The presence of old houses is something visitors in Iloilo will notice right away. And they are not just your typical old houses, they are simply grand. Old houses in Iloilo for me are one of the best that you can check out hence, they should be part of your things to do in Iloilo.
I have written a separate article on old houses and mansions in Iloilo and one of the ancestral homes I listed is Casa Mariquit.
Casa Mariquit is an old house that is not as easy to spot compared to other old houses in Iloilo because it is not standing in front of the main street of the city. However, Casa Mariquit is one of the few ancestral homes in Iloilo that is open to the public.
And what is more unique than to visit an old house at night? Let me be frank that night tour is something that you have to negotiate becase caretakers are reluctant to accommodate during these hours but it makes it more exciting.
For some background, Casa Mariquit or “Mariquit’s House” is more than 200 years old and built for Mariquit Javellana Lopez by her own father, Ramon Javellana when she eloped with Fernando Lopez at the tender age of 16. Fernando Lopez became a Senator and then Vice President of the Philippines. The house is full of memorabilia of the statesman.
Casa Mariquit is one of the smaller old houses in the city of Iloilo but it has its distinct look of red bricks and terraces. Unlike ancestral homes that you might have visited, its ground floor is not for storage of produce or garage; the lower ground floor of Casa Mariquit is actually a bank. Mariquit’s father who built the house was a banker. Sadly, this part of the house is not open to the public. According to their caretaker, Manong Bon Bon, “antique man ang yab-ok” (even the dust are antique).
Casa Mariquit has this very homey ambiance though we tried to scare ourselves because what is a night tour in an ancestral home without goosebumps? The caretaker who toured us around was trying to play tricks and scare us but I didn’t “feel” anything.
There are plenty of heirloom and vintage pieces like gramophone, paintings, grandfather clock, and classic push button telephone. Here is a nice vintage travel gear we found in the main suite..
The only place I found a little bit eerie because I succumb to the power of perception as there is a big banyan tree locally known as lunok, believed to be home of the spirits. But this is a nice place to hang out and enjoy some company.
On the contrary, they have a nice prayer room with centuries-old candles, religious statues and this photo of Saint Pope John Paul II who visited and blessed Casa Mariquit.
A lovely place to visit when in Iloilo, include Casa Mariquit in your list of things to do in Iloilo. Casa Mariquit is located in Isabel St, Jaro, Iloilo City. Look for Manong Bon, fee is Php50/person.
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4 Comments
Allowed po ba this Monday or Tuesday na mgpictural Dyan??
Hi Eunice,
You need to ask permission from the caretaker. It is best to inform them ahead what time you want to visit.
Thank you.