One of the biggest reasons I wanted to visit Sariaya was to finally see the Governor Natalio Enriquez Ancestral House in person. I had seen it in photos before—grand, elegant, and timeless—but standing in front of it felt like I was transported back to the glamorous 1930s.
📝 I didn’t get to go inside, but the facade alone made me stop in my tracks. I stood there imagining the glamorous parties and political meetings it must have hosted.
🏠 A Mansion with a Political & Architectural Legacy
This ancestral home was built in 1931 for Governor Natalio Enriquez, one of the most prominent political figures of his time in Quezon Province. The mansion was designed by no less than Andres Luna de San Pedro—the son of painter Juan Luna and a renowned architect in his own right.
What sets this house apart? Its Art Deco architecture. The wide terraces, symmetrical curves, intricate grillwork, and stained glass details make it feel more like a Miami or Havana mansion than something tucked in a small provincial town.
✨ It’s not just a house—it’s a visual statement from a golden era of Philippine society.
🖼️ Not Just a Home, But a Witness to History
What I love about old houses like this is that they’re more than just beautiful structures—they’ve seen and survived history.
This house has hosted political meetings, parties, and wartime events. During WWII, it was occupied by Japanese forces. It has also survived typhoons, earthquakes, and decades of change. And yet, here it still stands—proud and dignified.
📸 I only got to see it from the outside, but even then, I was struck by how grand yet graceful it looked. Its walls seem to whisper stories from another time.
A few tourists and locals were also standing by, admiring its beauty and taking photos. I overheard someone say, "Ang ganda kahit luma na." And I couldn’t agree more. Its age only adds to its character.
📝 If I could go back in time, I’d love to attend one of its lavish parties and see what life was like in Sariaya’s pre-war heyday.
🎟️ Can You Go Inside?
Access is currently limited, and it’s best to ask the caretaker or municipal tourism office if tours are available during your visit. On special occasions like heritage month or town fiestas, the home sometimes opens to the public.
💡 Tip: Even if it’s closed, the facade alone is worth the visit—especially if you’re into photography, architecture, or heritage tourism.
🗺️ How to Get There
📍 Located just a few steps from Sariaya Church and the town plaza, the Governor Enriquez house is easy to find during your heritage walk.
📸 Nearby attractions include:
- Gala-Rodriguez Ancestral House
- Don Catalino Rodriguez House (Villa Sariaya)
- Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church
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