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The Coconut Palace (Pasay)

Philippines / National Capital Region / Manila / Pasay / F. Ma. Guerrero Street
 palace, residence

The Coconut Palace is a palace in Manila, Philippines, commissioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos for Pope John Paul II's visit in 1981. However, the pope declined the offer, saying that it was too ostentatious a place to stay while in the poverty-stricken Philippines. The Palace's architect Francisco Manosa, later claimed that the Coconut Palace - a showpiece on the versatility of the coconut and its viability as an export - was planned long before the Pope even decided to visit the country.

Coconut Palace Court.The Coconut Palace is made of several types of Philippine hardwood, coconut shells, and a specially engineered coconut lumber apparently known as Imelda Madera. Each of the suites on the second floor is named after a specific region of the Philippines and displays some of the handicrafts these regions produce. The palace is located on Eduardo A. Makabenta, Sr. Street at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex between the Folk Arts Theatre and the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

The palace is shaped like an octagon (the shape given to a coconut before being served), the roof is shaped like a traditional Filipino salakot or hat. Some of its highlights are the 101 coconut shell chandelier, and the dining table made of 40,000 tiny pieces of inlaid coconut shells. Highlighted as one of the CCP’s most striking structures for its architecture and interiors, the palace celebrates the coconut as the ultimate “Tree of Life”. From the coconut's roots to its trunk, bark, fruit, flower and shell, the palace's design, form and ornamentation echo these elements.

The Coconut Palace has been a guesthouse for many guests, including Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, Brooke Shields and George Hamilton. Now, it is a museum, with a butterfly garden and an orchidarium.

On the fifth season of the reality series The Amazing Race, the Coconut Palace served as the pit stop when the competing teams went to Manila. The contestants were welcomed by Luli Arroyo, daughter of current Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

This has recently became the Official Residence of the Vice President of the Philippines under former Vice President Jejomar Binay from February 11, 2011 until it was transferred to the Quezon City Executive House when he stepped down on June 30, 2016. It had a monthly rental fee of ₱400,000.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   14°33'18"N   120°58'47"E

Comments

  • BCTY (guest)
    This is where my cousin had her wedding reception.
  • Amazing (guest)
    This was one of the pit stops in one season of The Amazing Race. In that episode, the daughter of Pres. Arroyo personally welcomed the contestants to the Philippines.
  • mario (guest)
    This building showcases of innovative and creative use coconut product. One of the finest Philippine Architecture..
  • 5th Republic (guest)
    Soon to be The Office and Official Residence of the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines
This article was last modified 9 years ago