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A Closer Look at the Recently Unveiled de Gournay Panels at Malacañan Palace

A partnership between de Gournay and Jonathan Matti resulted in “Latina Manila,” a set of panels that decorate Kalayaan Hall, the President’s Hall, and the State Dining Room.
March 13, 2026
A panel of Latina Manila, installed at Kalayaan Hall. Courtesy of Malacañan Palace

Philippine interior designer Jonathan Matti truly embodies the spirit of bespoke design. Each project he undertakes is a thoughtful exploration of originality, beauty, and refined style. For those familiar with his work, it comes as little surprise that his name was at the very top of the list when the esteemed British design house de Gournay sought a partner for its first Philippine collaboration.

First released in 2017, Latina Manila is painted in the style of Papiers Peints Panoramiques and draws inspiration from Matti’s elegant aesthetic, as well as from the Philippines’ lush landscapes and richly decorative architecture. The scenes are filled with details that celebrate the flora and fauna of the Southeast Asian islands, including the flame tree and groves of bamboo native to Manila and its surrounding areas.

Last week, de Gournay founder and managing director Claud Cecil Gurney, together with a team from across the globe, flew into Manila to celebrate the unveiling of Latina Manila’s installation at Malacañan Palace. The hand-painted panels have been installed in Kalayaan Hall, the President’s Hall, and the State Dining Room of the presidential palace. The occasion was marked by an intimate gathering hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos in Kalayaan Hall.

Here’s a closer look.

Presidents Hall. Courtesy of Malacañan Palace
A closer look at the Latina Manila panels installed in Presidents Hall. Courtesy of Malacañan Palace
Kalayaan Hall with Latina Manila panels. Courtesy of Malacañan Palace
The Kalayaan Hall panels in detail. Courtesy of Malacañan Palace
The Kalayaan Hall panels in detail. Courtesy of Malacañan Palace
The State Dining Room. Courtesy of Malacañan Palace
Interior designer Jonathan Rachman, commercial director of de Gournay Stephanie Spero, and de Gournay’s Claud Cecil Gurney. Courtesy of Malacañan Palace
At the Palace Dinner for the occasion, at the Malayan Hall. Courtesy of Jonathan Rachman
At the Palace Dinner for the occasion, at the Malayan Hall. Courtesy of Jonathan Rachman
At the Palace Dinner for the occasion, at the Malayan Hall. Courtesy of Jonathan Rachman
Interior designer Jonathan Rachman, Design Director of de Gournay Jemma Cave, and designer Jonathan Matti. Courtesy of Malacañan Palace

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