Cabinet gets tour of P-Noy's new residence

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday gave his Cabinet a tour of his newly renovated official residence – the Bahay Pangarap in Malacañang Park.

Mr. Aquino is still in the process of moving his belongings into the house.

“I am beginning to transfer,” he said. 

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda described the President’s residence as “spacious (and) elegant but not fancy.”

The living room, decorated in Asian style, comfortably sits all members of the President’s Cabinet.

A music room was also built in the house because the President is a music lover.

Communications Group Secretary Ricky Carandang said Mr. Aquino would personally set up the sound system.

“He’s very meticulous so he will be the one to set up the (music room),” Carandang said.

Aquino is a fan of dance music such as those composed by Paul Van Dyk.

Carandang likened the interior design to a hotel with modest but elegant furniture.

He said some of the President’s belongings have been moved into the house but remain unpacked.

Carandang said the President even showed them his bedroom during the tour.

Bahay Pangarap is located in the recreational area of the Malacañang compound. To get to the main Palace building, Mr. Aquino would have to regularly cross the Pasig River using a barge.

Being a bachelor, Mr. Aquino preferred the reasonable size of the house, only requesting that two additional bedrooms be fitted to accommodate occasional guests.