Snippets Inside the Malacañang Museum

I have always aspired to work in Malacañang, not as President, but a stern Presidential Spokesperson like Abigail Valte. That is just one of my exceptional ambitions in life despite being timid and reclusive. Even so, there is nothing wrong with dreaming big. Anyone can always dream no matter how ridiculous it is.

That's why when I got the chance to visit Manila, I immediately booked a tour in Malacañang to personally see its glory. Little did I know, the tour is only limited to the Presidential Museum & Library. The sprawling complex includes office buildings, numerous mansions, and the Presidential Palace which are generally forbidden to the public. I got quite dismayed that I won't get the chance to see and walk through the historic staircase where Philippine Presidents ascend following their inauguration.

Anyhow, I truly enjoyed this experience. I did not get to take a lot of photos because I took more time appreciating everything inside. The tour guide was also engaging, you won't get bored despite the bunch of information and trivia he had to share. On top of that, it was a group tour so it was quite difficult to take good quality photos without nuisance and obstruction. Video recording and flash photography are also prohibited.

One particular item that really caught my eye and left me astonished is this 18th century painting gifted to President Elpidio Quirino. It is said that if there should be an impending danger in Malacañang Palace, the painting behind this statue would be the first item to be secured and carried out. And if the Palace were to be destroyed, its market value would be enough to cover Malacañang's restoration. I like art, I just can't fathom how some paintings are given hefty price tags.

There is so much about Malacañang than the ghost stories and being the official seat and residence of the Chief Executive. The historic rooms inside the Kalayaan Hall are windows to our past while the intricate and resplendent woodwork, and the iconic Czechoslovak crystal chandeliers boast of imperial grandeur.

I have yet to see the main Presidential Palace, only God knows when. As of now, my heart still marvels to the fact I got to enter this timeless fortress.

If you wish to book a tour, you must submit a letter at least a week prior to the date of tour.

The request should be addressed to the Director of the Presidential Museum and Library and must indicate the following information:

• Preferred date and time of the tour

• Complete list of names and birthdate of all persons in the group tour.

• Name, contact details, complete address, and birthdate of the group representative.

Address your letter to:

THE DIRECTOR

Presidential Museum and Library

2/F Kalayaan Hall, Malacañang

J.P. Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila

Email: malacanangmuseum@gmail.com | pml@malacanang.gov.ph

The tour is FREE of charge but visitors must wear appropriate attire and observe punctuality.

Life & Pottery -- A Beautiful Process

Turning mud into a pot is not easy as it seems. It requires practice, focus, time, and a ton of patience.

Similar to setting and achieving goals, pottery is a process. The beginning is the most difficult part but as we hold the clay and deal with the mess, we eventually learn how to shape the pot. At times, it may not be exactly the way we want it to be, but pottery, much like life is imperfect.

In Christian life, we are living in a potter's wheel. We are the clay and God our Creator is the potter. To be a useful pot, God kneads, pushes, presses, and pulls us into shape but he never throws us away no matter how many times we resist. He is relentless in transforming us, making us into a masterpiece with His glorious love.

As we immerse ourselves into our full potential, may we continue to trust our Potter's hands day by day as he completes the process of turning this lump clay into a unique yet beautiful piece of pottery.

Be like a child

They stumble and fall, but they get back on their feet to play again and again. They get angry and hurt, but they forgive easily. They are ambitious, but they enjoy the little things in life.

Life can be unforgiving as we age. But as we grow mature, may we also retain a disposition like of a child so when we're caught up in fear, failure, or things we wish we could've done different, we wouldn't dwell on frustration and pain. Instead, we move forward armed with the lessons we learned and revel what the universe has to offer.