Also known as Tahanang Pilipino, the structural masterpiece that is The Coconut Palace has served as the home and office to some of the country’s vice presidents.
Designed by National Artist Francisco Mañosa, the opulent palace was made of hardwood, coconut shell and specially manufactured coconut lumber, and had roofs that resemble the “salakot” or Filipino native hat. It was commissioned by former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
The structure is located within the grounds of the Cultural Center of The Philippines (CCP), and near the other structures that were also commissioned during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos such as the Folk Arts Theater and Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Upon completion in 1978, the structure had been widely talked about for housing a large coconut shell chandelier hanging as focal point for a double winding grand staircase landing area. There were also reports about a long dining table made of tens of thousands of inlaid chips of coconut shells.
The upper floors meanwhile have various suites, with each of the seven large rooms named after places in the three main islands. These were Bicol, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Cordillera, Iloilo, Marawi, and Zamboanga.
During the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos, the compound was reported to have been offered to the country’s special guests, including Catholic church leader Pope John Paul II during his first visit to the country in 1981.
While the Pope turned down the extravagant palace, other famous men and women, including politicians and celebrities at that time, were said to have enjoyed the Coconut Hut.
When the Marcoses left for exile, the property was turned over to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), a government-owned and
-controlled corporation. It was then opened to the public for private receptions—at least for those who can afford the high rental fees.
In the previous administration, former Vice President Jejomar Binay rented the palace as his residence and office for a monthly rent of about half a million pesos.
