What Liza gave Kris
During a very cordial and breezy lunch at Bahay Pangulo hosted by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos in honor of Kris Aquino, Filipino food, not politics, was the main dish. The First Lady said the lunch was a post-birthday treat for Kris.
Liza and Kris are cousins by affinity, and they have a devoted common friend, designer Michael Leyva.
As Kris retraced her steps in the home she spent six months in during the term of her brother, the late President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III, she was indeed walking down memory lane. She had not visited Malacañang in 10 years.
As she wrote for the Bahay Pangulo guidebook, which the First Lady gave to her upon her arrival at Bahay Pangulo: “My sons (Bimby and Josh) and I stayed with Noy during the last months of his term.”
“I’m very grateful because the time my sons and I spent with my brother gave my two boys the chance to witness their Tito Noy hard at work. His day would start with a morning briefing in the residence, and it would end with him reviewing what seemed like a tower of files that he would meticulously check.
“The boys saw that their Tito Noy lived simply,” wrote Kris in the soft-bound booklet.
“Bimb once asked if the President still had a bigger boss to report to, and his answer and actions instilled in them that winning the people’s trust meant that you’re answerable to the people. To quote my late brother, ‘...dahil ang taong bayan ang aking BOSS.’”
“Bahay Pangarap also held very special Noche Buena memories for my sisters and I. With our Mom (former President Corazon Aquino) gone, we did our best to recreate the Christmas Eve spirit by celebrating Mass before dinner and replicating our Mom’s traditional menu,” recalled Kris in the booklet.
The informative booklet, which I was privileged to also receive a copy of from the First Lady, preserves reminiscences of family members of all Philippine presidents who somehow lived or entertained or played golf in the Bahay Pangulo complex—President Manuel Quezon (who called it a “Rest House”); President Elpidio Quirino (who retained “Rest House”), President Diosdado Macapagal(who renamed it “Bahay Pangarap”); President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. (who christened it “Bahay Kubo”); President Fidel V. Ramos (“Bahay Pangarap”); President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (“Bahay Pangarap”); President Noynoy Aquino (“Bahay Pangarap”); President Rodrigo Duterte (who renamed it “Bahay Pagbabago”) and President Ferdinand“Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (“Bahay Pangulo”). It seems President Corazon Aquino didn’t live or entertain guests in the complex as she chose to stay at the Arlegui (Laperal) mansion across the main Palace.
The booklet is a first because it is a compendium of historical details and rare anecdotes about what is now known as Bahay Pangulo, a former rice field on the south bank of the Pasig River, directly across Malacañang Palace. Filled with photos, it distills the fond memories of members of the presidential family and inner circle. It also honors the role of the residence—whatever name it had—in the lives of Philippine presidents. True to her self-effacing nature, the First Lady doesn’t claim credit for putting the booklet together, i.e. there is no line in the booklet saying it is the project of the Office of the First Lady. Wala. Nada.
The First Lady, who opened the doors of Bahay Pangulo to the press in October 2024, told her media guests that whatever they see in the residence, except perhaps the books and other items that are the family’s personal property, will be left behind.
Bahay Pangulo sits at Malacañang Park, home also of the Presidential Security Group. The park was designed by architects Juan M. Arellano and Antonio M. Toledo. Upon assuming office, then President Arroyo commissioned architect Conrad Onglao to undertake a major renovation of what was then Bahay Pangarap. It was where her successor, President Aquino took up residence, the first commander-in-chief to call it home. From that time on until now, the country’s presidents have resided there.
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The residence has a resort-like feel, and as pointed out by two scions of former presidents, the tree-framed view of the Pasig River and beyond is unparalleled. I couldn’t agree more.
To get to the pavilion in the garden where we had the very intimate lunch, one must walk a few steps from the main door. Kris managed beautifully, and I told her she is a walking miracle.
The “Queen of All Media” nodded and smiled. “But I am not yet 100% healthy. But I plan to get there.”
Kris, who is battling several autoimmune diseases and has experienced dramatic weight loss in the past, has gained weight. President Marcos, whom she last saw when she interviewed him on television 31 years ago, complimented her on her recovery.
“You’re looking very well,” said the President, who dropped by during the lunch but rushed right back to his office after greeting Kris.
In a post on Instagram during her birthday last Feb. 14, Kris wrote, “I’m so grateful to reach 55. I am now praying to reach 60 so I’ll have a PWD (Person With Disability) and Senior Citizen’s Card.”
Then on Feb. 18, she posted, “Previously, I said let’s go for 60, 68 seems like a better goal. Thank you for your prayers and best wishes.”
I loved the atmosphere that day. Everyone was smiling.
When I posted a group photo of the lunch, Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr. commented, referring to Kris: “She’s the bravest person I’ve ever known. Thank you, Liza.”
