With our newfound freedom comes the question: Where can we go now? One reader even reached out to Nolisoli.ph recently asking for open-air public space recommendations (as they should!). After years of being isolated, we crave the outdoors and sadly there is a limited number of those, fewer still are those that are free for everyone.
But sometimes, we don’t mind paying a fee, especially if it goes to the maintenance and conservation of, say, historical and heritage sites. Even better, we are all for paid outdoor trips that include food—just check our TikTok page.
One such recent discovery is Palacio de Memoria in Parañaque. The restored pre-war gated estate with a seven-story mansion is home to European antiquities, which is no surprise given it is owned by the Lhuilliers, one of whom heads an auction house, the Casa de Memoria. Hence, the property also serves as a showroom for its auctions.
But one of the most stunning features of the estate is already visible even without having to go through its gilded doors. In its backyard are some of the airplanes used by seasoned diplomat Philippe Lhuillier. Some of these aircraft have since been repurposed to become either a restaurant or a bar.
If you have a “fear of flying” or just don’t want to eat in enclosed quarters after having spent most of the last two years doing so, Palacio de Memoria also has picnic grounds. The kind where you lay a blanket to lie on while you snack on charcuterie and whatnot.
For P3,000, you and two other people (your bestie or even a romantic interest (no pressure)) plus your pets can enjoy a picnic complete with a pizza of your choice (Margherita, salami, or Bolognese ragu) and a bottle of Tanqueray London Dry Gin and two canned tonics.
But that’s not all: This picnic package also includes a tour of the property, which is a steal because tour rates alone can cost you anywhere between P100 for access to the “in-flight” lounge to P600/head for guided tours. This package is only available on weekends.
You can also opt to have a fancy meal along with your tour. For P1,250, your guided tour comes with spaghettini with prawns, scallops, tomato and ginger butter, and a glass of iced tea. For an additional P550, you can also have tramezzini (Italian sandwich) with prosciutto, tomato, and basil.
Or avail of a group package good for 10 (P12,500) that comes with iced tea, spaghettini, and potato chips with maionese.
To book your picnic and guided tours, email them at hello@palaciodememoria.com or call 0997-7998187.