If you're visiting in Cebu, Philippines, you shouldn't miss visiting this old ancestral home in one of the districts of Cebu. It is one of the oldest residential houses in the Philippines which was built between 1675 and 1700.
It was originally owned by Don Juan Yap, a Chinese merchant and Doña Maria Florido who had 3 children; - Maria, Eleuterio & Consolacion Yap.
The oldest daughter Maria, married Don Mariano San Diego in 1880 who was a district head in Parian, Cebu that time.
Then in 2008, the home was passed on to Doña Maria's great, great grandson Val San Diego who was also famous in Cebu as an art collector and heritage icon.
Several restorations were made on the home by Val to continue to stand as a historical house.
Inside the house are priceless antiques and other old treasures full of historical secrets. As you discover these secrets, they will make you understand there's more to its historical past.
There are also old and new artwork exhibits. Most of the old items are preserved.
Did you know that the construction materials of this old house were made of coral stones that were glued with egg whites? The roof was made of clay weighing at 1 kg. each, and the wooden parts were made of "balayong" and "tugas" (molave), considered to be the hardest woods of all time.
