The Philippines is filled with buildings featuring exquisite architecture dating back many years. Luckily, many families who owned heritage houses chose to preserve these properties and open them to the public.
Filipinos often associate old houses for being haunted because of the culture and folklore that surrounds the country, especially for properties left to deteriorate.
Despite that, these houses are worth your time if you want to learn more about history or simply experience what it’s like to be in an old house from the past.
If you wanted to explore the old-world Manila, these are the old houses available for tours and event reservations:
1. Mira-Nila House in Cubao
With a sleek mix of Spanish and Italian Art Deco interior design combined with Filipino architecture, Mira Nila House, in Cubao, is a great place for a walk-in tour or a planned event. The house is filled with four thousand books, paintings, letters, and art collections.
The house also has a restaurant, Bizu at Mira Nila, that offers Filipino culinary classics with a modern twist. They also have rooms available for booking individually or as part of a celebration package, open for reservation.
Admission for reserved tours is 400 pesos per person, with general admission tours available on Saturdays that start at 10 am and 1 pm.
2. Quezon Heritage House
Quezon Heritage House is the actual home of the Philippines’ former President Manuel L. Quezon, originally located on Gilmore Street in Quezon City, and has been owned by the Quezon family since 1927.
The house is now situated and can be visited at Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. Filled with items owned by the ex-president and his family, the house is worth visiting, especially for history enthusiasts.
Walk-in and guided tours are available, with a maximum of fifteen visitors allowed inside at a time. The house is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
3. Palacio de Memoria
Formerly known as Villaroman Mansion, the history of Palacio de Memoria starts from pre-war Manila. The Spanish Revival-styled mansion is currently owned by the Lhuillier family and is open as an event venue. The Casa de Memoria, located inside the Palacio, also serves as an auction house.
Located at 95 Roxas Boulevard, Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City, the mansion is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Please note that visits are available exclusively by appointment.
4. Casa Manila
A mansion turned museum, Casa Manila, or Manila House, reflects the culture and lifestyle of wealthy Filipino families during the Spanish colonial era. The house features painted walls, crystal chandeliers, carved traceries, Chinese ceramics, and gilded furniture that were famous during the 19th century.
Located at Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna cor. Real St. Intramuros, Manila, Casa Manila is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm, with a regular rate starting at 75 pesos and discounted rates for children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and government employees. Don’t forget to bring a valid ID if you are visiting.
5. Laperal Mansion
A National Historic Site, the Laperal Mansion stands on Arlegui Street in Manila. The mansion transports you back to the 19th century with its European interiors.
Restored by the Philippine government to host foreign officials, it also serves as a Presidential Guest House. While the mansion is open for events, scheduling must follow a strict procedure with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
It’s crucial that heritage tourism gains attention and attracts interested tourists, as it immortalizes the beauty of culture and history.
