If only walls and furniture could talk, what stories they can tell.

Went on a guided tour of Casa Mariquit Javellana-Lopez. This is considered the oldest heritage house in Iloilo City. It was built in 1803 (222 years old now) for Ramon Javellana both as a bank and their residence.

This was also the residence of Maria Salvacion "Mariquit" Javellana, his granddaughter who became the wife of the only two time Vice President of the Philippines, Fernando "Nanding" Lopez. He was the VP of both Quirino and Marcos. His chance at the Presidency never happened because Marcos declared Martial Law and stayed in power for 20 years.

This home is now a museum. Open to the public, tours are being conducted by the house caretakers, father and son, Bon Bon and Jon Jon. Upkeep of the house is being handled by Mariquit's son-in-law, Robert Puckett. He is one of the proponents of alternative energy. Back in 1991, he was already espousing solar energy and is considered a pillar of the e-jeepney.

Jon Jon had a lot of interesting stories to tell specially about the age of the objects in the house like the 125 yr old Grandfather Clock that's made in Germany that has not been primed nor serviced all this time and is still working. The Balete tree outside the house that is believed to be 300 years old. The hole in the wall of the upstairs living area which is believed to be a peephole for Mariquit to see if suitors serenading ("harana") her are to her liking. If so, she steps out into the veranda, if not she's "not home."

Pope John Paul II who is now a saint visited the house in 1981 and prayed with them in the Oratorio or prayer room. They had good ties with the Church and even have a tunnel from the house that ends in the belfry of the Jaro Cathedral. Probably Church collection was passed through here to reach the bank safely. This supposedly was very helpful during the Second World War to hide females from the invading Japanese.

Were all these true? The walls and the house would know. It has been around more years than you and I.

– Chito Mauleon

This was a worth while tour of the house built in the Spanish time. A wonderful tour conducted by the young caretaker of the property. The stairs and furniutre including the flooring were all preserved in good condition.

A plus, the tour guide was good in taking pictures of you at good spots in the house.

We will definetly go back to this tourist spot in Iloilo! 🤓

– Sonny R. Castro

ok for walk-in visit. One of the historic or oldest house in Iloilo.
the caretaker/guide explained the history of the house very well.
its nice that old things or antiques are preserved, even the house itself.
the house has open windows but depending on the weather, you might still feel warm.

– For Time Never Waits