Know More about the Philippine Presidents at Baguio Mansion House

The Philippines has a bittersweet history. Before it claimed its independence as a republic, it underwent harrowing events that made Filipinos struggle for centuries. Thanks to our brave ancestors and heroes who fought hard to liberate the nation which is considered the biggest triumph of our race. 

As we collectively enjoy freedom, there is a president who leads our pact. The highest elected official has a tough job to protect the country’s sovereignty, execute laws, steer the economy, and represent us in international relations activities. 

The Philippines has had 17 presidents since 1899. These leaders have different policies and programs, and unique leadership styles. Being the most powerful person in the archipelago, they dealt with different problems that put them into rooms of controversies and/ or on pedestal of praise. These personalities have colorful stories outside politics that made them relatable. Their milestones as human beings are fascinating to know. 

There are various platforms to know more about the Philippine presidents. History books and the Internet can provide information about them. There is a place in Baguio City that allows you to have a multisensory way of discovering and deepening knowledge about these public servants. 

Learning about Aguinaldo to Marcos Jr. in an hour is possible at the Baguio Mansion House. The famous historical landmark erected atop the hill in the City of Pines is reopened to the public in 2024 as the Presidential Museum. The transformation of the whitewashed building is fitting as it is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. 

I visited the Mansion House grounds for the very first time in December last year with my family. We only took photos at the front gate. I did not have any idea about the free admission back then. I just learned about it when my friend who I saw at that time posted photos inside the landmark. I asked him how he and his friends were able to get inside the place. He told me that they book through the Baguio Mansion House website. 

I attempted to have a museum tour last May 10, but I informed the management through text message I cannot go due to my urinary tract infection. I made a trip again to Baguio and put it as priority in my itinerary. I booked on May 31st, but I needed to go home on Sunday. So, I tried to be a walk-in visitor on May 30th, Saturday. 

After eating breakfast at Garlick, I rode a jeepney to Pacdal. I walked quickly to Wright Park then to Romulo Drive. I did a few stops to breathe while taking the stairs. I felt my heart was thumping, but I just bore it for the love for museums. 

There were many tourists at the front gate when I arrived. I immediately went to the Baguio Tourist Center at 9:30 AM which also serves as a receiving area. After undergoing the bag scanning procedure, I asked the staff if I could have a slot. I also said that I have my booking the next day and asked if I can have the tour that time. They told me to wait. After a few minutes, one of the receptionists said that I can join the 10 AM batch as two people cannot make it. 

I got the number 1 visitor ID card. While waiting for my batchmates, I checked some souvenirs being sold there. I bought a ballpen and a Philippine flag pin. 

It was 9:45 AM when we were oriented. For those planning to visit, you are asked to be at the receiving area 15 minutes before the scheduled tour. The staff informed us how the Baguio Mansion House became a presidential museum. The Malacañang Heritage Mansions management has three museums open to the public. 

We were informed about the dos and don’ts particularly the limitations on photography and video recording. For senior citizens, they can be transported using a golf cart. 

After the orientation, we were allowed to go straight to the mansion. I walked quickly, outpacing my fellow visitors. I was really excited. We were received by the tour guides at the hall and told us to rest and take pictures and videos as that is the area allowed to do these things. What is noticeable in the area are the portraits of the presidents on the walls. After resting, our tour guide brought us to the rooms. 

We were introduced to the start of Baguio as a city and how the Mansion House was established. I was amazed how the landmark withstood different historical events particularly surviving the World War II which destroyed the building. 

We were brought to the rooms where the memorabilia, artifacts, and visual information about the presidents were housed. I am not going to share the trivia shared in our visit for you to learn there. 

The tour guide joked that there would be a quiz after the tour and if you cannot answer, you cannot go outside. We were laughing but I was locked in. As a history quizzer when I was in Grades 5 and 6, I was actively answering questions. I got some and I was wrong in some questions. I was lauded by our tour guide for answering some questions correctly. 

After the tour, I realized that I have many things that I have not read in textbooks about our presidents. Some of the facts are mind-blowing. I was surprised particularly by the marriage life of the leaders. It was also the time I remember the information that I forgot and I learned again during the tour. It was humbling. 

After an hour, we were asked by our tour guide about our learning. Of course, I did not hesitate to answer any questions. After getting the first question, I was declared ‘safe’ from being stuck in the place (Well, it was an inside joke). 

The tour ended by informing us that we can write a letter to PBBM. We were told that the president reads the letters from visitors. 

Before we parted, the tour guide left a stunning statement. 

“Not all our presidents are perfect. They have their flaws. But we cannot deny that these leaders did their best to improve our country,” she said. 

I agree with her. Our presidents are also humans. They make best and bad decisions. This implies that we applaud their good deeds, but we must not worship them. We need to be critical of their wrongdoings and criticize them for mediocre service. As people of the Republic, it is our duty to hold them accountable and support them on policies and projects that are benefitting everyone. 

I stayed for a few minutes to write a letter to the President and to have my pictures taken in front of the Mansion. The tour guide volunteered to take snapshots. 

The Baguio Mansion House reminds us about our history as a republic. The current and the past presidents have shaped our country. The landmark stores numerous stories of the public servants waiting to be learned and relearned. As Filipinos, we have to know them for us to be guided on choosing the next leaders of our nation.