MikeLigalig.com

By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The country’s most tightly guarded bachelor’s pad comes complete with a swimming pool, a Bali-style garden, ample space for a pool table, three new bedroomsâ€"and, well, that occasional “smell.”

The smell of the Pasig River.

The prewar Bahay Pangarap located across the Pasig River from Malacañang would be ready by the weekend for its new occupant, President Aquino, according to the chief of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

“It’s up to him how he wants to decorate,” Col. Ramon Dizon told reporters yesterday. “They’ve started cleaning the house two days ago, but this weekend we will be ready whenever the President wants to transfer.”

Under previous administrations since the Commonwealth era, the Bahay Pangarap (House of Dreams) usually served as venue for formal dinners and other social functions.

While retaining its art deco look, the house was recently renovated and refurbished to suit the needs of the country’s first bachelor Chief Executive. Malacañang tapped architect Manny Dimaculangan to rework the spacious bungalow.

Three more bedrooms were added to the existing master bedroom. Dizon said they would be reserved for Mr. Aquino’s occasional guests, security detail and household staff.

Family members could come over, but the renovations did not really consider providing long-term lodgings for such visitors.