The first part is a Photo Story - Enjoy these twenty-two photos!💙
Cebu is a home to rich history and culture of our country, the Philippines. In fact, there are countless sites that have been preserved for protection, so as to showcase the history of our beloved homeland.
One of these stuctures is dubbed as the "oldest house in the Philippines" - the Yap-Sandiego House. Lucky for me, I was able to visit this historical place just recently. Its accessibility to where I live is a key factor of why I was able to do so. Is it weird if all this time, it's my first ever chance to visit this heritage?
👇Facts👇
The Yap-San Diego Ancestral House in Parian, Cebu City is said to be the first Chinese house built outside of China. It was built during the country’s Spanish colonial era where the Chinese were required to live in the Parians of a city. Cebu’s Parian was founded in 1590 after the arrival of Chinese traders.
Often referred as “Balay nga Bato ug Kahoy” by by the locals, the ancestral house is constructed out of coral stones and wood. It was built sometime between 1675 and 1700 and was originally owned by a Chinese merchant named Don Juan Yap together with his wife, Doña Maria Florido. - from vigattintourism.com website
👇My Experience👇
The house reeks of "that old house smell". I was in awe to see so many of the really old things that were preserved and stood the test of time. From ancient Chinese antiques to pieces of furniture to kitchen wares to the marble walls and roofs and floors.
I felt a bit creepy with many statues of life sized saints because some were kind of scary, what with its antique-ness old aspect of them.
I had to sneeze a couple of times because the place was too dusty. I did not touch the things and stuff inside as well, as I was afraid I might break something lol.
📌 It was a great experience! After eight and two decades I was finally able to visit this oldest house here in Cebu. Something off of my bucket list - yay!
