Our trip to Bohol was not the of the usual Panglao-hanging, River-cruising variety. And though we made sure we got to see the Chocolate Hills and the adorable Yoda-looking tarsiers, most of the short 48 hours we were there were spent checking out old churches (next album) and ancestral homes.

There are approximately 67 ancestral homes in the historic town of Baclayon alone, dating back to the Spanish period up to the 20th century. In 2002, a province-wide road-widening project threatened to demolish many of these magnificent homes which stand along the national highway. Thanks to BAHANDI (the Baclayon Ancestral Homes Association), a self-help neighborhood organization, these houses that form part of Bohol's (and our nation's) cultural heritage were preserved.

BAHANDI continues their efforts today by organizing various cultural events and advocating the preservation of historical buildings in town. Some of their members have even opened up their ancestral homes to both local and foreign tourists as bed & breakfasts in order to familiarize Boholano culture to outsiders.

Of the 67, we saw about 5 in that short span of time. In order of the photos, they are (and some copied from the descriptions in the calendar I bought because I'm a lazy ass like that):

THE MALON HOUSE - late 19th Century
The largest heritage house in Baclayon, it is the home of the 6th generation of the prominent Malon Family. Its history can be traced back to Dona Ambrocia Ypong de Malon, a wealthy merchant. It was the site of many political meetings with Bohol-born President Carlos Garcia when the then-owner, Juan Malon, was working at the Baclayon Municipal hall. Originally T-shaped, the wing facing the sea was destrpyed by a typhoon in 1968. It is currently a museum, which can be visited upon request, and provides B&B/homestay accommodations.

THE CLARIN HOUSE - mid 19th century
This was the residence of former Bohol governor, Don Aniceto Velez and his son, former senate president, Jose Butalid Clarin. The house is typical of rich Boholanos of the time. Collections of the family dating back to the American period are on display as it has has now been converted to a museum. Nevertheless, the place is in need of repair and a P20 entrance fee/donation is required.

LUZA HOUSE - 1902
Large turn-of-the-century home of wealthy and influential local merchant, Fortunato Luza and his wife, Maria Ginete. Expansive large capiz windows and artistically wrought iron ventanillas lend this house an elegant flair. Currently the home of well-known Boholano artist Lutgardo Labad, it also offers B&B accommodations. - That's the calendar description, although I'm not sure about its current resident. We stopped by here just to buy ube when the charming old lady looking out the upstairs window invited us to come see the house. It was only then that we realized that this was one of the houses featured on the calendar. She also pointed out a portrait of her parents who built this house in the early 1900s. At least that's what I think she said. My memory really sucks.

THE ?? HOUSE
?? din sa description har har har.

THE VILLAMOR HOUSE - late 19th century
This dignified ancestral house was built by Ciriaco Villamor, a trader, and Agrafina (dig the names!) Buhion on the late 19th century. One of their daughters was later married to the founder of the renowned Baclayon Trading Company. This is one of the oldest ancestral houses in Baclayon and one of the very few built in the Geometric style. It is still owned by the Villamor family, who turned it into a B&B.

Let me know if you guys are interested in staying in one of these, I can pass on the contact details for you :-)