Malabon Old Houses By: Catherine Ramirez

     Malabon, a city image immediately associated with flood.Yet it is much more a city where old Filipino and traditional houses during Spanish period still exist. From the Conception Church of Malabon, old and fascinating houses are very noticeable. 

     The first one is the house in front of the Conception Church known as Farmacia Borja; built in 1923,two storey house owned by the Rojas-Borja Family. It is said to be one of the most preserved stone and wood house in the city.Due to the efforts of the present owner, the house still shows the structure, art nouveau.Unfortunately were not able to enter the house due to Dr. Raymundo Gonzales (owner) clinic time.

     

Benedicto Luna house under construction

     Next house is the Benedicto Luna House of the Santos Family; a three storey Filipino colonial period illustrado house built in the 1960's. The house is located at General Luna corner Paez St. Barangay conception. The house is said to be abandoned, but as what we learn from the some of the residents it is actually under construction for rental purposes.

    Another Luna House is the Paez Luna House which is said to be the treasure of Malabon. It is a two storey Filipino Spanish colonial period Illustrado House , has an art nouveau elements and an outstanding period ornate facade. The most fascinating about the house is the two rooms with ceiling paintings done by Fernando Amorsolo. Word is, Amorsolo was courting one of the Lunas residing in the house and had painted the ceiling with art Nouveau- styled drawings of women and flowers as symbol of his love.

     Below is the David Ignacio House; a 1930s two storey Filipino colonial period Illustrado House. The front of the house is along C. Arellano St. and to its rear is a river.The interior is said to have an ornate carving despite the exterior's quite unpreserved look.

     The oldest house in the city is the Raymundo House, built in 1861. It has a wall structure, especially standing out on its wall gateway which inscribed with a Hapsburg Eagle. Unfortunately, were unable to capture the House, since were already carried by a jeep going to our next stop. But, when I actually saw it. I immediately remember the wall city- Intramuros because of quite similar structure of the two.

     Moreover, the Malabon Torism Office described that such Old Houses land property are mostly in large  measures because Malabon used to be a huge vast of agricultural land. Old Houses of Malabon are mostly named after some Filipino heroes neither their families specifically Juan Luna and Jose Rizal who used to visit some of the old houses.


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