Prominent families, the business sector and the local officials gathered to celebrate the centennial year of the Casa de España Iloilo, marking the event with a time capsule-laying ceremony on Monday afternoon.
“Built on June 8, 1926, the Casa de España served as the clubhouse of the Casino Español, a social club of the Spanish community in Iloilo. Founded as a venue for camaraderie and cultural continuity, it became a prominent institution reflecting the prestige and close-knit identity of the city’s Spanish residents,” a narrative found in the small museum inside the newly-restored casa read.
It played a “key role in shaping the city’s commercial and social networks.”
It was occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II and as recreation center for United States soldiers after the liberation.
Casa de España was bought by the late philanthropist Antonio Chan, the father of businesswoman Teresa “Nene” Chan and singer-composer Jose Mari Chan.
The building underwent renovation in 2023 as a tribute to their parents, and was developed as an event center.
Teresa Chan said they want to contribute to putting Iloilo in the world map.
“In the next generation in 2126, when they opened it (time capsule), they would be able to see it and would know how we lived at this time,” she said in an interview.
The centennial time capsule contained books by former senator Franklin Drilon and from the city and provincial government of Iloilo; the letter of Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Miguel Utray, which was delivered in English by Jon Mikel Afzellius; an image of Mama Mary from Jaro Archbishop Midiphyl Billones; and artworks of Antonietta Chan.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., in his message delivered by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, said throughout the decades, Casa de España stood as a symbol of the enduring ties between Spain and the Philippines.
“During the restoration of Casa de España, a time capsule deposited in 1926 was discovered. Across a century, its authors reached out to us with their hopes and dreams. This afternoon, we do the same,” Defensor said.
He added that in burying the new time capsule, they are leaving behind messages for those who will gather in the same place 100 years from now.
“We cannot know what their world will be like, but we hope they will find that the values we cherish today – friendship, respect, community, and peace – have endured,” he added.
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas said the centennial milestone is a reminder that heritage is not only about structures, but about memories, laughter, friendships, and traditions passed on through generations that shape the identity of Ilonggos.
“Heritage and memory remind us of who we are, and I was deeply moved to join the Casa de España Centennial Time Capsule Ceremony. Casa de España has stood through changing times and challenges, and I also recognize the meaningful revival of this institution in 2025 through the Chan family,” she said.
The centennial time capsule was placed at the pedestal of the statue of The Historian, a lady of Ilonggo and Spanish heritage, holding an image of Sto. Niño. (PNA)
