Casa Manila, Manila (must see)

Manila House (Casa Manila) is an example of the opulence and elegance of Filipino life during the late Spanish colonial era. This living museum is meticulously designed to mirror the lifestyle of a wealthy Filipino family of the 19th century, with a façade inspired by an actual residence that once graced Jaboneros Street in Binondo's Chinese district in the 1850s. The interior of Manila House is a lavish display of late 19th-century taste, adorned with European and Chinese furniture, painted walls, crystal chandeliers, carved traceries, Chinese ceramics, and gilded furnishings, all contributing to the grandeur and luxury that characterized Manila houses of that period.

Spanning three floors, Manila House offers visitors a comprehensive glimpse into its historical past. The ground floor introduces the Main Gate (Puerta Principal), a heavy wooden gate leading to a corridor, designed for carriages, to pass through to the patio where passengers were dropped off. This patio, paved in granite and adorned with vibrant flowers, features a large fountain and windows that bathe the space in natural light. The presence of a stable, where the owner’s carriages were kept, signifies the wealth and social status of the family, with the size of one's carriage directly correlating to their societal standing.

The first floor houses the office, library, and a safe for storing valuables, alongside bedrooms designated for siesta use. Ascending to the third floor, visitors find the anteroom, a casual space for snacks, games, and smoking. Adjacent is the living room, crafted from hardwood with ample space for relaxation and social gatherings, its windows strategically placed to optimize sunlight blockage and ventilation. Additionally, this floor includes a prayer room for the Catholic family and bedrooms for family members, rounding off the immersive experience of 19th-century Manila living.

Manila House not only serves as a bridge to the past, offering insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period but also stands as a symbol of the architectural and social intricacies that defined the era's affluent lifestyle.