It was a sweltering Saturday afternoon and I had agreed to join fellow Mabuhay Guide Yael and re-visit the Coconut Palace. Yael, with kids Kyle and Lara in tow, picked me up from Quirino Avenue and we proceeded to meet Mabuhay Guide Bryan at the gate of said building. Bryan, as usual, was at the palace way ahead of time so we rushed to meet him there.
The Coconut Palace, built out of the Marcoses "Edifice Complex" fixation, is the only one of its kind that does not function as a convention or performing arts venue. It was built solely as a showcase for the versatility of the "lowly" coconut that grows in abundance anywhere in the Philippines. It is also the only one that was not designed by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin within the grounds of the CCP. The Coconut Palace was created by Architect Bobby Manosa based on a concept of Madam imelda Romualdez Marcos.
In fairness to Mrs. Marcos, her much ballyhooed lavish and ostentatious spending were geared towards promoting the best that the Philippines had to offer. In international terms, IMAGE is everything! And boy, did she show them!!! The Cultural Center and the PICC served as benchmarks which were copied by our ASEAN neighbors. Now, of course, since the neighboring countries have achieved more progress they have built their own convention and arts centers and have added a few more features in a move of one-upmanship. Years ago, none of them had what we had.
But I digress... It's not true that the Coconut Palace was built to house Pope John Paul II upon his arrival in Manila. The Coconut Palace was created as a concept building showing what one can do with all the parts of the coconut tree. Everything from roots, to trunks,to leaves, to coconut shells were utilized in a myriad of ways. Everything was aesthetically pleasing and functional all at the same time.
It was built almost coincidentally when the Philippines was hosting the Manila International Film Festival. First daughter Imee Marcos was then heading the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines (her headquarters were at the Manila Film Center.) But since the pope was arriving, Mrs. Marcos offered the palace for His Holiness to stay in. He tactfully declined the offer since his official residence while in Manila is at the Papal Nuncio (along Taft and Quirino Avenue). So rumors of a papal snub for Mrs. Marcos are baseless.
It was a sentimental visit of sorts for me... the last time I was inside the Coconut Palace was for a surprise birthday party for Tita King Kasilag+. Among the guests were Leslie Noble, Nes Jardin, Irene Marcos, Tita Bing Escoda-Roxas+ and many more. Back then, after the EDSA I Revolution, we noticed that a lot of things have been defaced or stolen. Now, it has become worse.
Years ago, the Palace was managed by the CCP Administration. All the lawns were green and manicured, the tap had hot and cold water running and entry was limited to a select few. With the looting that ensued after EDSA I who knows what items were stolen and lost forever? The building was well maintained and every nook and cranny was spick and span.
I don't know how eventually management of the Coconut Palace was turned over to the GSIS...I am clueless!!! Seriously, can a government agency handling financial affairs of the government's work force still have time to own and operate a building far detached from their headquarters? I think not. At present there have been many changes from the original structure. The lawns are in bad shape. Granted it's summer and the grass would be brown... but the high green fence that covered the palace from public view is all dried up... looks like nobody's been watering the plants...
Still, the Coconut Palace is worth seeing if only to give us a sense of what the Filipino ingenuity and creativity can achieve. The seven rooms in the upstairs level are open to the public upon special arrangement. Each room has its own motiff based on what the province has to offer. However, the Jusi beddings need to be replaced. Over the years, the fibers have become brittle owing to exposure to dust and heat and are getting frayed and torn in areas.
The president's room and madam's are on opposite ends of the north and south wings of the mansion each facing the backyard with the octagonal pool and the open view of Manila bay. This area is ideal for weddings and receptions especially with the famous sunset of Manila bay serving as a backdrop. However the entire household is blocked off from the public for gatherings such as these.
Incidentally, during our visit we chanced upon a taping of the teleserye aired on ABS CBN. The Coconut Palace is once again getting its share of media exposure as the setting for the presidential offices of this prime-time soap.
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