President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III was adamant about not staying in Malacañan Palace--the official residence of the President of the Republic of the Philippines--because he thought it had "negative vibes." Though he may have a point, the landmark is already a part of our history. Even if P-Noy lives elsewhere, we can't help but associate the Palace with Philippine presidents. SPOT.ph lists 10 must-know facts about the Philippine landmark.

The Palace is one grand place.

1. The name game. Some say that the Palace's name was derived from "may lakan diyan," which is Tagalog for "there's a noble man there." Others say it was derived from "mamalakaya," which means "fishing village." What's definite is that the street where the house stood was once called Calzada de Malacañan, without a "g," as you would see it spelled in Spanish publications in those days. Thankfully, the street hasn't had its name changed too many times. The street was renamed Aviles (after Jose Vicente de Aviles, the Count of Aviles, who was a resident in the area). In 1959, it was renamed President Jose P. Laurel Street. Thankfully, that street name has stuck--resisting even the predilection of politicians for constantly changing the names of streets.

He's not living in the Palace itself, but P-Noy seems to be open to holding official functions there such as the inaugural reception last June 30, 2010.

2. To "g" or not to "g." So, is it "Malacañan" or "Malacañang"? The Spanish colonizers preferred to drop the "g," the terminal "ng" being an uncommon sound in their language. The Americans, despite having the terminal "ng" sound in their language, continued to use the form. President Ramon Magsaysay wanted the "ng" retained, ordering in 1963 that the place be referred to as "Malacañang, Residence of the President of the Philippines." But in 1965, President Ferdinand Marcos, during his first term, adopted the g-less form. Then, as ordered by President Cory Aquino, the structure would officially be known as Malacañan Palace (without the "g") and the Office of the President alternatively as Malacañang (with a "g").