The Bahay Kubo and Iloilo Ancestral Houses

The Bahay Kubo

and
ILOILO ANCESTRAL HOUSES
The Bahay Kubo
Cultural Significance
A nipa hut is an icon of Philippine culture as it
represents the Filipino value of bayanihan,
which refers to a spirit of communal unity or
effort to achieve an objective
Its architectural principles gave way to many of Filipino
traditional houses and buildings that rose after the pre-
colonial era

The nipa hut or bahay kubo, is a type of stilt house indigenous to the
cultures of the Philippines. It is also known as payag or kamalig in other
languages of the Philippines. It often serves as an icon of Philippine culture.
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Three-layered structure
• divides the house into three areas
• Living area
• Silong
• Roof space
Bubong (Roof)
• The traditional roof shape of the Bahay Kubo
is tall and steeply pitched, ending in long
eaves.
• A tall roof creates space above the living area
through which warm air could rise, giving the
Bahay Kubo a natural cooling effect even
during the hot summer season
Silong
• Bahay Kubo have a silong (the Tagalog word
also means "shadow") area under the living
space for a number of reasons, the most
important of which are to create a buffer area
for rising waters during floods and to prevent
pests such as rats from getting up to the living
area
Silid (Living Space)

• The main living area is designed to let in as

much fresh air and natural light as possible
Dingding (Walls)
• The walls are always of light material such as
wood, bamboo rods, or bamboo mats called "
sawali."
• As such, they tend to let some coolness flow

naturally through them during hot times and
keep warmth in during the cold wet season
Dungawan (Windows)
• Bahay kubo are typically built with large

windows, to let in more air and natural light.
The most traditional are large awning windows,
held open by a wooden rod.
• Sliding windows are also common, made either
with plain wood or with wooden Capiz shell
frames which allow some light to enter the
living area even with the windows closed
Batalan
• Modern Bajau stilt houses over the sea in

Basilan
• Some Bahay Kubo, especially those built for
long-term residences, feature a batalan ("wet
area") distinct from other sections of the
house — usually jutting out somewhat from
one of the walls.
Construction materials
• The walls of the living area are made of light

materials. Posts, walls, and floors are typically
made of wood or bamboo and other light
materials. The thatched roof is often made of
nipa, anahaw or some other locally plentiful
plant. Thus, making it easier for the nipa huts
to be moved if needed.
ANCESTRAL HOUSES
IN ILOILO CITY
A proud history and prestigious family traditions mark the 1865
Avanceña House, now called Camiña Balay nga Bato (Stone
House) at Villa Arevalo, Iloilo City
This old house is located in Ortiz Street close to Plaza Libertad. If
you are heading to Jordan, Guimaras Island, this should be your
landmark to the wharf where you will be taking a boat ride to the
island.
This well-preserved old house is located close to many government,
Atrium Mall, Hall of Justice and beside Castle Hotel. This house belongs to
the Villanuevas, specifically, Eusebio Villanueva.
Located along E-Lopez St., Jaro beside Collegio de San Jose. It was in this
house that the Araneta clan gathered during their faily reunion years ago.
The Antillan House was built by Don Emong Montinola.
I consider this as the queen of all old houses in Iloilo. Named after the
daughter of its original owners ( Don Vicente Lopez y Villanueva and
Donya Elena Hofilena y Javelona) in 1928. The structure is patterned
after Tara, the estate house of the novel, ” Gone With the Wind”
This house is
located close to
Jaro Plaza beside
a pet shop store
across RCBC
bank. I got the
name and some
info of this
mansion from
Sir Laurence
Montinola, one
of their direct
descendants
• Owned by Rosario Lopez Javelona and Don Luis Ledesma. I
love this house but it was hard to find a perfect angle since in
its front gate is a bibingka stand ( edit: the bibingka is no
longer there) and there are some flyers of a review center
hanging on its terraces. This mansion is located across Jaro
Plaza
The Locsin House faces the exit of the Jaro Cathedral and
right next to the Vito-Lopez House
Villa Lizares comes next to Nelly Garden when it comes to its grandeur and
present state. Visually awe-inspiring but stories behind it are as haunting as
the word “hunted” that its stories has flown all the way to Negros. Beyond
beautiful, this is one of the best places to visit to visit in Iloilo. Still, Villa Lizares
is one proof of the wealth of Ilonggos
Casa Mariquit’s grandeur is well-preserved & now operates as a
museum often frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Formerly owned by Vice-President Fernando Lopez & his wife
Mariquit Javellana-Lopez, this charming bahay na bato tells the
story of old Ilonggo prestige.
The Yusay-Consing Mansion, popularly known as the Molo
Mansion, is a significant and historic house in Molo, Iloilo facing
the town plaza and the St. Anne Parish Church

The Bahay Kubo and Iloilo Ancestral Houses

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The Bahay Kubo and Iloilo Ancestral Houses

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The Bahay Kubo

• The main living area is designed to let in as

• As such, they tend to let some coolness flow

• Bahay kubo are typically built with large

• Modern Bajau stilt houses over the sea in

• The walls of the living area are made of light

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