The second level of Kalayaan Hall by itself has a colorful history; it is just proper that this particular area holds a lot of memorabilia related to Malacañang’s history. Probably the most important area in this level, and perhaps of the whole Kalayaan Hall as well, is the Quezon Room, which used to be the Executive Office of the President of the Philippines. First used by Manuel Quezon, (after whom the room was made) it was was where the President would hold formal and official business. (today, these functions being held at the Palace building itself)

It is a historic day for the Philippines as a new president in the person of Benigno Aquino III assumes the mantle of the country’s leadership. In the spirit of this momentous occasion, the Urban Roamer last week joined the “Power, Palace, and a Shot of Beer” tour of Mr. Ivan Man Dy which took me and some other guests mostly around Malacañang* Museum. *note: according to Mr. Man Dy, Malacañang refers to the whole Palace grounds: the Palace building itself, Kalayaan, Mabini Halls, New Executive Building, and the park at the opposite end of the Pasig River while Malacañan (the spelling we see on TV during press conferences) refers…