Ancestral/Heritage Houses of Talisay, Cebu

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An ancestral home is the place of origin of one’s extended family, particularly the home owned and preserved by the same family for several generations. The term can refer to an individual house or estate, or to a broader geographic area such as a town, a region, or an entire country.

Websters Dictionary

Ancestral houses are the oldest houses in a community as entire bloodlines have origins in these houses. The ancestry of entire families can be traced with the location, Style and size and beauty of these ancestral/heritage houses.

I must distinguish that not all ancestral houses are heritage houses, though it is very unclear what age a house must be to be an ancestral house in Cebu and the definition depends on who someone is asking and the area you are in, in the case of Talisay i define a “Heritage house” as a dwelling for people that was built before (A.D 1945). In the case of an ancestral house i define it as a dwelling built before (A.D 1965).

• beware that i am only one person and that i do not have the power to get accurate details on every house
• beware that there are very few official documents pertaining to when these houses were built only living persons and conjecture and at worst case my opinion
• I will be separating the “Unknown” houses

I will be writing about these heritage houses in order of age from oldest to newest. The order for which houses i will be discussing will be (top to bottom) (list is subject to change without notice)

• Balay Ni Tiago (1910s)
• Garces House (Around 1932)
• Balay Mandeng Omen (Around 1929)
• Mimosa House (1930s)
• Dela Torre House (late 1940s)
• Mabele House (Late 1940s)
• Villoria House (1948)
• Manning Laso House (1952)
• Marpepe House (Not more than 1954)
• Seguerra House (1954)
• Cervantes House 1 and 2 (Around 1955)
• Garces House (1955)
• Villanosa House (late 1950s)
• Menyeng House (late 1950s)
• Bullicer House (late 1950s)
• Jereza House (Early 1960s)
• Msgr. Villoria House (1963)

Unknown Houses list (Estimation)

• Unknown 1 (Pre-War)
• Unknown 2 (Pre-War)

Balay Ni Tiago (Refer to Images above)… Is a old house in Barangay Cansojong. It was owned by the chiropractor known as Tiago, he was a famous chiropractor among Talisaynons in the 1960s and 1970s. The house is in a S shape with large wood sliding windows and white curtains, below the windows are typical “Ventanillia” or a small window under the larger window that allows better ventilation for the room. The ventanillia are balustraded, because of time part of the first floor of the house has been turned into concrete, but there is still half of the house that is wooden. The second floor has old furniture but most old things have been lost to time or stolen because there are now tenants. The roof of the house was once Cogon grass but it was turned into corrugated steel last year. The first floor also has patterned windows and 4 doors.

Kung nagubo ko, diri man mi i hilot ni noy Tiago sauna

Tenant,2020

Garces house (Old) (Refer to images above)… This house is the first Garces house built more or less in 1932, but it would be impossible to say that it was built in the Spanish period because the foundation’s are built on concrete. The house is in a square shape with a small protrusion to the back which served as a balcony for the second floor and a kitchen for the first floor. The first and second floor has capiz windows that slide open and small ventanillia with ironwork coverings. There was a small iron plaque that said “Oldest Garces House”. Sadly the house has been demolished by new owners of the property and the house no longer exists. The house was once on Washington st.

Among tawag ana ky Paredes ambot hano pero ang sulod nindot man

Nang Loling,2018

Balay Mandeng Omen (Refer to images above)… This house is the ancestral house for familia Bascon and Familia Lazo. This house was probably already built by 1929 as there is a member of the Lazo family that claims their sister was born at this house in 1929 and the house appears on World War 2 era maps of the Talisay poblacion. The house is Square in shape with a large protrusion to the right of the house and window protrusions. The front of the house is adorned with parallel line and Cross patterns.The only way to get to the second floor is a old wood staircase. The house does not appear to have any window shutters but there are Capiz windows that were not in use, The window coverings also feature parallel line patterns. The condition of the house is fine but it is dirty and the house has been subdivided by tenants and many old things have been lost to time. The house is in Barangay Dumlog. The house is on Jose. Rizal St.

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Mimosa House (1930s) (Refer to images above) is a old house in barangay Lagtang. The house though unclear when it was built seems to have American period architecture and Ironwork for the windows. The house is in a square shape but 2 overhangs over the first floor serve as windows. The house is a combination of wood,iron and small parts of concrete. Capiz windows line the first floor, but the second floor only has solid wood sliding windows, Yellow curtains are on the first floor. Wood patterns can be seen at the rear of the building and the facade. The house is actually 1 foot of the ground and is supported by wood beams and concrete (the reason most likely being flood protection). The house is in good condition and has been recognized in a Talisay heritage map. The house is on the Talisy-Toledo road,Lagtang

Ki bisita man mi sa mga Heritage sa Talisay unya ki butang lang mi sa Mappa

Resident of Mimosa House,2020

Dela Torre House (late 1940s) (Refer to images above) The Dela Torre house is a house owned by Maria De La Torre and was built most likely in the 1930s or late 1940s and somehow managed to survive the landing of American forces. The house is in a Square shape tapering at a small square serving as a front Porch. The house’s facade like the Mandeng Omen house is adorned with Geometric and Sunrise patterns made of wood. The house has 2 floors and the second floor can be accesed through a balustraded staircase. The first and second floor has Capiz windows and the windows is so large that the capiz windows are from roof to floor and the house has no ventanillia. The house has many old pieces of furniture and the house is in very good shape for its age only having minor damage from water leaks in the first floor. The house is on concrete foundations. The house is on Washington St.

Mura kani nga balay ang una nga balay diri inig human sa gubat

Resident of Delatorre House,2020

Mabele House (late 1940s) (Refer to images above) This house is owned by a member of the Bascon family and was built most likely before 1950 but after 1945 as maps of the area in 1945 do not show the house. The house is a square shape with rounded corners in the front of the house but the back of the house is a mess of square rooms and capiz windows. The facade of the house has normal rectangular glass windows which appear in many houses post 1955. The house can be accesed through a wood door located at the front of the house. The inside of the house does not have many old things but it is a little dirty and empty. The house’s condition today is negligible it is maintained though not that well. The house is on Jose. Rizal St.

Maka kita ko ani nga balaya sa 60s katong ga tudlo pako.

Local Teacher,2019

Villoria House (1948) (Refer to Images above) The Villoria house is a old house beside the Poblacion church in Talisay. The house was built in 1948 according to Nora Seguerra a neighbor of the Villoria’s. The house is in a complex shape with projections from a rectangular base making a form that makes you have to break down its shape. The house has 3 gabled roofs and a balcony. It is made out of wood and painted white and pink. The windows are made of glass but at one point they were capiz. The windows are covered with iron grills. The house has 2 floors which can be accessed through a arched doorway under the balcony. The inside of the house is old with old furniture because the house is lived in. In the garage of the house there is an old volkswagen. Overall the house is clean and well mantained. The house is on Jose. Rizal St.

Akoang balay 1954 (Seguerra House) kanang balay 1948 (Villoria House)

Nora Seguerra,2020

Manning Laso house (1952) (Refer to images above) The Manning Laso house is a old house just across the road from the Balay Mandeng Omen. The old house was built in 1952 by Manning Laso according to Mr. Manning Himself. The house is in a L shape with thick tugas (oak) walls and glass windows, the house has not been painted. The house has 2 floors, the first of which can be accessed through 2 doors one in the front and one on the right hand side of the house and the second can be accessed through a grand staircase going up to the second floor. The inside of the house is dusty but not deteriorated most fixtures and wood designs are still present but most valuables have been taken to Mr. Manning’s new house behind this old one, one of the remaining things inside is an old bed,lantern, rocking chair and books. The back of the house has capiz windows with wooden coverings. The house is on Jose. Rizal St.

Mu anhi rako sa taas kung mag lingkod sa rocking chair mag pahiyahay

Manning Laso,2020

Marpepe House (Around 1954) (Refer to images above) The Marpepe house is the house of the Talisay Marpepe Milling Corporation which has been active for many years. The house itself was built around 1952 according to Ily Kong who saw the house being built by order of his father. The house is in a rectangular shape, though the back of the house is more messy and undefined, it is facing away from the road going into the property. The main detail that people notice is the unique parallel design wood covering of the capiz windows. The house has 2 floors the first can be accessed through the door at the front of the house. and the second can be accessed through a grand staircase. The inside of the house is clean and simple, i could not see many wood designs but many of the fixtures like tables chairs and light bulbs look old and have sophisticated designs. Notably behind the house is the massive mill of the Marpepe Milling Corporation it has old Machinery used to process the products. The house is unpainted as per wishes of Ily Kong’s father. The house is on San Isidro Road.

Akong lolo dili man ganahan i pintal para sa sentimental value niya

Ily Kong,2020

Seguerra house (1954) (Refer to images above) The Seguerra house is a post war house right beside the Old Villoria house. The residents are Nang Nora Seguerra and Noy Ter Seguerra, both of whom are over the ages of 80, Noy ter being 90. the house has a complicated shape with gable roofs separating the 2 floors.The wall surrounding the house is balustered. The first floor is made of concrete and has many ironwork designs and excellent brickwork., the second floor is made of wood. The windows of the house is normal glass. The inside of the house is a beautiful combination of hand painted tiles that form plants and old furniture confusing and beautiful in construction, many saints and angels are around the house as well as an old statue of the Virgin Mary. The staircase is a combination of Ironwork and wood. The house is home to Noy Ter who is one of the 3 historians of talisay theorize maybe the oldest Talisaynon at 90 years old. The house is on Jose. Rizal St.

Imong balay nang Nora, napuno sa anghel gagmay

Fr. John Orat

Cervantes house 1 and 2 (Around 1955) The Cervantes houses are 2 old houses located along Lechon Road (If your from Talisay you know this road in Poblacion) They are home to the Cervantes family. The first Cervantes house is of rectangular shape with the first floor made of concrete and brick arches and the second floor is made of concrete with a balcony and has capiz windows, there are also glass arched windows. I have yet to get inside this house which is currently being used as a Event ground. The second and older Cervantes house is of rectangular shape with The first floor made of concrete but it is concealed with tiles, the windows of the first floor are made of glass. The second floor of the house is made of wood planks and is colored yellow, the second floor is what makes me believe that the house may be older than what it seems as the second floor has capiz windows with balustraded ventanillia and small ventillation shafts and iron canopies protecting the windows below, the capiz windows are also covered by complex ironwork. The inside of the second Cervantes house is clean but many old pieces of furniture does not seem to exist anymore as many of the fixtures look brand new.

Ga una man ang akong balay ( sa kang Cervantes mura 1955 man to ilaha

Nora Seguerra,2020

Garces House (1955) (Refer to Images above) The Garces house was once the residence of Ressurecion Garces and Cebuano writer Vicente Garces of Bag-ong kusog fame. The house started being built in 1952 according to a local and was finished in 1955. The house has 2 floors, but notably connected to the house is a large tower which is 4 floors tall. The shape of the house is rectangular with the addition of the tower on the right hand side. The inside of the first floor has many paintings and photos of the Garces family and also there are many pieces of furniture like Vienna chairs, grandfather clocks and tables, the second floor of the main building has many rooms and bathrooms and suspiciously a room with red liquid stained on a bed, i assume its wine. The house is one of the few houses in Talisay built in the Art-Deco style. The windows are made of glass an the house is painted white and red. When going inside the tower the only way to get in is through the second floor and the rickety staircase leads to 3 rooms, the first room on what is the second floor has nothing inside though the doorknob was glass aswell, the second room on the third floor belonged to a member of the Garces family. The house is on Jose. Rizal St.

When this house is demolished there wont be anymore Art-Deco houses in Talisay

Marbs Bascon,2020

Villanosa House (1950s) (Refer to images above) The Villanosa house is a old house in Barangay Tabunok. The shape of the house is rectangular with a front porch jutting out in the middle. On the front there are plant motifs and arched windows, the windows are glass. The first floor is made of concrete and the second floor is made of wood planks. The first floor is occupied by many businesses. The inside of the second floor is empty and dusty. The roof of the house is a combination of tisa and galvanized steel.

Dugay naman na nga balay wala pa ang gaisano

Neighbor

Menyeng House (1950s) (Refer to images above) The Menyeng house is an old house in the Poblacion and is colored white. The house is divided into three, notably on the far right of the house there is a large arched window with parallel patterns. The house has 2 floors, the first floor is the sala and kitchen, the first floor has a old T.V. The second floor is the living quarters and a large bathroom, also there is a small window jutting out of the rectangular house. The roof has 3 gables and a ventillation shaft at the top. The windows are rectangular and are made of glass. The house is a fine example of a 1950s Talisay house. The location of the house is a street a little north of the church.

Dira mi mu tanaw ug Miss Universe ky wala man mi TV.

Neighbor,2019

Bullicer House (1950s) (Refer to images above) The Bullicer house is an old house built around the same time as the Menyeng house. The outside of the house is surrounded by a concrete wall adorned with patterns. The house is in a L shape with the porch on the second floor. The windows of the house are colored and the house itself is unpainted. Around the house is a fishpond that once supplied the area with fish from the ocean. The entrance of the house is a wood arch with a old door. the inside of the house is clean and there is still some old furniture like a bed, a cabinet and some vienna chairs. The second floor of the house is very hot as the wood is very thick and the windows were not open. The house is also a fine example of a 1950s Talisay house. The location of the house is a street a little north of the church.

The Facade of the house is classic and simple

Me,2020

Jereza House (1960s) (Refer to images above) The Jereza house is an old house by the sea in the poblacion, it was owned by the Jereza Family who are the owners of University Southern Philippines and the family used the house as a vacation home away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This was in the day’s when Talisay was the place to be if you wanted a relaxing day at the beach, many prominent Cebuano’s had beach houses in Talisay and so did the Jereza’s. beside the house there is a large swimming pool which today is empty. The shape of the house is rectangular and ending with a protrusion at the end. The front of the house has a small staircase. The house has many promenades and porches to lounge in and the door is patterned and not a solid piece of wood. The back of the house has Capiz windows. The roof is made of Asbestos.

Gubaon naman ang balay dong, wala naman say butang

Nang Patring

Msgr. Villoria house (1963) (Refer to images above) The Msgr. Villoria house was the residence of the late Msgr. Estanislao Villoria. The house was most likely built in 1963 when Msgr. Villoria was assigned in Talisay from 1963-1965. The house is a flat roofed, square shape, the house is colored gray. the facade of the house is behind the porch, the fence of the porch is patterned concrete. To the side of the house there is a small grotto, the windows of the house are wood and glass. The house is unique because it is one of the few flat roofed houses in Talisay. The location of the house is Jose. Rizal St.

The Unknown House has been revealed to be the Tenchavez House though it has been demolished (Oct 8,2020)

The second Unknown house is a house in Barangay Tabunok. The old house is like the first unknown house aside from the windows which are capiz and are covered with ironwork and above the windows are colored sunrise shaped glass. The roof of the house is made of galvanized steel but like many older houses the roof of the house is steeper than most post war houses.