The Coconut Palace, also known as Tahanang Pilipino, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex in Pasay City, is a guesthouse commissioned in 1978 by then first lady Imelda Marcos supposedly for Pope John Paul II's visit in 1981.

The Pope declined the offer to stay in the ostentatious guesthouse, which reportedly cost $10 million at the time.

Architect Francisco Mañosa designed the Coconut Palace, which is made from indigenous materials like coconut lumber and shells, bamboo, rattan and capiz shells.

The exterior of the guesthouse is octagonal, similar to the shape of a young coconut when sliced open. It features a roof that looks like a salakot (wide-brimmed hat), and swing-out windows borrowed from the bahay kubo (nipa hut).

In 1996, US President Bill Clinton had a meeting with then President Fidel V. Ramos at the Coconut Palace.

Hollywood actress Brooke Shields and actor George Hamilton had also visited the guesthouse.

Today, the Coconut Palace is a popular venue for weddings and receptions. Cyril L. Bonabente, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, thephilippines.ph, philippines-travel-guide.com, www.somerset.com