Casa de Segunda

Casa de Segunda

     Inspired by Sir Christian l Lakad Pilipinas' blog posts of Historical Houses from his Taal series, we also went on a trip to this house called Casa de Segunda (named after Segunda Solis Katigbak) in Lipa, Batangas. Like Pinto Art Museum, we had to ring a bell to let the homeowners know we're outside. We paid a minimum amount of 20php to tour the place. :p

Strong, sturdy

National Historical Institute Marker

     Casa de Segunda Katigbak was the ancestral house of the reputed first love of our National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The Katigbaks was a prominent family in Batangas, the house is located at 198 Calle Rizal, Lipa City, Batangas. At present, the house was transformed by Didi Dimayuga, a great granddaughter of Katigbak into a museum. The casa was declared by the National Historical Commission as a heritage house for having harbored generations of artists, poets, and persons of learning and distinction. - from WikiPilipinas

Zaguan = silong

Luz - Katigbak Family

     On the first floor, framed photos of the Luz - Katigbak family are displayed as well as a bust of Manuel Luz, photo albums, native fans and a compilation of stories of the family. It felt cold inside the house even if it was really hot and sunny outside.

     This two-storey ancestral house is a typical "bahay na bato", which reminds of the country's past history. On the left side of the house is a dining area with a long wooden table. The door at the end leads to the dirty kitchen.

The Shop Around The Corner

The Shop Around the Corner

     Before going back to Manila, we decided to have snacks at this intriguing shop around the corner even if we just had late lunch. Haha! We've come across this place many times and wondered about it, so now, we got the chance to eat here! Finally! :p

Up the stairs

Welcome! ^_^

     The Shop Around Around the Corner (TSAC) is a simple cafe in Lipa City, literally on the corner of CM Recto and Kap S. Luz streets. The entrance is on a busy street and up the second floor of the building.

Cozy place

     TSAC is not your ordinary cafe. It offers a cozy place to hang out and relax. They have a spacious area with a mix and match of furniture which makes for an interesting lay out. There's also a nook where they sell jewelry and other goodies. Artworks are also displayed on the walls. Simple home decors adorn the cafe.

Casa Roces Malacañan

Casa Roces Malacañan

     From Cupcakes by Sonja, we took the Fort bus to Ayala, rode the MRT to Cubao, transferred to the LRT and went down Legarda station. We then walked to the Malacanang Palace until we reached Gate 3, in front of Casa Roces. Whew!:/

Entrance to Casa Roces

     Casa Roces is literally right across the street of the Malacañang Palace. The restaurant and cafe was only recently renovated from an ancestral house of a family of artists and writers.

Entrance

     Upon entering the property, a serene pond with a unique artful piece in the middle of it greeted us. The door was also an eye catcher! It looked like a castle door with the matching ring for knocking. The door frame was exceptional with the intricate metallic design. A welcoming sight indeed! =)

 Grand centerpiece

     There were two entrance passages to the restaurant. The first one was at the left side for those who brought their cars. Upon entering, they'd see this grand centerpiece of a unique flower arrangement coupled with the beautiful chandelier. There were also framed photos on the walls which gave a homey feel.

The bar

 Scrumptious desserts! ^_^

     For those on foot like us, this is the scene that greeted us. There was a bar type counter, a display for the cakes and pastries and a nook where they sell jewelry, books and other novelty items.