Teus Mansion now serves as the Presidential Museum, where all can embark on an in-depth journey through the lives of our Republic’s 17 Presidents and enjoy the vast collection of priceless artifacts, now referred to as the “Treasures of Malacanang.”
The Presidential Museum
Valentin Teus was born in 1832 in Navarra, Spain. At the young age of15, he ventured to the Philippines in search of business opportunities. He acquired a distillery in Hagonoy, Bulacan, which marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. Teus later merged his operations with Ynchausti y Compañia, one of the earliest and most influential Philippine-owned conglomerates. Founded by the business magnates Joaquin Elizalde and Joaquin Ynchausti, the company was heavily involved in shipping and trade. Known for his industrious nature, Teus eventually established what is now recognized as Tanduay Distilleries, Inc. — a cornerstone of the Philippine liquor industry.
Teus married Teresa Ferrater Ponte, the niece of the Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines. It was from his connection that he acquired the mansion which would later bear his name. Tragically, Teresa passed away just two decades into their marriage.
In 1871, Teus became Alcalde Primero of the Ayuntamiento de Manila, a prestigious civic post at the time. At the age of 62, he remarried Dolores Menendez Valdes de Cornellana, the 20-year-old niece of his late wife. Together, they had four childer: Valentin Jr., who died young, Concepcion, Valentin III, and Dolores. The family initially resided in Binondo, but in a grand gesture of affection, Don Valentin surprised Dolores with a new residence at the corner of General Solano Street. This property would eventually become known as the Teus Mansion.
Don Valentin passed away in 1909. With most of his children migrating to Spain, his eldest daughter, Concepcion, inherited the mansion. Concepcion after completing her education at the Assumption Convent in Manila, continued her studies in Spain, where she married and remained. Visits to the mansion became infrequest, and an elderly caretaker was left in charge of the estate. Over time, the mansion began to fally into disrepair: the kictchen roof collapsed, and the attic became a refuge for bats.
In 1974, after years of neglect, Concepcion decided to sell the mansion to then First Lady, Imelda Romualdez Marcos, thus ending the Teus family's ownership of the historic home.
This narrative not only traces the life of Don Valentin Teus but also chronicles the rise and fall of the Teus Mansion, a symbol of both entrepreneurial ambition and familial legacy in the Philippines.
Valentin Teus was born in 1832 in Navarra, Spain. At the young age of15, he ventured to the Philippines in search of business opportunities. He acquired a distillery in Hagonoy, Bulacan, which marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. Teus later merged his operations with Ynchausti y Compañia, one of the earliest and most influential Philippine-owned conglomerates. Founded by the business magnates Joaquin Elizalde and Joaquin Ynchausti, the company was heavily involved in shipping and trade. Known for his industrious nature, Teus eventually established what is now recognized as Tanduay Distilleries, Inc. — a cornerstone of the Philippine liquor industry.
Teus married Teresa Ferrater Ponte, the niece of the Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines. It was from his connection that he acquired the mansion which would later bear his name. Tragically, Teresa passed away just two decades into their marriage.
In 1871, Teus became Alcalde Primero of the Ayuntamiento de Manila, a prestigious civic post at the time. At the age of 62, he remarried Dolores Menendez Valdes de Cornellana, the 20-year-old niece of his late wife. Together, they had four childer: Valentin Jr., who died young, Concepcion, Valentin III, and Dolores. The family initially resided in Binondo, but in a grand gesture of affection, Don Valentin surprised Dolores with a new residence at the corner of General Solano Street. This property would eventually become known as the Teus Mansion.
Don Valentin passed away in 1909. With most of his children migrating to Spain, his eldest daughter, Concepcion, inherited the mansion. Concepcion after completing her education at the Assumption Convent in Manila, continued her studies in Spain, where she married and remained. Visits to the mansion became infrequest, and an elderly caretaker was left in charge of the estate. Over time, the mansion began to fally into disrepair: the kictchen roof collapsed, and the attic became a refuge for bats.
In 1974, after years of neglect, Concepcion decided to sell the mansion to then First Lady, Imelda Romualdez Marcos, thus ending the Teus family's ownership of the historic home.
This narrative not only traces the life of Don Valentin Teus but also chronicles the rise and fall of the Teus Mansion, a symbol of both entrepreneurial ambition and familial legacy in the Philippines.
The Galleries of the Presidential Museum
This gallery showcases the Philippine National Flag, Presidential Flag, and the Presidential Seal, with the current seal first used by President Manuel Roxas in 1947.
A distinctive feature of the Presidential Flag and Seal is the sea lion, a heraldic symbol granted by King Philip II of Spain in 1596, reflecting the Philippines' colonial heritage. The sun with right rays represents the provinces that were placed under martial law during the Philippine Revolution of 1896, while the three stars symbolize the country's three main regions — Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
These symbols highlight the nation's journey from colonial rule to indepence, encapsulating its rich history and unity.
This gallery showcases the Philippine National Flag, Presidential Flag, and the Presidential Seal, with the current seal first used by President Manuel Roxas in 1947.
A distinctive feature of the Presidential Flag and Seal is the sea lion, a heraldic symbol granted by King Philip II of Spain in 1596, reflecting the Philippines' colonial heritage. The sun with right rays represents the provinces that were placed under martial law during the Philippine Revolution of 1896, while the three stars symbolize the country's three main regions — Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
These symbols highlight the nation's journey from colonial rule to indepence, encapsulating its rich history and unity.
Past Philippine Presidents
President Emilio Aguinaldo
General Emilio Aguinaldo, a prominent leader of the Katipunan in Cavite, emerged as the recognized leader of the Philippine Revolution. On 23 January 1899, he was elected as the first President of the Philippines by the Malolos Congress of the First Philippine Republic, marking a significant milestone in the nation's fight for independence.
President Emilio Aguinaldo
General Emilio Aguinaldo, a prominent leader of the Katipunan in Cavite, emerged as the recognized leader of the Philippine Revolution. On 23 January 1899, he was elected as the first President of the Philippines by the Malolos Congress of the First Philippine Republic, marking a significant milestone in the nation's fight for independence.
President Manuel L. Quezon
Revered as the "Paladin of Philippine Freedom," President Manuel L. Quezon played a pivotal role in securing the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act by the United States Congress, which laid the foundation for the Philippines' transition to an independent republic. Due to the challenges posed by the Japanese occupation during World War II, President Quezon was compelled to lead the government in exile from the United States, continuing his efforts to secure the nation's sovereignty.
Revered as the "Paladin of Philippine Freedom," President Manuel L. Quezon played a pivotal role in securing the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act by the United States Congress, which laid the foundation for the Philippines' transition to an independent republic. Due to the challenges posed by the Japanese occupation during World War II, President Quezon was compelled to lead the government in exile from the United States, continuing his efforts to secure the nation's sovereignty.
President Jose P. Laurel
Before becoming President, Jose P. Laurel held several key positions, including Secretary of the Interior and Justice of the Supreme Court, during the Quezon administration. When World War II broke out, President Quezon asked him to stay in the Philippines during the Japanese occupation. Laurel was later elected President by the National Assembly, where he focused on easing the hardships faced by Filipinos during the occupation.
Before becoming President, Jose P. Laurel held several key positions, including Secretary of the Interior and Justice of the Supreme Court, during the Quezon administration. When World War II broke out, President Quezon asked him to stay in the Philippines during the Japanese occupation. Laurel was later elected President by the National Assembly, where he focused on easing the hardships faced by Filipinos during the occupation.
President Sergio Osmeña
Sergio Osmeña started his career as a lawyer and newspaper editor before becoming Governor of Cebu in 1904. He later stepped down in 1906 and was elected to the Philippine Assembly, where he seved as its first Speaker until moving to the Senate in 1922.
During World War II, while in exile with President Quezon, Osmeña became President of the Commonwealth after Quezon's death in 1944. He is best remembered for returning to the Philippines alongside General Douglas MacArthur and leading efforts to rebuild the country after the war.
Sergio Osmeña started his career as a lawyer and newspaper editor before becoming Governor of Cebu in 1904. He later stepped down in 1906 and was elected to the Philippine Assembly, where he seved as its first Speaker until moving to the Senate in 1922.
During World War II, while in exile with President Quezon, Osmeña became President of the Commonwealth after Quezon's death in 1944. He is best remembered for returning to the Philippines alongside General Douglas MacArthur and leading efforts to rebuild the country after the war.
President Manuel A. Roxas
In 1934, Manuel A. Roxas played a key role as a member of the Constitutional Convention, which drafted the 1935 Constitution. During the Pacific War, circumstances required him to serve under the Japanese-sponsored government. Following his victory over President Osmeña in the 1946 elections, Roxas became the last President of the Commonwealth andm, on 4 July 1946, was inaugurated as the first President of the Third Republic of the Philippines.
In 1934, Manuel A. Roxas played a key role as a member of the Constitutional Convention, which drafted the 1935 Constitution. During the Pacific War, circumstances required him to serve under the Japanese-sponsored government. Following his victory over President Osmeña in the 1946 elections, Roxas became the last President of the Commonwealth andm, on 4 July 1946, was inaugurated as the first President of the Third Republic of the Philippines.
President Elpidio R. Quirino
Elpidio R. Quirino began his public service as a practicing lawyer before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1919 and later to the Senate in 1925. He worked closely with President Quezon to secure the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934, which laid the groundwork for Philippine indepence. After enduring the tragic loss of most of his family during the war, Quirino was elected Vice President and assumed the presidency following the untimely passing of President Roxas in 1948.
Elpidio R. Quirino began his public service as a practicing lawyer before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1919 and later to the Senate in 1925. He worked closely with President Quezon to secure the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934, which laid the groundwork for Philippine indepence. After enduring the tragic loss of most of his family during the war, Quirino was elected Vice President and assumed the presidency following the untimely passing of President Roxas in 1948.
President Ramon F. Magsaysay
Originally an automobile mechanic, Ramon F. Magsaysay distinguished himself as a guerrilla leader during the Pacific War, leading to his appointment as military governor of Zambales. He later served two terms as Congressman for Zambales under the Liberal Party. Recognized for his leadership, he was appointed Secretary of National Defense by President Quirino. In 1953, Magsaysay won the presidency under the Nacionalista Party, marking a new chapter in Philippine leadership.
Originally an automobile mechanic, Ramon F. Magsaysay distinguished himself as a guerrilla leader during the Pacific War, leading to his appointment as military governor of Zambales. He later served two terms as Congressman for Zambales under the Liberal Party. Recognized for his leadership, he was appointed Secretary of National Defense by President Quirino. In 1953, Magsaysay won the presidency under the Nacionalista Party, marking a new chapter in Philippine leadership.
President Carlos P. Garcia
President Carlos P. Garcia played a pivotal role in advocating for the Philippines' war damage claims in the United Stated following the Pacific War. After succeeding Magsaysay as President following his tragic death, Garcia was elected to the presidency in his own right later that year. He became widely known for his austerity program and for promoting economic nationalism through his "Filipino First Policy," which prioritized the welfare Filipino businesses and industries.
President Carlos P. Garcia played a pivotal role in advocating for the Philippines' war damage claims in the United Stated following the Pacific War. After succeeding Magsaysay as President following his tragic death, Garcia was elected to the presidency in his own right later that year. He became widely known for his austerity program and for promoting economic nationalism through his "Filipino First Policy," which prioritized the welfare Filipino businesses and industries.
President Diosdado P. Macapagal
Affectionately known as the "poor boy from Lubao" in Pampanga, Diosdado P. Macapagal first entered public service as a Congressman in 1949. He was elected Vice President in 1957 under the Liberal Party. During his presidency, Macapagal championed comprehensive land reform and prioritized initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the poor, underscoring his commitment to social and economic development.
Affectionately known as the "poor boy from Lubao" in Pampanga, Diosdado P. Macapagal first entered public service as a Congressman in 1949. He was elected Vice President in 1957 under the Liberal Party. During his presidency, Macapagal championed comprehensive land reform and prioritized initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the poor, underscoring his commitment to social and economic development.
President Ferdinand E. Marcos
Ferdinand E. Marcos began his political career with three terms as a member of the House of Representatives, later being elected to the Senate, where he became Senate President in 1959. Running under the Nacionalista Party, he was elected President in 1965. His administration is noted for its focus on infrastructure development, among other initiatives. On 21 September 1972, citing threats of subversion and rebellion, President Marcos declared martial law and temporarily suspended Congress as part of his efforts to address national security concerns.
Ferdinand E. Marcos began his political career with three terms as a member of the House of Representatives, later being elected to the Senate, where he became Senate President in 1959. Running under the Nacionalista Party, he was elected President in 1965. His administration is noted for its focus on infrastructure development, among other initiatives. On 21 September 1972, citing threats of subversion and rebellion, President Marcos declared martial law and temporarily suspended Congress as part of his efforts to address national security concerns.
President Corazon C. Aquino
Cory Aquino assumed the presidency on 25 February 1986, following the historic events of what is known as EDSA People Power Revolution, which led to the departure of President Marcos from the country. During her administration, a new Constitution was ratified on 2 February 1987, marking the establishment of the Fifth Republic of the Philippines.
Cory Aquino assumed the presidency on 25 February 1986, following the historic events of what is known as EDSA People Power Revolution, which led to the departure of President Marcos from the country. During her administration, a new Constitution was ratified on 2 February 1987, marking the establishment of the Fifth Republic of the Philippines.
President Fidel V. Ramos
A career military offices, Fidel V. Ramos served as the Chief of the Philippine Constabulary under President Marcos. In 1986, he becamse Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and was later appointed Secretary of National Defense by President Aquino. Elected to the presidency in 1992, Ramos is known for his efforts in negotiating peace with Communist and Muslic rebel groups and for introducing significant economic reforms aimed at liberalizing key sectors of the economy.
A career military offices, Fidel V. Ramos served as the Chief of the Philippine Constabulary under President Marcos. In 1986, he becamse Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and was later appointed Secretary of National Defense by President Aquino. Elected to the presidency in 1992, Ramos is known for his efforts in negotiating peace with Communist and Muslic rebel groups and for introducing significant economic reforms aimed at liberalizing key sectors of the economy.
President Joseph E. Estrada
Joseph E. Estrada began his political career in the 1960s, first serving as Mayor of San Juan before being elected to the Senate and later as Vice President. In 1998, he was elected as President of the Philippines. During his tenure, he adopted a firm stance against Muslim rebel groups and focused on initiatives aimed at reducing crime and poverty. On 20 January 2001, following the events of what is now known as EDSA Dos, he stepped down from the presidency.
Joseph E. Estrada began his political career in the 1960s, first serving as Mayor of San Juan before being elected to the Senate and later as Vice President. In 1998, he was elected as President of the Philippines. During his tenure, he adopted a firm stance against Muslim rebel groups and focused on initiatives aimed at reducing crime and poverty. On 20 January 2001, following the events of what is now known as EDSA Dos, he stepped down from the presidency.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Elected as Vice President in 1998, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was appointed by President Estrada as Secretary of Social Welfare and Development. She succeeded Estrada in 2001 following his resignation. After completing the remainder of her predecessor's term, Arroyo won the Presidential election in 2004, continuing her leadership of the nation.
Elected as Vice President in 1998, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was appointed by President Estrada as Secretary of Social Welfare and Development. She succeeded Estrada in 2001 following his resignation. After completing the remainder of her predecessor's term, Arroyo won the Presidential election in 2004, continuing her leadership of the nation.
President Benigno S. Aquino III
Benigno S. Aquino III began his public service as the representative of the second district of Tarlac before being elected to the Senate in 2007. Folling the passing of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, in August 2009, he announced his candidacy for the presidency, running on a platform of transformational leadership and good governance. In May 2010, he was elected as the 15th President of the Philippines. His administration is notably credited with the implementation of the K-12 education reform program.
Benigno S. Aquino III began his public service as the representative of the second district of Tarlac before being elected to the Senate in 2007. Folling the passing of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, in August 2009, he announced his candidacy for the presidency, running on a platform of transformational leadership and good governance. In May 2010, he was elected as the 15th President of the Philippines. His administration is notably credited with the implementation of the K-12 education reform program.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte
Rodrigo Roa Duterte became the first president of the Philippines to hail from Mindanao, marking a significant milestone in the nation's history. His administration prioritized the development of public infrastructure and the enforcement of law and order. Despite facing criticism over his admistration's anti-drug campaign and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Duterte maintained high trust and approval ratings throughout his term, reflecting continued public support for his leadership.
Rodrigo Roa Duterte became the first president of the Philippines to hail from Mindanao, marking a significant milestone in the nation's history. His administration prioritized the development of public infrastructure and the enforcement of law and order. Despite facing criticism over his admistration's anti-drug campaign and response to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Duterte maintained high trust and approval ratings throughout his term, reflecting continued public support for his leadership.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr.
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr., commonly referred to by the initials BBM or PBBM, is a Filipino politician who has served as the 17th president of the Philippines since 2022. He is the second child and only son of 10th president Ferdinand Marcos and former first lady Imelda Marcos.
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr., commonly referred to by the initials BBM or PBBM, is a Filipino politician who has served as the 17th president of the Philippines since 2022. He is the second child and only son of 10th president Ferdinand Marcos and former first lady Imelda Marcos.
First Ladies
Although First Ladies are neither elected nor appointed, they have often played a significant and influential role in shaping the presidency. They embody grace, beauty, and compassion, offering unwavering support not only to the President but also, by extension, to the nation. Through their nurturing presence, First Ladies help the President navigate the challenges of public life, providing stability and strength during times of pressure.
In recognition of their important role, the portraits of the First Ladies were commissione by the Cabinet Ladies Foundation in 2000 and beautifully rendered by renowned artist Lulu Coching-Rodriguez.
Although First Ladies are neither elected nor appointed, they have often played a significant and influential role in shaping the presidency. They embody grace, beauty, and compassion, offering unwavering support not only to the President but also, by extension, to the nation. Through their nurturing presence, First Ladies help the President navigate the challenges of public life, providing stability and strength during times of pressure.
In recognition of their important role, the portraits of the First Ladies were commissione by the Cabinet Ladies Foundation in 2000 and beautifully rendered by renowned artist Lulu Coching-Rodriguez.
Hilaria del Rosario Aguinaldo
Aurora Aragon Quezon
Pacencia Hidalgo Laurel
Luz Banzon-Magsaysay
Victoria Syquia Quirino
Trinidad De Leon Roxas
Esperanza Limjap Osmeña
Imelda Romualdez Marcos
Evangelina Macaraeg Macapagal
Leonila Dimataga Garcia
Luisa Pimentel Ejercito
Amelita Martinez Ramos
Louise Araneta Marcos
Here are more details:
Address: 840 General Solano Street, Barangay San Miguel, Manila, Philippines
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Email Address: [email protected]
Contact Number: 282498310
Admission Fee: Free
Social Media Pages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malacanangheritagetours
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malacanangheritagetours
Website: https://museums.gov.ph/
You may also read:
The Malacañang Heritage Museum: Bahay Ugnayan
Museo ng Pampangulong Sasakyan (Presidential Car Museum)
Bahay Modernismo: The First House Museum Devoted to Philippine Modern Heritage
The Quezon Heritage House: A Place of Refuge and Comfort
Address: 840 General Solano Street, Barangay San Miguel, Manila, Philippines
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Email Address: [email protected]
Contact Number: 282498310
Admission Fee: Free
Social Media Pages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malacanangheritagetours
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malacanangheritagetours
Website: https://museums.gov.ph/
You may also read:
The Malacañang Heritage Museum: Bahay Ugnayan
Museo ng Pampangulong Sasakyan (Presidential Car Museum)
Bahay Modernismo: The First House Museum Devoted to Philippine Modern Heritage
The Quezon Heritage House: A Place of Refuge and Comfort
