Gala–Rodriguez house

On May 14, 2008, the two-storey Gala–

Rodriguez house was declared by the National
Historical Institute of the Philippines as one of the
three heritage houses in Sariaya, due to its notable
historical and cultural significance. Designed by Dr.
Juan Nakpil in the early 1930s, Situated at No. 44
Rizal Street, Sariaya, Quezon, in the Philippines it
was owned by one of the most distinguished couples
in Quezon, Dr. Isidro Rodriguez and Doña Gregoria Gala. The house is located in Rizal Street
along with other opulent houses owned by the illustrados of old Sariaya. It is listed as one of
the Ancestral Houses in the Philippines, under Region IV-A.
There are almost no words to describe the elegance and beauty of the Rodriquez
Ancestral Mansion; however, some words that come to mind are romantic, timeless, and
magical. Situated at No. 44 Rizal Street, Sariaya, Quezon, in the Philippines, and constructed
during the 1930s, this mansion represents a love that knows no bounds.
The Rodriguez Ancestral mansion was built specifically as a gift for the late Doña
Gregoria from her husband, Dr. Isidro Rodriguez. One of the things that make this mansion so
remarkable is the tragic love story that surrounds it. Only two days before she and her family
were set to move into her dream home, the chronically ill Doña Gregoria died.

The Mansion was designed in the Art Deco era by architectural genius Juan Nakpil. The
mansion is decorated intricately throughout with the most exquisite tapestries. The Terrace and
Veranda are highlighted with glass made of the most vibrant colors. There are multiple bedrooms
and two stunning dining halls. Beautiful living rooms put a
nice finish on this house that is almost like a palace than a
mansion.

The granddaughter of the original owner, Galdiola

Arguelles-Cabuñag is now the owner and the one who
maintains the historical house.
As quoted from the official brochure of the ancestral house,
“The Ancestral home, having survived theses series of both
tragic and momentous events cannot simply be attributed to
some good luck. It certainly was blessed and preserved for a
definite and meaningful purpose.”

[Link]
Governor Natalio Enriquez Ancestral House
Similar to the Mestizo district in Vigan,

Sariaya in Quezon province (Luzon, northern

Philippines) is synonymous with beautiful

ancestral houses that define the elite and affluent

centre of the town in the pre-war years

(from Waypoint). But unlike in Vigan where older

Spanish colonial houses were preserved, Sariaya’s

architectural gems are from the Art Deco period

(early 1900s), a latter period where few building examples exist due to the devastation during

World War 2.

An example from Sariaya’s Art Deco ancestral houses is the eye-catching and brick-roofed

Sariaya landmark near the church, known as the Governor Natalio Enriquez Ancestral House

designed by European schooled architect Andres Luna de San Pedro, the son of the artist Juan

Luna. It was built in 1931 for then Tayabas Provincial Governor Natalio Enriquez (1941 – 1945)

and his wife Susana Gala. The house was a venue for fabulous high society gatherings in pre-war

Sariaya, and was listed by the National Historical Institute as a Heritage House on May 2008.

Sariaya’s fabulous ancestral houses defined an era of affluence in the Philippines (early

1900s) when the characteristic old Filipino-Spanish architecture was renovated by rich owners and

transformed with foreign influences like the then Art-Deco style. Other houses of note in Sariaya

are the ancestral houses of Donya Carmen Rodriguez Arguelles, Enriquez-Gala, Don Catalino

Rodriquez, Juanito Rodriguez and Francisco Rodriguez.

Located on the Pan-Philippine Highway in Sariaya, Quezon Province, Luzon Island, the

Philippines

[Link]
Quezon Provincial Capitol

The Quezon Provincial Capitol (formerly

known as the Tayabas Provincial Capitol), may be
a familiar view for most of the Lucenahins. We see
this building almost everyday especially if we are
boarding a jeepney en route to “Kapitolyo”.
Not only that, it also serves as a “virtual
alarm clock” for most of the residents here Lucena
because of the familiar siren that we hear three
times a day – at 7 in the morning, 12 noon and 5 in the afternoon.
With its contemporary looks today, one might not think that the Quezon Provincial Capitol
is over a century year old. Constructed way back 1908 on a land donated by the then Gov. Filemon
Perez, this building becomes a part of the everyday lives of every Lucenahins. Its Neoclassical
Art-Deco style was designed by Architect Juan Arellano. On the top of the Provincial Capitol
Building, you will see 24 statues of men and women representing the different livelihood in the
province. These statues are made by an Italian sculptor, Francesco Riccardo Monti.
During the World War II, the structure was damaged but was soon restored with the means
of Philippine Rehabilitation (Tydings) Act, April 30, 1946. During those times, several Provincial
Offices were situated there for easy access of the government services. As the time goes by, some
of the offices left the capitol and moved to newly constructed buildings within the vicinity.
On March 10, 2010, the Quezon Provncial Capitol was declared as a National Historical
Landmarrk by the National Historical Institute (NHI), through Presidential Decree No. 260. On
March 15, 2011, the NHI noted the “state of disorder” of the building. From then on, restoration
projects for the Provincial Capitol were being carried out.
To date, some of the rooms here are still undergoing renovation, specifically on the 2nd
floor. The third floor, where the Provincial Badminton Court was located is locked but can be used
as long as you have gained permission from the Provincial Sports Office which is located at the
Quezon convention Center.

[Link]
Birthplace of Claro M Recto

Claro M. Recto was born in Tiaong, February 8,

1890. Graduated from Ateneo de Manila maxima cum
laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Bachelor of Laws,
University of Sto Tomas, Class Valedictorian, 1913. A
politician and lawyer, jurist, poet, playwright, essayist, and
one of the foremost statesmen of his generation. The
award-winning one-act comedy, La ruta de Damasco
(1913), followed by Solo entre las sombras (1917)
established his reputation as a dramatist.
• Admitted to the United States Supreme Court Bar, 1924
• Founded the Partido Democrata, and in 1928, temporarily
retired from politics to practice and teach law, a move he
eventually found tedious and restrictive.
• Senator of the Philippines: 1931-1935, 1941-1946, 1953-
1960.
• Supreme Court Associate Justice 1935-1936.
• In 1957, failed in his bid for the Philippine presidency running against then Vice President Carlos
Garcia.
• Zobel Prize Winner for literature.
• A nationalist, he was one of the most vocal proponents for Philippine autonomy.
•¨The father of the Philippine Constitution and the last Filipino justice appointed by an American
president.
• Known as the Great Dissenter because of his positions on foreign policies of different Philippine
presidents.
• Considered the "finest mind of his generation," molding his contemporaries and succeeding
generations through his speeches and writing, and in his wake, a political climate and legacy of
nationalism that inspired icons of nationalism like Tañada, Diokno, Constantino, Salonga.
• Died October 2, 1960, Rome, Italy.

As Claro M Recto's birthplace, Tiaong, Quezon is designated a National Historical Site.

But alas, even in this town, Recto is the "unknown" and "unappreciated" hero, mostly known for
the park erected in his honor, graced by a monument and a mural that celebrates his life's
milestones and the February "Recto Day" celebrated by the High School named after him. Sadly,
Claro M Recto's legacy - his life's accomplishments, his spirit and passion, the fervent
nationalism that ruled his life and inspired many in its wake - is fading and barely remembered.

[Link]

[Link]
Rodriquez House

Don Catalino Rodriguez Ancestral

House, also known as Villa Sariaya, is one of the
three houses declared by the National Historical
Institute (Now called the National Historical
Commission) of the Philippines as Heritage house
in Sariaya, Quezon. It was owned by Don Catalino
Rodriguez, Sariaya’s town President (Mayor during
the American occupation period) from 1908 to
1909.
The house occupies an entire block near the church park. Its main entrance faces south
along Calle Daliz and is bounded by Calle Rizal on the west and Quezon Avenue (formerly Calle
Talavera) on the east.[2] This house has already been transformed into a Museum and visitors can
choose to wear period costumes for reasonable fees and pose for souvenir photos. Don Catalino
Rodriguez Ancestral House is listed as one of the Ancestral Houses in the Philippines, under
Region IV-A
Villa Sariaya was built in 1922. The house was said to be a place for important occasions
during its heyday. According to historical accounts, one of those events that were held in the house
was in honor of President Manuel Quezon. Claro M.
Recto, a native of Tiaong, Quezon, was also mentioned as
one of the important guests who visited the house in one
of its sponsored events.
In the 1990s, the house was restored to its former
grandeur through the effort of Vicente Rodriguez, one of
the eight children of the owners. After Vicente Rodriguez,
his fourth child Rebecca purchased and restored the
house.
Today, Villa Sariaya is owned by the Veloso
Family.

[Link]