Inside Cebu's First Lifestyle Museum: Casa Gorordo
Positioned in the quiet and brooding part of Lopez Jaena St., Casa Gorordo is one of the treasures that Cebu has to preserve and behold. I've been to numerous museums in our city, (all thanks to Gabi-i sa Kabalin Night of Heritage) but I must say that Casa Gorordo is on the second spot of my favorite list - Museo Sugbo being the first.
The museum is just sheer special as it used to serve as a house of one of the most prominent families in Cebu during the Spanish period in the Philippines. Built some time in the middle of the 18th century, the house showcases the Filipino way of living under the rule of the Spaniards. Aside from its historical value, its architecture and interior are some of the best reasons to visit and appreciate the house.
Now owned and run by the Aboitiz Foundation as a lifestyle museum, the place is a great way to relieve the city's glorious past. For a minimal fee, you get to stroll and stay fascinated by its unspoiled beauty. From time to time, the museum hosts history and lifestyle-related events perfect for everyone not just for history and culture buffs. This isn't a post that you'll see on TripAdvisor but come, let's take a look at what's inside the museum captured by my humble lens.
La Azotea
A terraced roof is common to most of the heritage houses that we have in our city. According to our guide, it is necessary for the owner to know ahead who's coming in to visit them. The place is also intended for relaxation. This is where women before spend their time chit-chatting or crocheting.
This isn't something that you'll see in photographs, but when it was midday hot when we visited the house. Back then, to lessen the warmth of the place, large jars pictured above are filled to the brim with water. There are quite a lot of these jars that are still in Casa Gorordo's azotea.
Light material serves as a roof of the azotea in order for natural light to come in and lighten the place. Climbing plants are also all over the roof to serve as an ornament and air freshener.
La Cocina
The kitchen is one of my favorite part of the house. It houses a number of antique kitchenware, some of which are from China.
I love to take these water jars home!
Sala, Cuarto, La Mesa
The chair right before the main sstaircase serves as a waiting area for the guests. Guests were only allowed to go up once they received confirmation from the owners that they will be entertained upstairs.
The Matrimonial Bed at Casa Gorordo
Beauty paraphernalia owned by a spinster who also used to live in the casa.
A prayer book inside the master's bedroom.
Capilla
The Grand Dining Room
One of the best-kept kitchenware in the casa is the tea set from Japan. The intricate design of the set makes it an admirable thing to see, but as you hold the cups towards a strong light source, you'll get to see an engraved image of a Japanese woman at the bottom of the cups.
Library
Having a library in your house during the Spanish period denotes that the residents in a house are well-cultured and well-educated. Such is true to the Gorordo family which has a library room inside their very house. The tour guide told us that the library is where the men used to discuss politics and other matters such as business, while the women occupy the living room or the azotea to chat among other things.
The museum has a café which doesn't only sell palate goods but also music albums from Cebuano musicians - most of which recorded some of my favorite songs. Songs by Cebuano artists are also played throughout the establishment. It also sells popular local delicacies and souvenir items.
The house's windows have windowpane oyster shells commonly known in the Philippines as Capiz Shells. It was favored due to its durability and translucence that enables natural light to pass through the house's interiors.
Even if museums aren't your thing, visiting one is always a good learning opportunity. Casa Gorordo Museum will always be one of the places on my must-visit places in Cebu list. I hope you get to visit the place if you are in the city.
Every stone and wall of Casa Gorordo Museum weaves the magnificence of timeless Cebuano-Filipino history and culture. The centerpiece project of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), isn't only a sight to behold, but also a treasure to keep and to share.
Every stone and wall of Casa Gorordo Museum weaves the magnificence of timeless Cebuano-Filipino history and culture. The centerpiece project of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), isn't only a sight to behold, but also a treasure to keep and to share.
Know more about Casa Gorordo and RAFI by checking its official website. You may also reach them through the following channels below.
Email: culture&heritage@rafi.og.ph
Contact no.: (+63) (32) 411-1700
The museum is available for visits from Tuesdays to Sundays; 9 am to 6 pm.
