Palacio de Memoria gets recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as a heritage institution for its Adaptive Reuse. Held during simple, intimate ceremonies on July 19, 2022, at the Los Tamaraos Ballroom at the Palacio de Memoria, the marker is a conclusive testimony of the Lhuillier family’s dedication to making culture, history, and heritage, concepts that have living embodiments, and not just dusty words referring to an antiquated past.
Palacio de Memoria General Manager Camille Lhuillier-Albani welcomed the representatives from the NCCA and from Parañaque City, who graced the occasion. The event was marked more meaningful with the attendance of Ambassador Philippe Jones Lhuillier and Mrs. Edna Diago-Lhuillier, as it was Ambassador Lhuillier himself who had acquired the property decades ago in the early 2000s.
Completing the roster of esteemed guests who were in attendance during the monumental event were Architect Michael Manalo, Head of NCCA’s Commissioner for Cultural Heritage, together with Lawrence Charles Salazar, Head of NCCA’s Cultural Heritage Section. On behalf of Parañaque, present were Second District Representative Hon. Jose Enrico Golez, Parañaque Councilor Hon. Kristine Esplana, and the Head of Parañaque Tourism Office, Mr. Melquiades Alipo-on.
True to its name, the Palacio de Memoria is really a ‘palace of memories’, as it’s one of the remaining pre-war mansions that date back to the 1930’s. It survived the Battle of Manila along Roxas Boulevard; and one of its most impressive decorative elements is the Filipino-themed terrazzo flooring in the main hall, attributed to National Artist Juan Nakpil. Depicting a local folk dance, it’s a testament to the wonderful job the Lhuillier family has done to rehabilitate the mansion and the surrounding grounds, and turn the whole complex into a living space where people can visit, tour, dine, and hold events.
The Philippine Heritage Awards (PHA), is a conservation recognition program given by the President of the Republic of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the NCCA, wherein monetary prizes, awards and citations are given for special achievements, contributions, and services in the area of heritage preservation and conservation efforts. The Palacio received from the NCCA the 2020 Philippine Heritage Awards under the Adaptive Reuse category.
Mrs. Camille Lhuillier-Albani was overjoyed to accept the marker and citation on behalf of the family. As the driving force behind the Palacio’s operations, Camille is especially poised to appreciate how this blend of preservation and function can be a viable business model. Daily visitors to the Palacio can tour the grounds, and can have a meal at The Loggia, which is run by Chef Margarita Fores. Have a drink at the Tanqueray Bar, or the Mosphil Lounge by Run Rabbit Run. The Palacio is a wonderful choice for events, wedding receptions, and big parties.
As can be gleaned from the above, a heritage award does not mean an institution has to be a stiff, formal, or restricted edifice; it can still be a vibrant, alive, space that welcomes visitors, and helps them create new, lasting, and precious memories. The Palacio de Memoria is more than ready to continuously live up to its name.
