🕰️ Where Old Glamour Meets Living History in Quezon Province
When people talk about Quezon Province, it’s usually about beaches, caves, or the colorful Pahiyas Festival. But there’s another side of Quezon that few people talk about—its grand old mansions. And if you take the time to explore the town proper of Sariaya, you'll find yourself walking back in time.
I did exactly that. I skipped the beach one afternoon and wandered into history instead.
🏠 Governor Natalio Enriquez Ancestral House (1931)
Just a short walk from the town plaza, this mansion doesn’t just stand—it reigns.
Commissioned in 1931 by then-Governor Natalio Enriquez and designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro (yes, the son of painter Juan Luna), this art deco house is nothing short of a masterpiece. With its wide terraces, capiz shell windows, and elegant columns, it feels like a place straight out of a 1930s film.
🏛️ Fun Fact: This house once hosted President Manuel Quezon himself during a political meeting.
Standing in front of it, I couldn’t help but imagine men in barongs and women in terno dresses walking up those grand steps—before war, before modernity.
🏡 Gala-Rodriguez Ancestral House (1935)
Built in 1935 by National Artist Juan Nakpil, this house exudes the glamour of pre-war Sariaya. During its golden years, it was a favorite venue for social gatherings and piano soirées.
Some say parts of the house are still used today, while others are kept locked and quiet—almost like the past is trying to stay undisturbed.
👻 Locals whisper about strange happenings, with caretakers not staying long. Whether it’s haunted or simply proud, the house remains an icon of grace and mystery.
🏯 Don Catalino Rodriguez Ancestral House (Villa Sariaya)
This house was originally renovated in 1922 and has since been known as Villa Sariaya. Today, it is lovingly preserved as a living museum.
You can rent traditional costumes, pose by antique furniture, and feel like you're part of a historical film set. It's the most visitor-friendly of the three, with caretakers happy to share stories and trivia.
🎥 Travel Tip: For the best vintage photos, visit during mid-morning when sunlight fills the open balcony and hits the woodwork just right.
🗺️ Why These Houses Matter
These heritage homes aren’t just architectural treasures. They are witnesses to:
- 🇵🇭 Political meetings and secret gatherings during colonial times
- 🎖️ The Japanese invasion and guerilla movements during WWII
- 🥥 The coconut boom era when Sariaya flourished in trade and wealth
Some houses have survived war, typhoons, and modernization—yet still stand with dignity, telling stories in silence.
🧳 Strolling through Sariaya felt like flipping through a living history book—except I was walking the pages.
📝 Summary of Heritage Houses in Sariaya
| 🏛️ Mansion Name | Built / Renovated | Architect | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villa Sariaya (Don Catalino Rodriguez House) | 1922 | Unknown | Now a living museum |
| Governor Natalio Enriquez House | 1931 | Andres Luna de San Pedro | Hosted President Quezon |
| Gala-Rodriguez House | 1935 | Juan Nakpil | Whispers of being haunted |
💬 If you think there’s "not much to see" in Sariaya beyond churches and festivals—you’re missing something deeply profound.
Take a walk around the plaza. Let the stillness of old wooden windows speak to you. Listen to the breeze echoing in empty corridors. You’ll see what I saw—history, resilience, and elegance, all in one town.
📣 🚶♀️ Visiting Quezon soon? Don’t skip the town proper of Sariaya. Walk the plaza, take a deep breath, and knock on history’s door—you might just find it open.
➡️ Read more hidden gems in
Quezon here
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Pin this for your heritage trail itinerary 🇵🇭
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