.” When the mansion was returned to the family, they reportedly sold it.

The PCO described the Laperal Mansion as the “crown jewel of the group of residences” inside the Malacañang complex.

“It is infused with tropical touches and features fourteen meticulously designed bedrooms and two sunrooms named in honor of past presidents, all of which were done by the country’s very best artisans and designers,” it said.

“The home also has three state rooms, named as homage to three figures who are cornerstones of Philippine history: Magellan, MacArthur, and Rizal. This collaborative effort has resulted in a revival of heritage, a showcase of local talent, and a celebration of foreign diplomacy,” it added.

PCO said the restoration of the Laperal Mansion is part of the President’s commitment to treasuring and preserving the country’s history while strengthening its diplomatic ties.

The First Lady opened the Laperal Mansion last February 20 during a tour of the Malacañang historic homes organized for ambassadors assigned to the Philippines.

The tour included the former presidential guest houses Goldenberg Mansion, and Teus Mansion, and the Bahay Ugnayan, which are all located within the Palace complex. The three have been restored as museums and are now open to the public free of charge.

Several events have been presented at the Goldenberg Mansion, while the 19th-century Teus Mansion currently houses the Presidential Museum. The Bahay Ugnayan holds President Marcos’ “Road to Malacañang,” or what the PCO described as his “milestones leading up to his return to the Palace.”

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