MALACAÑAN PALACE (The Official Illustrated History), a 388-page coffee table book published by Studio 5 Designs for the sesquicentennial anniversary of Malacañan Palace as the official residence of the Chief Executive of the land, is a well-researched publication on a heritage house with a respectable antiquity that predates many official residences in Asia. The book is a rich treasure trove of archival material sourced from Spain, and is a visual feast of many never-before-seen images of the Palace - its restored staterooms, museum, adjoining buildings, the grounds from the top, and even its use by the present resident. All these elements were fastidiously woven together by a book design that married the old and the new, the past and the present, bringing to fore a tome of many colors and textures that showcase the Palace not only as “prize, pulpit and stage” of the Philippine President but also as his home and place of comfort. During his recent trip to Europe, President Benigno Aquino III gave MALACAÑAN PALACE (The Official Illustrated History) as the official gift of the Philippines. The book is thus today in the royal palaces and presidential offices and libraries of several European kings and presidents, and most importantly, stands as an example of Filipino excellence in the field of legacy book publishing.

Book designer conceptualized a design-driven book that would sport a bright and fresh look to express the new day that the Philippine economy is enjoying.
- To evoke the nostalgia of the colonial period, he spun off centuries-old floor plans sourced from archives in Spain, for printing on special parchment paper which were inserted by hand in the book.
- Never-before-published photos of the President Aquino were officially shared by the presidential close-in photographer. These depicted him at work (state functions and in his private office) and at play (biking with friends, among others).
- Never-before-allowed aerial shots of the Palace from various angles were featured. This was a special permission from the Commander of the Presidential Security Group as the Palace is a no-fly zone with very strict rules.
- A hard cover with an embossed border featuring a small detail from the original Spanish gate design
o The title in gold foil hot-stamping
o Gold gilding of all edges
o A special handcrafted box made from Philippine mahogany, bordered with a brass cut-out of the original Spanish design of the Palace gate and accented with an engraved seal of the Office of the President

The results of the project were heart-warming
- The Malacañan Place (The Official Illustrated History) became the singular most substantial tangible keepsake of the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Palace. (Only a commemorative stamp and a plaque posted by the National Historical Commission on the centuries-old balete tree in the Kalayaan courtyard were the activities of the 150-year milestone.)

- Most importantly, the Malacañan Place (The Official Illustrated History) became the sole official gift of President Aquino during his 10-day trip to Europe. The boxed version was given to H.M. King Philippe of Belgium, Prime Minster Elio di Rupo of Belgium, H.M. King Felipe IV of Spain, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of Spain, President Francois Hollande of France, Prime Minister Manuel Valls of France, Chancellor Angel Merkel of Germany and President Joachim Gaucke of Germany.

- The book has won three excellence awards from local and international contests which helped support the brand of Studio 5 Designs as a" creator of legacy publications."