Posts Tagged ‘Pope John Paul II’

This very expensive Palace in the Philippines, which is of course made of coconut materials from the exterior into the interior of it, was somehow wasted for its prime purpose why it was created, that is this palace was made originally for the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1981 which the Pope himself decline to stay in it due to he was burden by his own conscience through the poverty he has seen in the Philippines at that time. However, the Coconut Palace was somehow serves as a guesthouse for a handful of personalities who visit the Philippines during the early times, like the Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, the Hollywood actress Brooke Shields and George Hamilton, as well as the Amazing race team.

But that was then because now the Coconut Palace is just a mere Museum in the heart of Metro Manila Philippines between the Folk Arts Theatre and Sofitel Philippine Plaza at the Cultural Center of the Philippines or at Eduardo A. Makabenta Street.

This palace was originally a project of former first lady Imelda Marcos for Pope John Paul II but the Pope has not acknowledged its worth, which of course disappoint Imelda Marcos and the Philippines then. However, it was justified in the public that Imelda Marcos has already this luxurious project in mind long before the Pope plan to visit the Philippines. The Coconut Palace was originally conceptualized and created, as their justification says, to promote the wonders of the coconut to be the “tree of life”. Every bit of the coconut tree can be useful or can be use for house infrastructure. For the coconut materials of the Palace from coconut’s roots to its flowers and fruits has craftily engineered to make it a coconut palace itself. Yes, with a $10 million in budget, surely you can make a very beautiful palace out of coconut materials. What a luxurious project is not it?

The Coconut Palace has seven suites which were named after the different regions in the Philippines. And each suite has in display the handicrafts of a specific region in the Philippines. Moreover, the palace has hundred and one coconut shell chandeliers and forty thousand tiny inlaid coconut shells. Its roof was shaped in a traditional salakot shape hat, of course to represent Filipinos. The shape of the entire palace as well as its courts is pentagon –like shape. I do not know it is pentagon in size, whereas a coconut fruit is not pentagon in size.

Although, it is now a museum, still anyone who can afford to lodge at its beautiful suites can be accommodated to check-in to it. The Coconut Palace can also be a best reception venue for weddings or rather a venue for garden-like wedding. It is perfect venue! Yes, it can be rent for this purpose. You can contact the Coconut Palace customer service for reservations.

Furthermore, The Coconut Palace is alternatively known as the Tahanang Pilipino or the Filipino Home. However, today it is widely known as The Coconut Palace. You can take a peak of it for free at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.