It’s not a secret that I’m fond of old structures from houses to cemeteries. Old and heritage homes fascinate me. There are many places in the country that have these old houses, which are remnants of one’s flourishing and haute living. A freelance writer or more specifically a travel writer would surely find old houses and mansions too tempting, and in my case, I have featured the old mansions of Iloilo here in this blog ( click here for the post) .
But sadly, these houses who might have survived earthquakes and wars are facing total destruction posed by negligence and urbanization. Take the mansion of the Laguda situated along General Hughes Street for example. If you are not familiar with this street in Iloilo City, it is the street close to their pier.
The once striking and attractive mansion has been completely demolished to give way for new establishment. Well, the Laguda mansion has been abandoned since it was set on fire by the Japanese during the Second World War. Informal settlers used to take advantage of this mansion as their homes but later, owners placed a fenced around it.
Before it was demolished, passersby can take a glimpse of this beach villa
Freelance writers love to spread the word about this iconic mansion while photographers simply can’t refuse not to take some shots of this house. Alas, what we see now of once a nice mansion is this
It broke my heart when I saw this and I’m wondering how many old houses in Iloilo City will have the same fate as the Laguda. How I wish the city government can find better ways to preserve these treasures. Take The Ruins of Talisay City in Negros which has been transformed into a tourist destination Or the bold move of Las Casas de Acuzar in Bataan.
I guess I just have to let it go and will just tuck Laguda mansion in my memories.
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